The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Long ago before things were civilized there was an Indian tribe.
This tribe hunted bull, the most prominent food supply. When the
Indians came to hunt, the bulls would jump over a cliff and fall to
their death, making the hunters' hunting very easy. One day the
hunters went to hunt, and all the bulls began to jump, except one.
The head hunter spoke to the bull, "Why are you not jumping? Do you
wish to be killed at our hand?" The fierce bull replied, "I am
strong and brave and searching for a mate. If I jump and make it to
the other side I wish to have your most beautiful daughter." The
head hunter agreed. The bull jumped and made it to the other side,
much displeasing the head hunter. The head hunter said, "You are not
to have any of my daughters, certainly not my most possessed. When
the hunt was over the hunters returned to their group. The following
morning the head hunter summoned his daughters. The most beautiful
of the group were missing. The Head hunter was so upset he called a
group of warriors to search out the mighty bull. In the same place
as before the mighty bull sat watching over his followers. When the
bull saw the head hunter and his warriors approaching he commanded
his followers to trample the unwanted to death, and that they did.
The most beautiful daughter awoke from her afternoon nap just in time
to see what was happening. She went over to where her father once
stood; now there was nothing but dust. She began to weep and her
father began to take form once more. The head hunter was so amazed
he asked the bull, "Why was I brought back? How did this happen?"
The mighty bull replied, "The power of love tends to be much greater
than the forces of this world and others. Your daughter loves you
and her tears brought you back."

Submitter comment: I heard this story last year in a religion class. I don't recall
the teacher or much of what she taught. But she had wonderful
stories. This is not exactly as it was told but how I remember it.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00-00-1991