The Revenge of the Two Brothers on the Háwikuhkw

Name: The Revenge of the Two Brothers on the Háwikuhkwe, or the Two Little Ones and their Turkeys
Author: Frank Hamilton Cushing

Two brothers, Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma, live with their grandmother on Twin Mountain and own a flock of Turkeys. Neglecting their care, the Turkeys wander into the valley of Háwikuh, where local hunters capture and kill many of them. A lone Turkey escapes and informs the brothers of the massacre, prompting them to seek revenge. Despite their grandmother's warnings, they decide to gather materials to make weapons and seek help from their grandfathers, the Rainbow-worm and the Turtle. The brothers visit the Rainbow-worm, who boasts of his warrior prowess and agrees to assist them. They then approach the Turtle, who also offers his support. The brothers prepare for battle by crafting bows and arrows, while their grandmother secretly prepares a magical medicine to weaken their enemies. On the day of the attack, the brothers shoot arrows filled with the medicine into the plaza of Háwikuh, causing confusion among the townspeople. As the brothers engage in battle, they use their water-shield to protect themselves and hinder the enemy's archery. The Turtle and the Rainbow-worm join the fray, using their unique abilities to assist the brothers. The battle culminates in a chaotic confrontation, with the brothers and their grandfathers successfully defeating the Háwikuhkwe. They return home victorious, bringing scalps as trophies. The old Turtle and the grandmother organize a celebration, leading to a series of ceremonies that honor the brothers' bravery. The story concludes with reflections on the transformations of the Rainbow-worm and the Turtle, explaining their current sizes and characteristics as a result of their actions during the battle. The narrative emphasizes themes of family, bravery, and the consequences of one's actions, intertwining elements of folklore and cultural tradition.

By Frank Hamilton Cushing · First published 1883 · Genre: Folklore, Children's Literature, Adventure · 8,204 words

First lines

Long, long ago, there lived on Twin Mountain, Áhaiyúta and his younger brother, with their grandmother. They had a large flock of Turkeys of which they were very fond, but were not so attentive to them as they should have been. Said the grandmother to the boys, late one morning: "Let your poor Turkeys out, for they will starve, poor birds, if you do not let them out oftener."

"But they will run away, grandmother," said the two boys, who did not fancy herding them much of the time.

What this Textopian page supports

The Revenge of the Two Brothers on the Háwikuhkwe, or the Two Little Ones and their Turkeys 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: Folklore, Children's Literature, Adventure, Fantasy, Mythology
Length: 8,204 words
Structure: 1 section, 193 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The Revenge of the Two Brothers on the Háwikuhkwe, or the Two Little Ones and their Turkeys by Frank Hamilton Cushing
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Revenge of the Two Brothers on the Háwikuhkwe, or the Two Little Ones and their Turkeys?
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Similar titles

Genres

Folklore — The narrative is rooted in traditional storytelling, featuring cultural elements, characters, and moral lessons typical of folklore.
Children's Literature — The story is aimed at a younger audience, with simple language, engaging characters, and a moral lesson about responsibility and bravery.
Adventure — The plot involves the two brothers embarking on a quest to reclaim their lost turkeys, facing challenges and engaging in conflict.
Fantasy — The presence of anthropomorphic animals and magical elements, such as the Rainbow-worm and Turtle, places the story within the fantasy genre.