The Rabbit Huntress and her Adventures

In ancient times, a maiden lived with her elderly parents in a desolate home at Kʻyawana Tehua-tsana. With her brothers lost to war, the family struggled for sustenance, relying on the meager produce from their garden. Observing young men returning from successful rabbit hunts, the maiden yearned to provide for her family and decided to hunt despite societal norms. Determined, she prepared for her journey, donning warm clothing and gathering hunting tools. The next day, she ventured into the snowy plains, following rabbit trails and successfully capturing several. However, as twilight approached, she lost her way in the deepening snow and sought refuge in a cave, where she discovered a fire and made herself comfortable. Her peace was shattered by the arrival of a Cannibal Demon, drawn by the firelight. The demon demanded food, and in her fear, the maiden surrendered all her rabbits and clothing to appease him. As the demon grew bloated from his feast, he attempted to enter the cave, threatening her safety. At that moment, two War-gods, sensing her plight, intervened. They defeated the demon and restored the maiden's belongings. They advised her that it was acceptable for a woman to marry and hunt, and they promised to help her return home safely. The War-gods provided her with more rabbits and guided her back to her village. Upon her return, the maiden was celebrated for her bravery and skill. She realized that she could embrace her identity as a huntress while also fulfilling her role within her family. Eventually, she accepted a suitor who admired her strength, and the story concludes with the understanding that women could hunt and marry, ensuring the continuation of their families.

By Frank Hamilton Cushing · First published 1883 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore · 3,995 words

First lines

It was long ago, in the days of the ancients, that a poor maiden lived at Kʻyawana Tehua-tsana ("Little Gateway of Zuni River"). You know there are black stone walls of houses standing there on the tops of the cliffs of lava, above the narrow place through which the river runs, to this day.

In one of these houses there lived this poor maiden alone with her feeble old father and her aged mother. She was unmarried, and her brothers had all been killed in wars, or had died gently; so the family lived there helplessly, so far as many things were concerned, from the lack of men in their house.

What this Textopian page supports

The Rabbit Huntress and her Adventures is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frank Hamilton Cushing, dated 1883 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: 1883 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction
• Length: 3,995 words
• Structure: 1 section, 41 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Rabbit Huntress and her Adventures by Frank Hamilton Cushing
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering The Rabbit Huntress and her Adventures?
• How does this short story by Frank Hamilton Cushing fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

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Genres

• Fantasy — The story features mythical elements, including a Cannibal Demon and War-gods, set in a fictional ancient world.
• Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey to hunt rabbits, facing challenges and dangers along the way.
• Folklore — The narrative reflects cultural traditions and moral lessons typical of folklore, particularly regarding gender roles.
• Coming-of-Age — The maiden's journey symbolizes her growth and self-discovery as she challenges societal norms.

Tags

Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Female Protagonist · Rabbit Hunting · Wilderness Survival · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Personal Growth · Mystery · Thriller · Action

More by Frank Hamilton Cushing

• The Trial of Lovers (1887)
• The Youth and his Eagle (1889)
• The Poor Turkey Girl (1881)
• How the Summer Birds Came (1883)
• The Serpent of the Sea (1883)
• The Maiden of the Yellow Rocks (1883)
• The Foster-Child of the Deer (1883)
• The Boy Hunter who Never Sacrificed to the Deer he had Slain (1883)
• All works by Frank Hamilton Cushing