Grandfather Mountain

“Do you understand what is happening to your people. They suffer because you won’t help them. Why Grandfather?” asked Teava.

The mountain shook in fury. Teava dodged boulders that tumbled down the slope.

“Why are you behaving this way to your children. We’ve honored you and the old ones’ teachings,” cried the girl.

The words seemed to calm the mountain’s fury as the violent shaking ceased.

“The waters have turned brown. The animals sickened from eating the grass in the high pastures. Is this how you protect us?” asked Teava.

Once again, the mountain rumbled and shook. Teava saw jets of gas shoot from the head of the mountain spirit.

“If you will not provide us a haven, we will leave you,” said Teava.

As she descended the mountain, it raged as if to say, “How dare you disrespect me in this manner?”

Teava spoke to the village elders about her discussion with the mountain spirit.

The council determined that all families would leave the village immediately. All would seek shelter across the river.

By nightfall, the village stood empty except for Teava. The girl attempted to calm the mountain’s fury for the last time.

“Please, merciful one, accept these offerings and prayers on your behalf. Forgive us and return to your slumber so we may once again dwell in your shadow,” pleaded the girl.

As she bowed low, the ground shot up beneath her feet, causing her to fall backward. The sky exploded, sending a shower of glowing sparks high into the air.

“A demon has taken him. I will not die for the pleasure of a dark one,” said Teava as she ran to the river.

The girl climbed into her dugout and paddled to the other side. Teava stood on the bank in awe at the mountain’s transformation.

“You warned us to leave so you could expel the demon’s blood,” said Teava. The girl watched as a river of lava flowed down and engulfed the village.

“Thank you, grandfather. We would have all perished in the demon’s fiery blood without your warnings,” said the girl.

The following spring, Teava’s people had returned to their mountain.

“We will not forget what you did for us and will heed your warnings in the future,” said Teava.

For now, grandfather slumbers, and the village enjoys life in the shadow of the mountain. Many now ask, “How long?”

“No man can say,” answers the girl.

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