When The World Was Still Young
When the world was still young, the water monster Unktehi waged war against the inhabitants of the land, unleashing a devastating flood. Legend holds that the Great Spirit, Wakan Tanka, was upset with the people and sought to start over, creating a gentler nation, but in the midst of the destruction, a fair maiden fought to reach the summit of the highest hill. Just as the water reached her feet, Wanbli Gleska (Spotted Eagle), swooped from the skies and carried her to his home, high above the floodwaters at a place called Mato Tipila (also known as Devil’s Tower in Wyoming.)
As she sat upon the hilltop, the girl stared into the distance with a broken heart, her chest heaving with deep sighs of sorrow. She wept for her lost family, and for the fact that she was the only survivor left in the land. Wanbli, sensing her despair, approached her and spoke, “I know you are sad. I see that you have lost your family.” She looked up at him with tears in her eyes and replied, “Yes, but I have not only lost my family, I am also the last living two-legged in the land.”
With a heavy heart, she told Wanbli that she was ready to die and join her people in the sacred fire. But Wanbli would not let her give up hope. He gathered dry wood for her to build a fire, and brought her the stones she needed to light it. He then flew into the sky, using his keen eyesight to find her food and water. As her strength returned, the two of them grew close and shared many stories together.
One day, Wanbli offered to fly her around the world, to show her the extent of the flood’s destruction. She eagerly agreed, and as they soared through the skies, her spirits lifted and she felt a sense of joy and wonder like never before. When they returned, she thanked Wanbli endlessly.
Wanbli knew that he could not let her live out the rest of her days alone, so he journeyed to his favorite place and spoke to the Great Spirit, Wakan Tanka. “Grandfather, she is the only one left of the two-legged. I know that when her time comes, we will all die. We all need each other. It is the sacred circle of life; we cannot live without the two-legged. Mitakuye Oyasin (we are all related).”
Wakan Tanka spoke to Wanbli, “If you do this for you, know that it cannot be undone. I want you to take time to consider the cost.” Wanbli nodded in agreement. He then took flight and did not return for a few weeks. He wanted to capture the joy felt as he rode the thermal currents high above the clouds. He soared and flew and swooped and dove, savoring every moment knowing that he was never going to experience this again.
After a couple of months, the girl started to get worried that she would never see her friend again. She never realized that he had protected her from immense loneliness, until now. She wondered what she did to possibly offend her friend. She started to cry. Then a familiar voice spoke up from behind her, “Why are you crying? I have returned to you.” Her heart leaped with joy! He was back! She turned to face him and instead she saw a tall two-legged man. She slowly backed away, confusion giving into fear.
He stared at her and spoke again, “I could not let you be alone.” She froze in place and looked deeply into his dark brown eyes. It was Wanbli! Overjoyed and overcome with emotion, she ran into his arms. Wanbli took her as his wife, and together they had twins, a boy, and a girl. And as the waters receded, they worked to rebuild the world, creating a new nation, one that was kinder and more compassionate than before.
