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