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An Ojibwa Legend told to Henry R. Schoolcraft
How Indian Corn Came into the World
Long, long ago, in a beautiful part of this country, there lived an Indian with his wife and children.
He was poor and found it hard to provide food enough for his family. But though needy he was kind and contented and always gave thanks to the Great Spirit for everything that he received. His eldest son, Wunzh, was likewise kind and gentle and thankful of heart, and he longed greatly to do something for his people.
The time came that Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see in a vision the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.
Wunzh’s father built him a little lodge apart, so that the boy might rest there undisturbed during his days of fasting. Then Wunzh withdrew to begin the solemn rite.
On the first day he walked alone in the woods looking at the flowers and plants and filling his mind with the beautiful images of growing things so that he might see them in his night-dreams. He saw how the flowers and herbs and berries grew. He knew that some were good for food and that others healed wounds and cured sickness. And his heart was filled with even a greater longing to do something for his family and his tribe.
“Truly,” thought he, “the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. But could He not make it easier for us to get our food than by hunting and catching fish? I must try to find this out in my vision.”
So Wunzh returned to his lodge and fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw in a vision a young brave coming down from the sky
The Yellow Feather Literature Third Course