The Otter

Note: This article has been excerpted from a larger work in the public domain and shared here due to its historical value. It may contain outdated ideas and language that do not reflect TOTA’s opinions and beliefs.

The Otter

I lived at home, but tidings reached me of the death of a man who was drowned at sea. In order to hear the news, I went to the door; but I forgot my sword, and went back, and then to the door again; but then I had forgotten the scabbard, and returned once more; then I forgot the hilt, so I went back again; then I forgot the belt on which the sword was to hang, and a fourth time had to return.

At last I went out into the yard. The bringer of the news had gone; so I went off to the forest, on his trail. Where the river bends I waded through the water. As I walked by the side of the river, crossing the stream from one bank to the other whenever I arrived at a bend, "Muke tantaise, muke tsahtse tsahtse." I saw the devil-bird sitting on a tree. He was terribly angry. "Kanitsin, kanitsin, kanitsin, halloo, little sea-otter, kanitsin, kanitsin! I want to catch Self-brought-up-Man's soul, kanitsin, kanitsin! but I cannot." That is what he said.

Dissatisfied, I went away, "muke tantaise, muke tsahtse tsahtse," walking along the river, and came to a place where two streams part. Between the two river-beds there was a huge maple-tree, with branches stretching to the east. Among these branches the evil spirits had built their house. In that house there was a big case. I prayed, and brought on a flood. The maple-tree was uprooted, and the evil spirits were carried away by the water. I took the case, carried it to the house of Self-brought-up-Man, and gave it to him. He thanked me, and gave me the "inau," and I became a new being (kamui). I am living happily, and am now the guardian of Self-brought-up-Man.

Bibliography

1. Bronislas Pilsudski, "Ainu Folk-Lore," The Journal of American Folklore 25, no. 95 (1912): doi:10.2307/534469.

Bronislas Pilsudski

World Mythology

A collection of myths, legends, and other stories that teach us something about the world. Note that myths are often tied into the history and religion of the people who tell them, and they should always be treated and read with respect!

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