The Eagle's Gift
Grade 1-6?In this Eskimo myth that explains the origin of community celebration, a boy is transported by an Eagle-man to a mountain top where frail Eagle Mother charges Marten with completing  four tasks in order to learn the meaning of joy and teach it to his people. He must build a feast hall where people can learn the joy of community, learn to dance, and learn to sing and, finally, learn to tell stories. As Marten completes each task, Eagle Mother grows stronger until she is restored. Marten's quest completed, she commands him to return to his people. Through him, they learn the joy of friendship, singing, dancing, and storytelling. When the first celebration ends, the guests are transformed into Arctic animals to spread joy throughout the world. The tale is solemnized by the simple but elegant language of a polished storyteller. The formal style lets readers know instantly that they are in mythic territory. An author's note attributes the tale to the recognized authority Knud Rasmussen. Kiuchi's neo-impressionist paintings range from the cold sweep of an Arctic landscape to the earthy interior of a feast hall filled with the moving shadows of dancers, singers, and drummers. This ancient myth has origins in a harsh world where life is endless toil; it also has relevance to modern culture where striving and lack of community make the gift of joy elusive. Storytellers and readers looking for stories with inspirational currency will wish to purchase this eloquent retelling.?Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Greenwich, CTCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.