Cherokee story of Creation – A Cherokee Legend.

In the living tradition of the Cherokee, the world began in darkness and cold, vast and endless, stretching out in all directions. Beneath the great stone arch of the sky was a dizzying drop. Gradually, tiny creatures began to awaken, each realizing they were cold, thirsty, and crowded. The first creature, identifying itself as a water beetle, declared, “I smell water,” and leapt from the stone arch. Much later, there was a splash.

The next creature to awaken was a spider, recognizing its ability to spin silk. As each creature awoke, they discovered their unique traits. Soon, a voice rose from far beneath the stone arch—the water beetle spoke, “Underneath the water, there is something soft, yet strong enough to support us, with space for all.” Another creature suggested, “Throw down some rope so we might retrieve it.” The spider began crafting strong ropes, which were then lowered to the water beetle.

The water beetle swam beneath the waters, fastening the ropes to the four corners of a great slab of mud resting below. Emerging from the water, the beetle explained its actions to those on the arch. Together, they pulled the ropes, raising the slab of mud to the surface. All the creatures scrambled down the ropes to this new place, which provided ample space for everyone. Upon arrival, they drank their fill. Some creatures, realizing they were fish, swam away. Others took flight, while those understanding they were frogs happily sank into the mud. This land hangs there to this very day, until the time comes when the ropes will break, and the land will once again sink beneath the waters.

This retelling honors the Cherokee tradition and belongs to its people.

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