The Earthmaker was lonely as he remained in a state of perpetual darkness and loneliness. As he wandered around the darkness, he wondered to himself what he could do to make his surrounds more pleasant. Thus, the Earthmaker set forth to create the world as we know it. He first decided to create the fertile soil so that whoever he may put on this new world could grow nutritious crops to feed themselves. From his neck, he took off some dust and used it to sprinkle the ground of the new world. As the dust gently touched the ground, soil grew rapidly in all directions. With the soil placed down, the Earthmaker decided to bring light to this world. He grabbed the newly ground nd meticoulsy formed a ball of soil. With a fling of his arm, he through the ball into the sky where it soon began to radiate its bright rays. Immediately, the ground responded to the sudden warmth, as if it could sense the beginning of a new friendship. Nevertheless, the Earthmaker knew his work was for from done. He knew that the inhabitants of this world would need a nourishing resource that would be the center of their community. Taking the tear from his eye, he laid down the path of the river, currently known today as the Salt River. Here, all the people of the new world would come and take its water to grow and build. The Earthmaker quickly began to create all elements of the world. Soon the moon, the oxygen, the trees, and the mountains were all shaped and placed down on to the Earthmaker's canvas. Despite, all of these intricate and monumental creations, he still lacked the crucial element to his world: Life. Plucking a strand of hair from his head, the Earthmaker began to create to the shape of a man and woman. He made the man strong, powerful, but also compassionate while the woman was determined, caring, and bold. Satisfied with his work, the Earthmaker departed from this new world so that he could watch over the Pima tribe.
Bibliography: Myths and Legends of California and the Old Southwest by Katharine Berry Judson (1912).
Author's Note: I did not deviate too much from the original story other than changing the name of the god to Earthmaker from Earth Doctor. This was because I found some information that indicated he supremes god in the Pima culture was called Earthmaker. Additionally, I included the story of the creation of man and women to add on to the original story. The Salt River was included as it is an important resource to the Pima people.
Wikimedia: The Salt river, home of the Pima tribe
Neal, I think this is a great story as many creation stories are. The way the Earthmaker created earth was very interesting as he took from him/herself to make the world as we know it. It was cool how the salt from the Earthmaker's eyes made the Salt River of the Pima tribe. I think it would be great to add some more detail to this. Creation needs as much detail as it can get! I was also curious about the Pima tribe. This tribe is not mentioned until the very end of the story. I think if it were integrated into the story more it would give more perspective to the reader.
ReplyDeleteHey Neal,
ReplyDeleteI love your retelling of the creation of the world. "...as if it could sense the beginning of a new friendship," is a beautiful description of the ground's relationship to the sun. You might reread or have someone else take a look at your story because there are a couple of typos: "through the ball", "for from done", "ground nd meticoulsy formed"
Good luck this semester!
- Cate
I like how all your changes were backed with so much research! It shows how much you care. These stories are so old, we should devote our time to learning them, and I am really glad you have. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteNeal,
ReplyDeleteAwesome job with this story! I love that you took a strong base story and made it even stronger. I like that you added your own creation in there as well to really give it some personality! That was a great photo as well, and really added some special depth to your story. You are a great writer, and that is apparent in this story. Great job!