--- title: The Tree-bound — Old Indian Legends · full text with trees description: The Tree-bound, «Old Indian Legends» by Zitkala-Sa: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: IT was a clear summer day. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/) [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/) / The Tree-bound # The Tree-bound The Tree-bound of «Old Indian Legends» by Zitkala-Sa: the whole text, 145 sentences and 1969 words. Every sentence has its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself; 2 of them are in the tales treebank and were checked by a teacher model. **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/page/2/) - [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/1/) — IT was a clear summer day. - [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/2/) — The blue, blue sky dropped low over the edge of the green level land. - [3](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/3/) — A large yellow sun hung directly overhead. - [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/4/) — The singing of birds filled the summer space between earth and sky with sweet music. - [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/5/) — Again and again sang a yellow-breasted birdie--“Koda Ni Dakota!” - [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/6/) — He insisted upon it. - [7](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/7/) — “Koda Ni Dakota!” which was “Friend, you're a Dakota! - [8](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/8/) — Friend, you're a Dakota!” - [9](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/9/) — Perchance the birdie meant the avenger with the magic arrow, for there across the plain he strode. - [10](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/10/) — He was handsome in his paint and feathers, proud with his great buckskin quiver on his back and a long bow in his hand. - [11](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/11/) — Afar to an eastern camp of cone-shaped teepees he was going. - [12](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/12/) — There over the Indian village hovered a large red eagle threatening the safety of the people. - [13](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/13/) — Every morning rose this terrible red bird out of a high chalk bluff and spreading out his gigantic wings soared slowly over the round camp ground. - [14](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/14/) — Then it was that the people, terror-stricken, ran screaming into their lodges. - [15](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/15/) — Covering their heads with their blankets, they sat trembling with fear. - [16](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/16/) — No one dared to venture out till the red eagle had disappeared beyond the west, where meet the blue and green. - [17](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/17/) — In vain tried the chieftain of the tribe to find among his warriors a powerful marksman who could send a death arrow to the man-hungry bird. - [18](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/18/) — At last to urge his men to their utmost skill he bade his crier proclaim a new reward. - [19](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/19/) — Of the chieftain's two beautiful daughters he would have his choice who brought the dreaded red eagle with an arrow in its breast. - [20](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/20/) — Upon hearing these words, the men of the village, both young and old, both heroes and cowards, trimmed new arrows for the contest. - [21](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/21/) — At gray dawn there stood indistinct under the shadow of the bluff many human figures; silent as ghosts and wrapped in robes girdled tight about their waists, they waited with chosen bow and arrow. - [22](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/22/) — Some cunning old warriors stayed not with the group. - [23](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/23/) — They crouched low upon the open ground. - [24](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/24/) — But all eyes alike were fixed upon the top of the high bluff. - [25](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/25/) — Breathless they watched for the soaring of the red eagle. - [26](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/26/) — From within the dwellings many eyes peeped through the small holes in the front lapels of the teepee. - [27](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/27/) — With shaking knees and hard-set teeth, the women peered out upon the Dakota men prowling about with bows and arrows. - [28](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/28/) — At length when the morning sun also peeped over the eastern horizon at the armed Dakotas, the red eagle walked out upon the edge of the cliff. - [29](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/29/) — Pluming his gorgeous feathers, he ruffled his neck and flapped his strong wings together. - [30](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/30/) — Then he dived into the air. - [31](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/31/) — Slowly he winged his way over the round camp ground; over the men with their strong bows and arrows! - [32](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/32/) — In an instant the long bows were bent. - [33](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/33/) — Strong straight arrows with red feathered tips sped upward to the blue sky. - [34](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/34/) — Ah! slowly moved those indifferent wings, untouched by the poison-beaked arrows. - [35](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/35/) — Off to the west beyond the reach of arrow, beyond the reach of eye, the red eagle flew away. - [36](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/36/) — A sudden clamor of high-pitched voices broke the deadly stillness of the dawn. - [37](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/37/) — The women talked excitedly about the invulnerable red of the eagle's feathers, while the would-be heroes sulked within their wigwams. - [38](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/38/) — “He-he-he!” groaned the chieftain. - [39](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/39/) — On the evening of the same day sat a group of hunters around a bright burning fire. - [40](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/40/) — They were talking of a strange young man whom they spied while out upon a hunt for deer beyond the bluffs. - [41](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/41/) — They saw the stranger taking aim. - [42](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/42/) — Following the point of his arrow with their eyes, they beheld a herd of buffalo. - [43](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/43/) — The arrow sprang from the bow! - [44](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/44/) — It darted into the skull of the foremost buffalo. - [45](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/45/) — But unlike other arrows it pierced through the head of the creature and spinning in the air lit into the next buffalo head. - [46](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/46/) — One by one the buffalo fell upon the sweet grass they were grazing. - [47](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/47/) — With straight quivering limbs they lay on their sides. - [48](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/48/) — The young man stood calmly by, counting