The Youth and his Eagle
In ancient times, a youth in Zuni was deeply devoted to his pet Eagle, neglecting his familial responsibilities. His brothers, frustrated by his obsession, plotted to kill the bird to sever their bond. The Eagle, aware of their intentions, expressed its sadness over the potential separation, revealing that it must return to the skies. The youth, unable to bear the thought of losing the Eagle, insisted on accompanying it. The Eagle warned him of the dangers of the sky world but ultimately agreed to take him along. They journeyed to the sky-world, where the Eagle transformed into a beautiful maiden. The youth married her and learned to fly among the Eagle people. However, he was warned never to venture southward, where a dangerous world lay. Despite his wife's warnings and the advice of his grandparents, the Storks, curiosity led him to explore this forbidden region. There, he encountered a vibrant city filled with life and was invited to a dance. Ignoring his wife's plea to remain stoic, he laughed at the dancers, who were, unbeknownst to him, manifestations of death. His laughter broke the spell, causing his wife to abandon him. Awakening in a decaying room filled with bones, he realized the grave mistake he had made. Fleeing from the city of the dead, he was rescued by Badgers, who chastised him for his foolishness. They warned him that he had forfeited his love and would struggle to regain it. The youth returned to the Eagle people, but his wife rejected him, unable to accept his betrayal. Eventually, she relented and offered him a tattered Eagle dress, allowing him to fly once more. As they descended back to the mortal realm, the youth faltered, and in a moment of despair, his wife abandoned him, leading to his tragic fall and demise. The tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of forsaking love and the inevitability of death.
By Frank Hamilton Cushing · First published 1889 · Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure · 6,268 words
First lines
In forgotten times, in the days of our ancients, at the Middle Place, or what is now Shíwina (Zuni), there lived a youth who was well grown, or perfect in manhood. He had a pet Eagle which he kept in a cage down on the roof of the first terrace of the house of his family. He loved this Eagle so dearly that he could not endure to be separated from it; not only this, but he spent nearly all his time in caring for and fondling his pet. Morning, noon, and evening, yea, and even between those times, you would see him going down to the eagle-cage with meat and other kinds of delicate food. Day after day there you would find him sitting beside the Eagle, petting it and making affectionate speeches, to all of which treatment the bird responded with a most satisfied air, and seemed equally fond of his owner.
What this Textopian page supports
The Youth and his Eagle is listed on Textopian as a short story by Frank Hamilton Cushing, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Romance
- Length: 6,268 words
- Structure: 1 section, 63 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Youth and his Eagle by Frank Hamilton Cushing
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves mythical elements, such as a youth who befriends an eagle that transforms into a maiden, and explores themes of love and the supernatural.
- Mythology — The story draws on cultural myths and legends, particularly those of Native American origin, reflecting the beliefs and traditions of the Zuni people.
- Adventure — The plot follows the youth's journey with the eagle, including his exploration of new worlds and the challenges he faces.
- Coming-of-Age — The youth's experiences and choices reflect a journey of personal growth and the consequences of his actions.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Fiction · Adventure · Native American · Cultural Heritage · Identity Crisis · Self-discovery · Mentorship · Spirituality · Nature · Isolation · Growing Pains
More by Frank Hamilton Cushing
- The Trial of Lovers (1887)
- 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)
- How Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma Stole the Thunder-Stone and the Lightning-Shaft (1883)
- All works by Frank Hamilton Cushing