--- title: The Brave Bobtails — The man who married the moon, and other Pueblo I… · full text with trees description: The Brave Bobtails, «The man who married the moon, and other Pueblo Indian folk-stories» by Charles Fletcher Lummis: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: WHEN it came old Anastacio’s turn, one night, to tell a story to the waiting circle, it was sever --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77804/26/) [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/) / [The man who married the moon, and othe…](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77804/) / The Brave Bobtails # The Brave Bobtails The Brave Bobtails of «The man who married the moon, and other Pueblo Indian folk-stories» by Charles Fletcher Lummis: the whole text, 131 sentences and 2450 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. WHEN it came old Anastacio’s turn, one night, to tell a story to the waiting circle, it was several minutes before he responded to the quaint summons; and at last Lorenso repeated: “There is a tail to you, \_compadre\_ Anastacio!”[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") The words seemed to remind him of something; for he turned to his fat grandson, and said:[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") “Juan\![3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") Knowest thou why the Bear and the Badger have short tails?[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") For once they had them long as Kéem-ee-deh, the Mountain Lion.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") \_In-dah?[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") \_ Then I will tell thee.”[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") Once in the Days of the Old, it was that a young man lived here in Shee-eh-whíb-bak whom they called T’hoor-hlóh-ah, the Arrow of the Sun. He was not of the Tée-wahn, but a Ute, who was taken in war while yet a child.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") When the warriors brought him here, a Grandmother who was very poor took him for her son, and reared him, loving him greatly, and teaching him all the works of men.[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") Coming to be a young man, he was a mighty hunter; but so good in his heart that he loved the animals as brothers, and they all loved him.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") When he went out to hunt, the first game he killed he always dressed and left there for his animal-friends to eat.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") Sometimes it was Kéem-ee-deh, king of the four-feet, who came to the feast Sun-Arrow had made; and sometimes Kahr-naí-deh, the Badger, who is best of all to dig, and who showed Those of Old how to make their caves; and sometimes the smaller ones.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") They were all grateful; for no other was so kind to feed them.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") Now the Grandmother would never let Sun-Arrow go to war, fearing that he would be killed; and all the other young men laughed at him, because he had never taken the sacred \_oak-bark\_.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") And when the others danced the great round-dance, he had to stand alone.[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") So he was ashamed, and vowed that he would prove himself a man; and taking secretly his bow and arrows and his thunder-knife, he went away by night alone, and crossed the Eagle-Feather Mountains.[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") Now in that time there was always great war with the Comanches, who lived in the plains.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") They came often across the mountains and attacked Isleta by night, killing many people.[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") Their chief was P’ee-kú-ee-fa-yíd-deh, or Red Scalp, the strongest and largest and bravest of men.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") For many years all the warriors of Isleta had tried to kill him, for he was the head of the war; but he slew all who came against him.[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") He was very brave, and painted his scalp red with \_páh-ree\_, so that he might be known from far; and left his scalp-lock very long, and braided it neatly, so that an enemy might grasp it well.[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") Now Sun-Arrow met this great warrior; and with the help of an old Spider-woman,\[84\] slew him and took his scalp.[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") When the people of Isleta saw Sun-Arrow returning, the young men began to laugh and say: “Va\![23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") T’hoor-hlóh-ah has gone to make war again on the rabbits!”[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") \[84\] About equivalent to our “fairy godmother.”[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") But when he came into the plaza, saying nothing, and they saw that \_oak-bark\_ which all knew, all cried out: “Come and look\![26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") For here is Sun-Arrow, who was laughed at--and now he has brought the bark of Red Scalp, whom our bravest have tried in vain to kill.”[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") So when he had taken the scalp to the Cacique, and they had had the round-dance, and the days of purification were over, they called Sun-Arrow the greatest warrior of the Tée-wahn, and made him second to the Cacique.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") Then all who had daughters looked at him with good eyes, and all the maidens wished for so brave a husband.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") But he saw none of them, except the youngest daughter of the Cacique; for he loved her.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") When the Grandmother had spoken to the Cacique, and it was well, they brought the young people together, and gave them to eat of the betrothal corn--to Sun Arrow an ear of the blue corn, and to her an ear of the white corn, because the hearts of maidens are whiter than those of men.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") When both had eaten the raw corn, every seed of it, the old folks said: “It is well\![32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") For truly they love each other.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") And now let them run the marrying-race.”[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") Then all the people gathered yonder where are the ashes of the evil-hearted ones who were burned when Antelope Boy won for his people.