Raven and Seagull

Raven and Seagull

Much of European folklore portrays the Raven as a dark entity, a creature associated with the Devil and a harbinger of death. Yet in Native American folklore, the Raven is seen as a creator and the one who delivered light to darkness such as in this tale, Raven and Seagull.

When the Great Spirit created all things he put them in separate boxes and gave them to the animals who came before humans. As the animals opened their gifts, the world’s creations were released such as wind, fire, mountains, water, and plants. However, the box of light was given to Seagull, who coveted his box and refused to open it. Thus in the beginning there was only darkness.

After pleading with Seagull to no avail, the other animals went to Raven, Seagull’s cousin, and asked if Raven would try to persuade Seagull to put an end to darkness. Raven tried everything: asking, begging, demanding, pleading, coaxing, and flattering. But nothing worked, and Raven grew angry at Seagull's refusal to release the light. Raven thought that it would deserve Seagull right if Seagull had a thorn stuck in Seagull’s foot. Of course, whatever Raven thinks, happens, and Seagull suddenly cried out in pain.

Seagull yelled that something was stuck in his foot. Raven, pretending he did not know what happened, offered to help. But when Raven reached for Seagull's foot, and found the thorn there, Raven did not pull it out, instead, Raven pushed it in. 
"Oh, I am sorry, Seagull, but I can't see what I am doing. If I only had a little bit of light." 
And so, Seagull lifted the lid of the box underneath his wing just a crack, to let out as little light as possible. The specks of light lifted into the heavens and Raven was the first to see the stars.

Once more, Raven reached for Seagull's foot and again pushed the thorn in deeper. The Seagull let out a sharp yelp. Raven said, "I'm sorry, but there is still not enough light. I can’t see what I am doing!" The Seagull lifted the lid a bit more, just enough to let out a round, pale light. It floated up to the sky and Raven was the first to see the Moon. 
Then Raven reached down for Seagull's foot one more time, and pushed the thorn in even deeper. The Seagull screamed in agony, both wings came flying up, and the box came crashing to the earth. The lid flew off and a great ball of fire blasted out. It rocketed up high into the sky, and even Raven could not look directly at the bright glare, that great light which is the Sun. And so it was then, that the first day came.