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