[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") And the elders marked a course, as of three miles, from there to the sacred sand-hill beside the Kú-mai.[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") When they said the word, Sun-Arrow and the girl went running like young antelope, side by side.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") Up to the Place of the Bell they ran, and turned back running; and when they came to the people, the girl was a little in front, and all cried:[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") “It is well\![39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") For now Eé-eh-chah has won a husband, and she shall always be honored in her own house.”[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") So they were married, and the Cacique blessed them.[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") They made a house by the plaza,\[85\] and Sun-Arrow was given of the fields, that he might plant.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") \[85\] Public square in the center of the pueblo.[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") But of the maidens there was one who did not forgive Sun-Arrow that he would not look at her; and in her heart she thought to pay him.[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") So she went to a Spider-woman,\[86\] and said: “Grandmother, help me\![45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") For this young man despised me, and now I will punish him.”[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") \[86\] Here equivalent to a witch.[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the Spider-woman made an accursed prayer-stick of the feathers of the woodpecker, and spoke to the Ghosts, and said to the girl:[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") “It is well, daughter\![49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") For I am the one that will help you.[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") Take only this Toad, and bury it in your floor, \_this\_ way, and then ask T’hoor-hlóh-ah to come to your house.”[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") The girl made a hole in her floor, and buried P’ah-foo-ée-deh, the Toad.[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") Then she went to Sun-Arrow and said: “Friend T’hoor-hlóh-ah, come to my house a little; for I have to talk to you.”[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") But when Sun-Arrow sat down in her house, his feet were upon the floor over the hole; and in a moment the Toad grew very great, and began to swallow him by the feet.[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") Sun-Arrow kicked and fought, for he was very strong.[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") But he could do nothing; and in a little, he was swallowed to the knees.[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he called in a great voice for his wife; and all the people of the Tée-wahn came running with her.[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") When they saw him so, they were very sad; and Eé-eh-chah took his hand, and the Grandmother took his other, and all the people helped them.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") But all were not so strong as the great Toad; and fast it was swallowing him, until he was at the waist.[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he said:[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") “Go, my people\![61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") Go, my wife\![62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") For it is in vain.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") Go from this place, that you may not see me.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") And pray to the Trues if they will help me.”[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") So they all went, mourning greatly.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") In that time it came that Shee-íd-deh, the House-Mouse, stirred from his hole; and seeing Sun-Arrow \_so\_, he came to him, weeping.[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") “Oh, Friend Sun-Arrow!” he cried.[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") “You who have been a father to us all, you who have fed us, and have proved yourself so brave--it is not deserved that you should be thus.[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") But we for whom you have cared, we will be the ones to help you!”[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Shee-íd-deh ran from the house until he found the Dog, and to him told it all.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") And Quee-ah-níd-deh, whose voice was big, ran out into the plains, up and down, \_pregonando\_\[87\] to all the animals; and they came hurrying from all places.[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") Soon all the birds and all the four-feet were met in council in the room where Sun-Arrow was; and the Mountain Lion was captain.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") When he had listened to them, he said:[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") \[87\] The technical (Spanish) word for the official heralding by which all announcements are still made among the Pueblos.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") “Now let each tribe of you choose from it one who is young and strong, to give help to him who has fed us.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") For we cannot leave him to die so.”[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") When every kind that walks or flies had chosen its strongest one, the chosen stood out; Kéem-ee-deh called them by name to take their turns.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") “Kóo-ah-raí-deh!” he called; and the Bluebird of the mountains came to Sun-Arrow, who was now swallowed up to his armpits.[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") Sun-Arrow grasped her long tail with both hands, and she flew and flew with all her might, not caring for the pain, until her tail was pulled off.[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") But Sun-Arrow was not budged a hair.[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the captain called Ku-íd-deh, the Bear, to try.[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") He gave his long tail to Sun-Arrow to hold; and when he had counted “One, two, \_three\_!” he pulled with a great pull, so hard that his whole tail came off.[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") And still Sun-Arrow was not stirred.[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") Then it was to the Coyote.