--- title: Iktomi and the Turtle — Old Indian Legends · full text with trees description: Iktomi and the Turtle, «Old Indian Legends» by Zitkala-Sa: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: THE huntsman Patkasa (turtle) stood bent over a newly slain deer. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [Old Indian Legends](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/) / Iktomi and the Turtle # Iktomi and the Turtle Iktomi and the Turtle of «Old Indian Legends» by Zitkala-Sa: the whole text, 77 sentences and 915 words. Every sentence has its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself; 1 of them are in the tales treebank and were checked by a teacher model. - [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/1/) — THE huntsman Patkasa (turtle) stood bent over a newly slain deer. - [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/2/) — The red-tipped arrow he drew from the wounded deer was unlike the arrows in his own quiver. - [3](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/3/) — Another's stray shot had killed the deer. - [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/4/) — Patkasa had hunted all the morning without so much as spying an ordinary blackbird. — checked by a teacher - [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/5/) — At last returning homeward, tired and heavy-hearted that he had no meat for the hungry mouths in his wigwam, he walked slowly with downcast eyes. - [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/6/) — Kind ghosts pitied the unhappy hunter and led him to the newly slain deer, that his children should not cry for food. - [7](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/7/) — When Patkasa stumbled upon the deer in his path, he exclaimed: “Good spirits have pushed me hither!” - [8](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/8/) — Thus he leaned long over the gift of the friendly ghosts. - [9](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/9/) — “How, my friend!” said a voice behind his ear, and a hand fell on his shoulder. - [10](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/10/) — It was not a spirit this time. - [11](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/11/) — It was old Iktomi. - [12](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/12/) — “How, Iktomi!” answered Patkasa, still stooping over the deer. - [13](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/13/) — “My friend, you are a skilled hunter,” began Iktomi, smiling a thin smile which spread from one ear to the other. - [14](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/14/) — Suddenly raising up his head Patkasa's black eyes twinkled as he asked: “Oh, you really say so?” - [15](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/15/) — “Yes, my friend, you are a skillful fellow. - [16](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/16/) — Now let us have a little contest. - [17](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/17/) — Let us see who can jump over the deer without touching a hair on his hide,” suggested Iktomi. - [18](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/18/) — “Oh, I fear I cannot do it!” cried Patkasa, rubbing his funny, thick palms together. - [19](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/19/) — “Have no coward's doubt, Patkasa. - [20](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/20/) — I say you are a skillful fellow who finds nothing hard to do.” - [21](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/21/) — With these words Iktomi led Patkasa a short distance away. - [22](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/22/) — In little puffs Patkasa laughed uneasily. - [23](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/23/) — “Now, you may jump first,” said Iktomi. - [24](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/24/) — Patkasa, with doubled fists, swung his fat arms to and fro, all the while biting hard his under lip. - [25](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/25/) — Just before the run and leap Iktomi put in: “Let the winner have the deer to eat!” - [26](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/26/) — It was too late now to say no. Patkasa was more afraid of being called a coward than of losing the deer. - [27](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/27/) — “Ho-wo,” he replied, still working his short arms. - [28](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/28/) — At length he started off on the run. - [29](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/29/) — So quick and small were his steps that he seemed to be kicking the ground only. - [30](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/30/) — Then the leap! - [31](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/31/) — But Patkasa tripped upon a stick and fell hard against the side of the deer. - [32](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/32/) — “He-he-he!” exclaimed Iktomi, pretending disappointment that his friend had fallen. - [33](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/33/) — Lifting him to his feet, he said: “Now it is my turn to try the high jump!” - [34](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/34/) — Hardly was the last word spoken than Iktomi gave a leap high above the deer. - [35](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/35/) — “The game is mine!” laughed he, patting the sullen Patkasa on the back. - [36](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/36/) — “My friend, watch the deer while I go to bring my children,” said Iktomi, darting lightly through the tall grass. - [37](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/37/) — Patkasa was always ready to believe the words of scheming people and to do the little favors any one asked of him. - [38](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/38/) — However, on this occasion, he did not answer “Yes, my friend.” - [39](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/39/) — He realized that Iktomi's flattering tongue had made him foolish. - [40](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/40/) — He turned up his nose at Iktomi, now almost out of sight, as much as to say: “Oh, no, Ikto; I do not hear your words!” - [41](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/41/) — Soon there came a murmur of voices. - [42](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/42/) — The sound of laughter grew louder and louder. - [43](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/43/) — All of a sudden it became hushed. - [44](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/44/) — Old Iktomi led his young Iktomi brood to the place where he had left the turtle, but it was vacant. - [45](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/45/) — Nowhere was there any sign of Patkasa or the deer. - [46](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/46/) — Then the babes did howl! - [47](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/47/) — “Be still!” said father Iktomi to his children. - [48](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/48/) — “I know where Patkasa lives. - [49](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/49/) — Follow me. - [50](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/50/) — I shall take you to the turtle's dwelling.” - [51](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/51/) — He ran along a narrow footpath toward the creek near by. - [52](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/52/) — Close upon his heels came his children with tear-streaked faces. - [53](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/53/) — “There!” said Iktomi in a loud whisper as he gathered his little ones on the bank. - [54](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/54/) — “There is Patkasa broiling venison! - [55](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/55/) — There is his teepee, and the savory fire is in his front yard!” - [56](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/56/) — The young Iktomis stretched their necks and rolled their round black eyes like newly hatched birds. - [57](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/57/) — They peered into the water. - [58](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/58/) — “Now, I will cool Patkasa's fire. - [59](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/59/) — I shall bring you the broiled venison. - [60](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/60/) — Watch closely. - [61](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/61/) — When you see the black coals rise to the surface of the water, clap your hands and shout aloud, for soon after that sign I shall return to you with some tender meat.” - [62](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/62/) — Thus saying Iktomi plunged into the creek. - [63](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/63/) — Splash! splash! the water leaped upward into spray. - [64](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/64/) — Scarcely had it become leveled and smooth than there bubbled up many black spots. - [65](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/65/) — The creek was seething with the dancing of round black things. - [66](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/66/) — “The cooled fire! - [67](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/67/) — The coals!” laughed the brood of Iktomis. - [68](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/68/) — Clapping together their little hands, they chased one another along the edge of the creek. - [69](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/69/) — They shouted and hooted with great glee. - [70](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/70/) — “Ahas!” said a gruff voice across the water. - [71](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/71/) — It was Patkasa. - [72](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/72/) — In a large willow tree leaning far over the water he sat upon a large limb. - [73](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/73/) — On the very same branch was a bright burning fire over which Patkasa broiled the venison. - [74](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/74/) — By this time the water was calm again. - [75](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/75/) — No more danced those black spots on its surface, for they were the toes of old Iktomi. - [76](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/76/) — He was drowned. - [77](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/10/77/) — The Iktomi children hurried away from the creek, crying and calling for their water-dead father. - ← previous: [Shooting of the Red Eagle](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/9/) - next →: [Dance in a Buffalo Skull](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/11/) - ↑ back to [Old Indian Legends](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/)