The Enchanting Tale of First Fire: A Cherokee Folktale

Once upon a time, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, when the world was new and the animals roamed freely, there lived a young Cherokee boy named Awi Usdi. His name meant "Deer Boy," for he was known for his extraordinary agility and swift movements, just like a deer.

Awi Usdi was curious by nature, always seeking knowledge from the wise elders of his tribe. One day, he approached his grandfather, who was renowned for his wisdom and storytelling abilities.

"Grandfather," Awi Usdi said with fascination gleaming in his eyes, "tell me the story of the first fire."

First Fire: A Cherokee Folktale

by Nancy Kelly Allen(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5792 KB
Print length	:	32 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The old man smiled, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. He began, "Long, long ago, before the sun set its fiery presence in the sky, the world was engulfed in darkness. The animals and humans huddled together, struggling to find warmth and light. The absence of fire brought darkness, fear, and uncertainty."

"But one day," continued the grandfather, "the Great Spirit called upon the animals of the forest and the people of the Cherokee tribe to gather near the sacred fire pit. As the animals and humans sat in a circle, awaiting the Great Spirit's message, a small, silver spider descended upon a thin thread of silk from the heavens above."

Awi Usdi's eyes widened with wonder, eager to hear more. "And what did the spider do, Grandfather?"

"The spider approached the Great Spirit and humbly pleaded, 'Oh, Great Spirit, the world below is shrouded in darkness. We seek light and warmth to banish our fears and guide our path. Please, grant us the gift of fire.'

The Great Spirit, moved by the spider's sincere request, summoned a gentle breeze, gently blowing on the ember within the sacred fire pit. As the ember sparked and glowed, the Great Spirit plucked it from the fire and handed it to the spider, instructing her to bring the gift of fire to the animals and the Cherokee tribe," explained the old man.

With excitement, Awi Usdi asked, "What did the spider do, Grandfather? How did she carry the fire?"

His grandfather chuckled before answering, "Ah, the spider was clever and resourceful. She spun a fragile web around the glowing ember, creating a protective basket. Carrying the ember within her web, the spider descended back to the earth, carefully releasing the fire among the animals and humans."

"As the ember fell from the spider's web, it burst into flames, illuminating the darkness and bringing warmth to the hearts of all," said the grandfather. "From that day forward, the Cherokee people had fire to cook their meals, keep them warm, and provide light in the darkness. Fire became a symbol of hope, unity, and knowledge."

Awi Usdi listened intently, his heart filled with awe and gratitude for the spider who had brought fire to their people. From that day forward, he vowed to cherish the gift of fire and honor the spider's courageous act.

And so, the story of First Fire spread through generations, becoming a treasured part of Cherokee folklore. It reminds the people of the significance of unity, cooperation, and the power of one small act to bring light to the darkest of times.

Even today, as the sun sets behind the Great Smoky Mountains, casting a mesmerizing glow over the land, the flame of First Fire continues to burn brightly in the hearts of the Cherokee people, serving as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the enduring legacy of their ancestors.

First Fire: A Cherokee Folktale

by Nancy Kelly Allen(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5792 KB
Print length	:	32 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Why are ravens black? Why do screech owl eyes look red in light? How did we get fire? You’ll find the answers to those questions in this retelling of a Cherokee pourquoi folktale. The earth was cold and dark but the animals could see fire coming from the tree on the island. They tried to fly or swim to the island to bring back the fire heat and light. What happened to some of the animals? Which animal brought it back and how?