The Great Flood

It was terrible to look upon. Brother fought brothers. Sisters stole from sisters. People did not respect the earth or the gifts it gave. The Creator decided it was time to clean and washed a great flood across the earth.

Many creatures and people drowned instantly. A few strong animals were able to swim or fly during the flood, but most were lost. The swimming animals found a resting spot on a great log and they shared it equally. Eventually a man was able to pull himself onto the log as well. This man’s name was Waynaboozhoo. The log soon became overcrowded and started to float below the water level. The man and animals all agreed that they would have to share and take turns. Each creature left the log and paddled in the water or flew in the air until his turn came to rest upon it again. In this way, the animals and man were able to survive in the endless waters.

Finally, Waynaboozhoo came up with the idea of diving down and grabbing some earth to start a new land. He gave up his spot on the log and breathed deeply, then kicked up and dove out of sight. The animals watched and waited a fearfully long time. When they were sick with worry, he came speeding back to the surface, blowing bubbles and gasping for air. “It’s too deep,” he said sadly. “I was unable to reach the earth.”

The loon thought the idea had been a good one. “I will try next,” he offered. And he gave up his resting place on the log to the tired man and dove deep beneath the water’s surface. Again the creatures waited. The loon was able to stay under much longer than the man had, but he too returned unsuccessful. “I’m not sure there even is a bottom,” despaired the loon.

The mink, the otter, the beaver and the turtle all took their turns as well, but no one was able to reach the bottom to bring up a handful of mud. The muskrat spoke up next. “I will try,” he offered.

Some of the animals scoffed and jeered the muskrat, even though they were still short of breath from their dives. “You are too small and too weak,” said the beaver. “It will be a waste of time.”

The man Waynaboozhoo spoke next. “I don’t think we should stop anyone from trying to succeed at anything and I don’t think we can judge anyone without proof,” he said. “If Muskrat wants a try, we should allow it.”

Muskrat looked at the man gratefully and then stared down into the deep waters. The other animals remained silent as he thought and planned his dive. Finally, he turned quickly and disappeared beneath the blue. On the log, the animals settled in to wait. None of them believed he would make it and all were trying to think of a new plan. Eventually, the loon pointed out that Muskrat had been gone an impossibly long time and was probably drowned. Just then the tiny body of Muskrat floated to the surface with a small ball of muddy earth clutched in its paw.

“He gave his life so that we could have earth,” said the man Waynaboozhoo. The animals stood or paddled solemnly in gratitude and respect for a very long time. Then Turtle offered his back as a place for the new earth to begin. Waynaboozhoo placed the tiny amount of earth on Turtle’s back. The small clump grew and grew until it was a large island in the middle of the water and could support all the creatures who wanted to be on land. Muskrats from then on remembered their noble ancestor by making their homes from small balls of muddy earth and wise men and animals have always tried to remember his sacrifice and courage in their own walks through life.