In the beginning, there was no fire,
and the world was cold. The Thunders sent their lighting, and put fire into the bottom of
a hollow sycamore tree, which grew on an island. The animals knew it was there, but
couldn’t get to it because of the water, so they held a council to decide what to do.
Birds, snakes, and the four footed animals all had
some excuse for not going. They were afraid to venture near the burning sycamore.
The Water Spider said that she would go. She can run
atop the water or dive to the bottom, so getting to the island would be no trouble. The
question was, how would she bring back the fire? "I’ll manage that," said
the Water Spider. She spun a thread from her body and wove it into a bowl, which she
fastened on her back. Then she crossed over to the island and through the grass to where
the fire was still burning. She put one little coal of fire into her bowl, and came back
with it. Ever since, we have had fire, and the Water Spider still keeps her bowl.
