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 |  | Monday November 23, 2009 3:13 AM |
 | | Native American Myths and Legends | |
the historical legend of Spokane
Many, many years ago the Spokane area was a large lake which
took several days to cross. There were great villages around the
lake and also on the various islands. The woods abounded in game
and the water was full of fish. There was plenty for all.
One bright morning tragedy struck. The earth started rumbling and
shaking. The startled Indians fled before the waters as huge
waves pitched into the air, overturning boats and engulfing
villages. The game suffocated as they tried to escape to higher
ground. Many died of starvation and thirst. Mount Spokane, the
Little Mountain that grew big overnight, gathered some to her
care. Then the earth sucked the whole lake into the "Below
World." The lake was gone.
When the sun shone again, the few people that remained alive came down from the "Little Sun
Mountain," and followed a tiny trickle of water to what is now Spokane.
The earth reeked with the smell of dead fish and game.
Too weak to flee, and not knowing where to go, the Indians eked
out a meager existence until spring. When spring came the
mountains looked kindly upon the suffering people. The winter
snows melted and soon a roaring river cut its way over the
rocks, bringing new life to the country. The river made a falls
and the spray of the waters held a rainbow. The people said,
"This will be our home. " Ever since that time, there has been a
rainbow in the spray of the rushing water. Some say, "It is a
promise of blessing as long as we are a blessing to others
... in the Friendly City, Spokane.
(Inland Northwest - Spokane)
As told by Luther Essick.
from Children of the Sun - A History of the Spokane Indians
by David C. Wynecoop, Wellpinit, Washington © 1969
Last Updated
December 23, 2004
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