In the Time That Was

Downloads: Under 100
Pages: 53

Read PDF online Download Save

About this book

Campfire talk and days on Alaskan trails provide the setting for these Chilkat legends retold in English by James Frederic Thorne. The narrator first meets Zachook when the older man rescues him from a bear trap. Their shared travel by canoe, snowshoes and dog team develops into a friendship in which an incident on the trail can prompt a tale or a proverb.

At the centre of Zachook's stories stands Yaeethl, the Raven, a powerful and cunning figure whose exploits mingle help with mischief. The first legend follows his attempt to obtain the hidden sun, moon and stars for the Earth Mother. Another begins with a drink from a stream and a dispute about gratitude. Dialogue between the two travellers gives the collection a conversational rhythm, while the legends offer accounts of the origins of light and water.