Caitlin Cornell #4
2-5-13
How Fire was Created
Once long ago, in the North Pole, there lived an Eskimo tribe. They were living with
many animals that were able to communicate and help the Eskimos. Their leader, a great
snowy owl, was becoming very worried even though they were living in peace. The Eskimo
people, who they depended on so much, were beginning to die of the cold. It was taking a huge
toll on both the animals and the people. Owl asked his friend, penguin what to do. Penguin
quickly told him, “You have to tell the chief! He will know what to do!” So, the next morning he
decided to go to the Eskimo village.
When he finally arrived, he received a warm welcome. “Owl! My old friend! “Said the
chief with a hearty laugh. Though when he saw the serious expression on Owls face, all of his
joy faded. “What’s wrong?” asked the Chief. ”Your people are dying!” said owl. An idea
suddenly hit the chief like a smack in the face.” who is your strongest, fastest, most loyal
hunter?” he asked. After a moment of thought, Owl answered,” wolf”. “Then bring him to me
and tomorrow he will run up the mountain.” The Chief gravely responded.
Wolf was elated that he got to help save his people. And, when the last of the villagers
had said their goodbyes, he was off like a rocket! He tirelessly raced through the snow for days
on end until he finally reached the last of the forest. For a moment, he was filled with joy. But
then, he noticed the huge polar bear sleeping in its den only a few feet away! Wolf then
decided to take the most logical path of action, which was to RUN! He gracefully leaped past
the den and ran on with renewed strength from fear of being eaten. Then, wolf spotted a
pinprick on the horizon. Could it be? It was! It was the great mountain! Wolf howled with joy.
Then he once again set off to find the great mountain. It was days before he got there, but
when he did all of his hard work seemed to finally pay off. He once again howled with delight!
He was finally here!
All of a sudden, the mountain started to move! Out of the mountain came an old,
granite, form. “You have traveled long and hard to help your people. I will welcome you as an
old friend,” and that was the last thing he remembered before he blacked out. Wolf awoke with
a start. “Where am I?” he cried. “You are safe.” Replied a deep voice, and that’s when it all
came back to him. “I presume you have a problem to discuss with me.” The old granite man
said, “And by the way, yes I am the mountain spirit you seek.”
Wolf, exhausted as he was, answered, “Yes. The people that you helped create are dying
from the cold of the winter. They looked very thoughtful, and then he replied, “I will help them.
I will bring them fire! “Fire? What is this?” asked Wolf. “It provides light and heat, but, they
must not touch it! It will burn them!” said the Mountain Spirit. “And, before you thank me, you
shall have to pass a test. If you fail, you will not get the fire, if you pass you get the fire along
with a free pass home,” the mountain spirit said. “It is your choice.”
Wolf said, “I will take your test, but, what exactly is it?
“Your test is that you shall have to solve this riddle. Are you ready?”
“Yes.” Said Wolf.
“I am fires enemy, I fall from the sky, I am down with anemone, so, who am I?” said the
Mountain Spirit.
“Falling from the sky? Fires enemy? Who does that?” Then he remembered, last night,
the Mountain Spirit had doused his fire with water!
“Water!” Wolf immediately answered; “water” said the Mountain Spirit, “is correct!”
That night, the Mountain Spirit treated Wolf to a huge feast.” You did good young Wolf.” Said
the Mountain Spirit.” Thank you” said Wolf.
After the feast it was time to go back to the village. When he got back, much praise was
given, and Wolf then went back to his ordinary life. Except that instead of going to sleep in the
cold, he dozed off by the fire.