How the Ducks Got Their Fine Feathers

Gabcast! Mythology #2

Citation:

Willms, Craig. "Pretty Duck." 4 February 2008. Photograph. The Static Noise Journal. 14 November 2008. <http://www.protohuman.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html>

Sparks from War Eagle’s Lodge-Summary

This myth is a Native American myth from the Blackfeet Tribe. Like most myths, it explains something of the natural world which happens to be how ducks got their fine and beautiful feather. It started with all the Duck-people looking generally the same with a dull gray coat. One day the Duck-people were swimming in the lake with Old-man watching. Meanwhile, the Duck-people kept to their business but minded Old-man because he was said to be a crazy man and would want to hurt the Duck-people. As soon as Old-man started gathering the thick moss on the shore the Duck-people became quickly suspicious. Old-man constructed a lodge using the moss and poles and invited the Duck-people to come watch his dance even though they were very unsure of Old-man. However, as he started singing in Duck-talk the Duck-people became less suspicious and eventually went into Old-man's lodge. Old-man said they must be painted to see his dance and painted each duck how they explained. In other words, the Duck-people were able to pick their appearance and how they wanted it to be. The Duck-people were told not to open their eyes during the dance and if they did they would have red-eyes forever or it would hurt to open them. The loon caused a commotion and all the Duck-people opened their eyes and fled, for this reason loon looks crippled when he tries to stand as well as why all ducks have their feathers.

Citation:

Linderman, Frank B. "Blackfeet-How the Ducks Got Their Fine Feathers". Indigenous Peoples Literature. 2002. 11 November 2008.