Now with much of journeying the people came to grow weary with always seeking for the Middle all together, along a single way, insomuch that increasingly they murmured whenever they were summoned and were forced to leave their homes and accustomed ranging-places. And so they fell to devising among themselves until at last it seemed good to them to send messengers forth in one direction and another, the sooner to feel out the better way, and find signs of the Middle, just as, by dividing, a company of hunters the sooner finds traces of their quarry.

   Now there was a priest of the people named tKâ'wimosa (of the Kâ'kâ master-maker or source), thus named because it was he who was to establish, without his knowledge, the most potent and good sacred dance (mythdrama or Kâ'kâ) as happened in this way:

   He had four sons (some say more) and a daughter. And this eldest son was named K'yäk'la, which signifies, it is said, "Whensoever," for he was wiser of words and the understanding of words than all others, having listened to the councils of men with all beings, since the inner beginning! So when it was asked who of the precious ones (children of priest-fathers and priest-moters) should journey northward, seeking to learn the distance to the great embracing waters that the Middle might be the better surmised; nor did the Twins offer any advice, just as we offer no advice to little children weary of a way that must, weary or not, be accomplished! When this was asked, Kâ'wimosa, the priest, remembered his wise eldest son and said, "Here he is!" Thus K`yäk'lu was summoned and made ready with sacrifice presentations from all the priests to all the surpassing-ones for the great journey; and he departed.

   The people waited for a long time. But at last it was said, "Our K'yäk'lu is lost! For he was wise of words but not wise of Ways!"

   And the fathers, mourning, again called a council. Again, when it was inquired, Kâ'wimosa the priest again searched his memory and cried, "Here!" and again were made ready and sent forth messengers, this time southward, the next younger brothers of K'yäk'lu (Ánahoátchi); for, the father said, they will guide one another if you send both of them. And of these, also, much is told in other talks of our ancient speech; but then, they too, lingered by the way.

   Once more a council was called, aud again, when it was inquired, Kâ'wimosa cried, "Here!" and this time the yonngest son,who was named Síweluhsiwa, because he was a long-haired youth of great beauty; and the daughter, who was named Síwiluhsitsa' beeause she was a long-tressed maiden of beautiful person; they also were summmoned and made ready and sent eastward.





©1996, Richard Hooker

For information contact: Richard Hines
Updated 6-6-1999