Bears Lodge – A Kiowa Legend.

One day, a traveling group of the Kiowa people camped by a stream while crossing the expansive prairie. Nearby, many of the Bear People resided and caught the scent of the Kiowa. Driven by hunger, some bear warriors set out to hunt. Meanwhile, seven young girls from the Kiowa camp ventured far from their campsite, gathering berries along the stream. Suddenly, the bears emerged and growled, ready to attack. The girls ran across the open prairie until they reached a large gray rock, which they climbed in desperation. The bears began to climb after them, prompting the girls to sing a prayer to the rock, pleading for protection. Never before had the rock been honored, and it decided to aid them. The rock, dormant for centuries, began to rise toward the sky, lifting the girls higher and higher.

The bear warriors sang to their bear deities, causing the bears to grow taller as the rock ascended. Despite their efforts, the bears could not climb the increasingly steep rock. Their massive claws only managed to scar the rock’s surface into numerous strips, with pieces falling to the ground. Eventually, the bears abandoned their pursuit and returned to their homes, slowly shrinking back to their original size. Observing the bears from a distance, the Kiowa people, fearing for their safety, hastily broke camp. As they fled, they glanced back at the towering rock formation, believing it to be the lodge of these mighty bears, which some still call “Tso’ Ai'” or “Bears’ Lodge.”

High atop the rock, the Kiowa girls felt fear, watching as their people departed, assuming the girls had fallen victim to the bears. The girls then sang once more, this time to the stars. Delighted by their song, the stars descended and took the seven girls into the sky, transforming them into the Seven Sisters. Each night, they pass over Bears’ Lodge, smiling in gratitude to the rock spirit for its protection.

This retelling respects the Kiowa cultural tradition, and the story belongs to its people.

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