on his fingers the buffalo as they dropped dead to the ground. - [49](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/49/) — When the last one fell, he ran thither and picking up his magic arrow wiped it carefully on the soft grass. - [50](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/50/) — He slipped it into his long fringed quiver. - [51](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/51/) — “He is going to make a feast for some hungry tribe of men or beasts!” cried the hunters among themselves as they hastened away. - [52](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/52/) — They were afraid of the stranger with the sacred arrow. - [53](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/53/) — When the hunter's tale of the stranger's arrow reached the ears of the chieftain, his face brightened with a smile. - [54](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/54/) — He sent forth fleet horsemen, to learn of him his birth, his name, and his deeds. - [55](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/55/) — “If he is the avenger with the magic arrow, sprung up from the earth out of a clot of buffalo blood, bid him come hither. - [56](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/56/) — Let him kill the red eagle with his magic arrow. - [57](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/57/) — Let him win for himself one of my beautiful daughters,” he had said to his messengers, for the old story of the badger's man-son was known all over the level lands. - [58](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/58/) — After four days and nights the braves returned. - [59](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/59/) — “He is coming,” they said. - [60](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/60/) — “We have seen him. - [61](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/61/) — He is straight and tall; handsome in face, with large black eyes. - [62](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/62/) — He paints his round cheeks with bright red, and wears the penciled lines of red over his temples like our men of honored rank. - [63](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/63/) — He carries on his back a long fringed quiver in which he keeps his magic arrow. - [64](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/64/) — His bow is long and strong. - [65](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/65/) — He is coming now to kill the big red eagle.” - [66](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/66/) — All around the camp ground from mouth to ear passed those words of the returned messengers. - [67](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/67/) — Now it chanced that immortal Iktomi, fully recovered from the brown burnt spots, overheard the people talking. - [68](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/68/) — At once he was filled with a new desire. - [69](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/69/) — “If only I had the magic arrow, I would kill the red eagle and win the chieftain's daughter for a wife,” said he in his heart. - [70](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/70/) — Back to his lonely wigwam he hastened. - [71](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/71/) — Beneath the tree in front of his teepee he sat upon the ground with chin between his drawn-up knees. — checked by a teacher - [72](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/72/) — His keen eyes scanned the wide plain. - [73](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/73/) — He was watching for the avenger. - [74](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/74/) — “'He is coming!' said the people,” muttered old Iktomi. - [75](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/75/) — All of a sudden he raised an open palm to his brow and peered afar into the west. - [76](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/76/) — The summer sun hung bright in the middle of a cloudless sky. - [77](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/77/) — There across the green prairie was a man walking bareheaded toward the east. - [78](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/78/) — “Ha! ha! 'tis he! the man with the magic arrow!” laughed Iktomi. - [79](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/79/) — And when the bird with the yellow breast sang loud again--“Koda Ni Dakota! - [80](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/80/) — Friend, you're a Dakota!” - [81](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/81/) — Iktomi put his hand over his mouth as he threw his head far backward, laughing at both the bird and man. - [82](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/82/) — “He is your friend, but his arrow will kill one of your kind! - [83](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/83/) — He is a Dakota, but soon he'll grow into the bark on this tree! - [84](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/84/) — Ha! ha! ha!” he laughed again. - [85](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/85/) — The young avenger walked with swaying strides nearer and nearer toward the lonely wigwam and tree. - [86](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/86/) — Iktomi heard the swish! swish! of the stranger's feet through the tall grass. - [87](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/87/) — He was passing now beyond the tree, when Iktomi, springing to his feet, called out: “How, how, my friend! - [88](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/88/) — I see you are dressed in handsome deerskins and have red paint on your cheeks. - [89](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/89/) — You are going to some feast or dance, may I ask?” - [90](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/90/) — Seeing the young man only smiled Iktomi went on: “I have not had a mouthful of food this day. - [91](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/91/) — Have pity on me, young brave, and shoot yonder bird for me!” - [92](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/92/) — With these words Iktomi pointed toward the tree-top, where sat a bird on the highest branch. - [93](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/93/) — The young avenger, always ready to help those in distress, sent an arrow upward and the bird fell. - [94](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/94/) — In the next branch it was caught between the forked prongs. - [95](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/95/) — “My friend, climb the tree and get the bird. - [96](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/96/) — I cannot climb so high. - [97](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/97/) — I would get dizzy and fall,” pleaded Iktomi. - [98](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/98/) — The avenger began to scale the tree, when Iktomi cried to him: “My friend, your beaded buckskins may be torn by the branches. - [99](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/99/) — Leave them safe upon the grass till you are down again.” - [100](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/100/) — “You are right,” replied the young man, quickly slipping off his long fringed quiver. **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/8/page/2/) - ← previous: [The Badger and the Bear](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/7/) - next →: [Shooting of the Red Eagle](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/9/) - ↑ back to [Old Indian Legends](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg338/)