The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE LEGEND OF HOW THE SOO INDIANS GOT THE SACRED PIPE.

TWO YOUNG MEN WERE OUT CAMPING AND HUNTING ON THE PRAIRIE
WHEN A WOMAN CAME UPON THEM. ONE OF THE YOUNG MEN LOOKED
ON THE WOMAN WITH LUST AND THE OTHER LOOKED ON HER WITH AWE.
THE WOMAN SAID TO THE MAN LOOKING ON HER WITH LUST, "DO WHAT
YOU WANT,"AND WHEN HE MOVED TOWARDS HER HE TURNED INTO A
PILE OF WORMS. THE WOMAN THEN LOOKED AT THE OTHER MAN AND
INSTRUCTED HIM TO GO TELL THE PEOPLE THAT SHE BRINGS WHAT
THEY NEED TO LIVE. SOON AFTER THE PEOPLE HAD HEARD THE
NEWS FROM THE YOUNG MAN THE WOMAN CAME BEARING THE GRAND-
MOTHER PIPE. SHE GAVE IT TO THEM AND TAUGHT THEM HOW TO
USE IT IN THE HOLY WAY. AFTER WHEN SHE WAS THROUGH EXPLAINING
HOW TO USE THE PIPE IN THE HOLY WAY SHE LEFT BY TURNING
HERSELF INTO A WHITE BUFFALO CALF AND RUNNING OFF.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT