The Legend of the Great Flood

In the ancient annals of Native American Short stories and folklore, there exists a tale that echoes across generations—a story of cataclysmic proportions and the resilience of the human spirit. It is the Legend of the Great Flood, a narrative that speaks of devastation, rebirth, and the enduring power of hope.

Long ago, in a time when humanity lived in harmony with the natural world, the Earth was filled with corruption and imbalance. The Great Spirit, witnessing the transgressions of humanity, resolved to cleanse the land and restore harmony. And so, the rains began to fall, slowly at first, but soon transforming into an unrelenting deluge.

As the waters rose, engulfing the plains and mountains, the people sought higher ground, searching for refuge from the encroaching flood. Some climbed to the highest peaks, while others sought sanctuary in makeshift rafts, hoping to survive the impending catastrophe. Amidst the chaos and despair, legends tell of a few who were chosen by the Great Spirit for their unwavering faith and virtue.

Days turned into weeks, and the rains continued to pour, washing away the remnants of the old world. It seemed as if all hope was lost, as vast stretches of land disappeared beneath the raging waters. But amidst the devastation, stories emerged of a great vessel, guided by divine hands, navigating the treacherous currents and carrying a remnant of life.

Within this vessel, often described as an ark, animals of all species found refuge alongside the chosen few. Each creature, from the smallest insect to the mightiest predator, sought shelter from the relentless floodwaters. Together, they represented the diverse tapestry of life, brought together by a shared will to endure and the promise of a new beginning.

Days turned into weeks, and as the floodwaters receded, a transformed world emerged—a land rejuvenated and cleansed. The chosen few, grateful for their survival, emerged from their sanctuary and witnessed the awe-inspiring beauty of a renewed Earth. They understood that the flood had served as a catalyst for change, sweeping away the old and allowing for a fresh start.

The Legend of the Great Flood holds deep spiritual significance in Native American cultures. It is a testament to the power of purification and the cyclical nature of existence. The flood serves as a metaphorical rebirth, a reminder that even in the face of great adversity, hope and resilience can prevail.

Today, the legend of the Great Flood remains embedded in the tapestry of Native American heritage, passed down through oral traditions and celebrated in ceremonies. It serves as a reminder to cherish the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world, to honor the lessons learned from past transgressions, and to strive for harmony and stewardship of the Earth.

“That hand is not the color of yours, but if I prick it, the blood will flow, and I shall feel pain. The blood is of the same color as yours. God made me, 

and I am a Man.” – Standing Bear

Standing Bear (1829-1908) was the leader of a small group of Poncha people. In 1876, the US government told them to move to Indian Territory in Oklahoma, but the Ponca decided to go back to their traditional land instead. When they arrived, federal troops forced them to leave. The trip was brutal, costing many their lives, including Standing Bear’s wife and daughter. After arriving in Oklahoma, Standing Bear’s son died. They turned back, wanting to bury the body on their land, but the US government caught up and detained them. In court, the government argued that Standing Bear was “neither a citizen, nor a person,” which meant he couldn’t sue. Standing Bear’s lawyers argued the opposite, and when given a chance to speak, Standing Bear spoke the quote above. The judge sided with Standing Bear, allowing him to bury his son and ruling that Native Americans were people under habeas corpus, which is the right to report unlawful detention.