[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") But \_he\_ said: “My ears are stronger”; for he was a coward, and would not give to pull on his pretty tail, of which he is proud.[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") So he gave to Sun-Arrow to hold by his ears, and began to pull backward.[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") But soon it hurt him, and he stopped when his ears were pulled forward.[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") “Now it is to you, Kahr-naí-deh,” said the Mountain Lion; and the Badger came out to try.[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") First he dug around Sun-Arrow, and gave him to hold his tail.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he counted \_three\_, and pulled greatly, so that his tail came off--and Sun-Arrow was moved a very little.[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") But the Badger did not fear the pain, and said:[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") “Let it be to me twice again, Kah-báy-deh.”[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") \[88\][94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") \[88\] Commander.[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") “It is well!” said the Mountain Lion.[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") “So let it be.”[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") So the Badger dug again, and gave the stump of his tail, and pulled.[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") And Sun-Arrow was loosened a little more; but the stump slipped through his hands, for it was very short.[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") “\_Around\_ me, friend,” said the Badger, when he had dug a third time; and Sun-Arrow clasped his hands around the Badger’s body, behind the fore legs.[100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") Then for the third time Kahr-naí-deh pulled--so mightily that he dragged Sun-Arrow clear out from the Toad’s mouth.[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") At that, all the animals fell upon the wicked Toad, and killed it; and gave thanks to Those Above for the deliverance of their friend.[102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") When they had prayed, Sun-Arrow thanked all the animals, one by one; and to the Bluebird, the Bear, and the Badger, he said:[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") “Friends, how shall I thank you who have suffered so much for me?[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") And how can I pay you for your help, and for the tails that you have lost?”[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") But to the Coyote he did not say a word.[106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") Then said the Badger:[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") “Friend T’hoor-hlóh-ah, as for me, your hand has always been held out to me.[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") You have fed me, and have been as a father: I want no pay for this tail that I have lost.”[109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") And the Bear and the Bluebird both answered the same thing.[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") So Sun-Arrow again gave them many thanks, and they went away to their homes.[111](111/ "tree and pragmatics") As for Sun-Arrow, he hurried to the Medicine House, where all the Tée-wahn were making medicine\[89\] that he might be saved.[112](112/ "tree and pragmatics") And when they saw him entering, his wife ran and cried on his shoulder, and all the people gave thanks to the Trues.[113](113/ "tree and pragmatics") \[89\] Not compounding remedies, but going through the magic dance and incantations to which the Indians always resort in time of trouble.[114](114/ "tree and pragmatics") For a description of a medicine-making, see “Some Strange Corners of Our Country.”[115](115/ "tree and pragmatics") Sun-Arrow told them all that was; and when the Father-of-all-Medicine looked in the sacred \_cajete\_\[90\] he saw the evil-hearted girl paying the Spider-woman.[116](116/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the Cum-pah-whít-la-wen\[91\] went running with their bows and arrows, and brought the girl; and she was punished as are they that have the evil road.[117](117/ "tree and pragmatics") As for the Spider-woman, she was already dead of shame; for she knew all that had been.[118](118/ "tree and pragmatics") \[90\] A jar of magic water, in which the chief conjuror is supposed to see all that is going on in the world.[119](119/ "tree and pragmatics") \[91\] Armed guards of the Medicine House.[120](120/ "tree and pragmatics") In a time it came that his father-in-law the Cacique died; and they made Sun-Arrow Cacique in his place.[121](121/ "tree and pragmatics") For many years he was so, bringing great good to his people; for he was very wise.[122](122/ "tree and pragmatics") As for the Bear, the Badger, and the Bluebird, they would never go to the medicine-men of their tribes to have their tails mended to grow again; for they were proud that they had suffered to help their friend.[123](123/ "tree and pragmatics") And to this very day they go with short tails, and are honored by all the animals, and by all True Believers.[124](124/ "tree and pragmatics") But Too-wháy-deh, the coward, he who would not hurt himself with pulling--he is a laughed-at to this day.[125](125/ "tree and pragmatics") For his ears cannot lie back, as is well for beasts, but always point straight forward, as Sun-Arrow pulled them.[126](126/ "tree and pragmatics") Any one who has ever seen the Coyote, or any other of the wolf or fox tribe, must have noticed the alert forward pricking of the ears.[127](127/ "tree and pragmatics") Among the Pueblos, any such peculiarity of nature--and particularly of animal life--is very sure to have a folk-story hung to it.[128](128/ "tree and pragmatics") It has always seemed to me that the boy who always wants to know “why?” has a better time of it among my Indian friends than anywhere else.[129](129/ "tree and pragmatics") For there is always sure to be a why, and an interesting one--which is much more satisfactory than only learning that “it’s bedtime now,” or that “I’m busy.”[130](130/ "tree and pragmatics") XXV[131](131/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [The Man Who Wouldn’t Keep Sunday](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77804/25/) - next →: [The Revenge of the Fawns](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77804/27/) - ↑ back to [The man who married the moon, and other Pueblo Indian folk-stories](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg77804/)