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| Why Owls Eat Rodents Once upon a time there was a man named Kawasiw who had a wife named Peyeses. Kawasiw was very sad because his wife had not provided him with any sons. In his grief, Kawasiw prayed to the Great Spirit Manito, begging for a son. One night when he was praying the birds became quiet and a light shone down on him. Suddenly he heard a loud noise: "I am the Great Spirit Manito, why do you call on me?" "Great Sprit", he said, "I desire sons to help me when I become old". "Not all people are to have sons and daughters" said the Great Spirit, "but I have watched you since you were a child and you are a good man. Because of this I will give you sons. You must promise to remain a hard worker and not take of the white man's liquor or his blood thirsty lusts. If you do, your sons will become my servants". The years went by and Peyeses gave birth to three sons. As their sons grew strong Kawasiw forgot his promise to the Great Spirit Manito. His sons were hard workers that left Kawasiw with too much free time. He began to neglect his family spending his time drinking and gambling. On day he came home to find his fields destroyed by rodents. He prayed to the Great Spirit "why have you done this?" Manito replied, "You have forgotten your promise". Kawasiw pleaded with the Great Spirit not to take his crops or his sons. Manito told him to bring his sons to him. Manito told Kawasiw he was going to take his son but save his crops. The three sons were turned into owls. And that is why there are owls and their food is live rodents. Bibliograpy (Why Owls Eat Rodents is a summary of the original source) Anderson, Anne, Legends of Long Ago, 1982, Cree Productions Inc.,The Owls, story 9. |