The Foster-Child of the Deer

Name: The Foster-Child of the Deer
Author: Frank Hamilton Cushing

In a time long past, a beautiful maiden, devoted to sacred duties by her priest father, secretly falls in love with the Sun. Their union results in the birth of a son, whom she, fearing the consequences of her actions, abandons near a stream. A Deer discovers the infant and, enchanted, adopts him as her own, raising him alongside her fawns. The child grows rapidly, becoming stronger and swifter than his deer siblings, eventually leading the herd. One day, a hunter from the maiden's family spots the remarkable youth among the Deer, prompting a council to organize a hunt to capture him. The Deer mother reveals the boy's origins to him, and he decides to remain loyal to her. The Deer take him to the Land of the Souls of Men, where gods grant him knowledge of human speech and provide him with fine garments. They instruct him to lead the hunters away from the herd, sacrificing some Deer to protect him. As the hunt begins, the youth, now adorned in his new attire, leads the hunters on a chase, ultimately confronting his uncle. He reveals his identity, and the uncle, recognizing the truth, brings him back to his mother, who had mourned his loss. The youth, now wise in the ways of both Deer and humans, becomes a successful hunter, providing for his people and marrying a beautiful maiden. However, envious sorcerers plot against him, transforming him into a Coyote. Struggling in this new form, he seeks help from a Badger couple, who recognize him and restore him to his original state through a series of rituals. Reunited with his people, he continues to thrive, teaching his children the ways of the Deer, ensuring the legacy of understanding between humans and nature endures.

By Frank Hamilton Cushing · First published 1883 · Genre: Mythology, Fantasy, Adventure · 5,500 words

First lines

Once, long, long ago, at Háwikuh, there lived a maiden most beautiful. In her earlier years her father, who was a great priest, had devoted her to sacred things, and therefore he kept her always in the house secure from the gaze of all men, and thus she grew.

What this Textopian page supports

The Foster-Child of the Deer is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frank Hamilton Cushing, dated 1883 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Frank Hamilton Cushing
Date: 1883 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mythology, Fantasy, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Fable
Length: 5,500 words
Structure: 1 section, 60 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Mythology — The narrative is steeped in mythological elements, featuring gods, sacred beings, and the transformation of a human into a deer, reflecting cultural beliefs and origins.
Fantasy — The story includes fantastical elements such as talking animals, divine interventions, and magical transformations, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
Adventure — The protagonist's journey involves exploration, encounters with various beings, and a quest for identity, aligning with adventure themes.
Coming-of-Age — The narrative follows the growth and self-discovery of the foster-child as he learns about his origins and responsibilities.