The Prairie-Dogs and their Priest, the Burrowing

Name: The Prairie-Dogs and their Priest, the Burrowing-Owl
Author: Frank Hamilton Cushing

In a distant land inhabited by Prairie-dogs, a village thrives until relentless rain floods their fields of favorite food, the wild portulaca. As the Prairie-dogs grow hungry and weak, the elders convene a council to address their plight. They decide to seek help from the Burrowing-owl, their revered elder and priest, who resides atop a nearby mountain. The messenger Prairie-dog climbs to the Burrowing-owl's home and explains the dire situation. The Burrowing-owl agrees to help, promising to fast and meditate for four days. He begins by preparing a meal of beans and seeks out a Tip-beetle, whom he feeds generously. After the beetle overeats, the Burrowing-owl suggests a method to relieve the beetle of his discomfort while also utilizing his unique abilities. On the fourth day, with the rain still pouring, the Burrowing-owl takes the beetle's wind-filled pouch outside. He strikes the pouch, releasing the potent odor of the beetle, which is so overwhelming that it drives away the rain clouds. With each strike, the sky clears, and the Prairie-dogs emerge from their burrows, rejoicing and praising the Burrowing-owl for his successful intervention. The story concludes with the enduring friendship between the Prairie-dogs and Burrowing-owls, highlighting the owl's role as a protector and the significance of their symbiotic relationship in the ecosystem.

By Frank Hamilton Cushing · First published 1879 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 2,206 words

First lines

Once, long, long ago, there stood in Prairie-dog Land a large Prairie-dog village. Prairie-dog Land is south of Zuni, beyond Grease Mountain; and in the middle of that country, which is one of our smaller meadows, stands a mountain, which is a little mound. All round about the base of this mountain were the sky-holes and door-mounds and pathways of the grandfathers of the Prairie-dogs. In the very top of the mount was the house of an old Burrowing-owl and his wife.

What this Textopian page supports

The Prairie-Dogs and their Priest, the Burrowing-Owl is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frank Hamilton Cushing, dated 1879 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Frank Hamilton Cushing
Date: 1879 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Nature Writing, Mythology
Length: 2,206 words
Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fable — The narrative features anthropomorphized animals and conveys a moral lesson about cooperation and resourcefulness.
Children's Literature — The story is suitable for a young audience, with simple language and engaging characters.
Fantasy — The plot involves magical elements, such as the Burrowing-owl's ability to control the weather.
Nature Writing — The setting and characters are deeply rooted in the natural world, highlighting the relationship between prairie-dogs and burrowing-owls.