Week 12 Storytelling: Paradise Lost

The Snake River of western Wyoming provides a landscape that is unlike any other. Its flowing waters sparkle like diamonds in the sun and are a life source for all creatures that dwell nearby. Protected by a wall of majestic mountain tops, the vast green fields stretch as far as the eyes can see. It is here under the protection of the mountains that Chief Washakie lived happily with his people.

For centuries the Shoshone thrived alongside the river. Playing countless hours of games, enjoying plentiful harvests, and fostering many generations of chiefs, warriors, and princesses, this was their paradise. While legend of such a place had spread throughout the lands, the expansive white settlers were never able to find it. 

Snake River with the Tetons : Wiki Commons

However, one day two brothers were climbing the nearby mountains for sport when they noticed a settlement far off in the distance. Tightly compact and tall buildings, they thought it must have taken 1,000 trees to build such a camp. Confused, the brothers rushed back to their village to tell Washakie what they had seen. Upon hearing the news, Washakie warned his people about the white man, telling them that their paradise would surely be lost if they were to discover it.

From this day forward the Shoshone lived with this threat looming over their heads. No longer could they climb the mountains or burn the great bonfires. Nevertheless, Chief Washakie and his people enjoyed their lives under the protections of the mountains.

One day, Cullen Bohanan, a worker from the nearby settlement, went out hunting with this son. Catching the trail of an enormous big horn sheep, the pair climbed up the mountains protecting the Shoshone. Reaching the top of one of the smaller peaks, Bohanan looked out onto the Shoshone’s land and could not believe his eyes. Dumbfounded, he stood for hours taking in the beauty of what lay before him. Although he went home hungry, he raced straight to the mayor’s office to tell him of his exciting discovery.

Upon hearing the news, the townspeople all agreed that they must make this amazing place their home. After all, while their current home was one of the biggest settlements for miles around, the ground was dry and the crops were bland, making life there less than ideal.

All the men in town quickly saddled up their horses and, rifle in hand, raced towards the Snake River.

Now, since the discovery of the settlement, Washakie has ordered that a scout be situated atop of the mountains to keep an eye on their neighbors. Rabbit Foot, the fastest of the Shoshone people, happened to be on watch this day but was exhausted from the races that took place the day before so he was dozing off. Awoken by the sound of gun fire and the excited cries of the approaching posse, Rabbit Foot raced back to his village faster than his legs had ever carried him before, for he knew exactly what this meant.

Panic arose throughout the village once everybody had learned of the news. Looking for advice from their great leader, everyone turned to Washakie. Known for his bravery and compassion, the chief quickly organized a plan that would see his people to safety. With certain death and destruction quickly approaching, Washakie ordered all of his people into canoes, bringing with them all of the food and supplies they could carry.

Now, the food and supplies took up so much space that the people had already cast off before realizing they were without their chief. Fully aware of the situation, this was always a part of Washakie’s plan. Stranded in his village with no food, weapons, or supplies, the great chief had sacrificed himself in order to protect his people.

When the posse arrived, there stood one man fighting for the protection of the lands. With whispers of confusion among the men, the mayor asked Washakie why he remained when he knew this would lead to his death. To which Washakie replied, “Oh poor stranger, they lived with me in this valley. I am their chief, guide, and father, and I loved them. I do not suffer in leaving this world for I have gained my people’s freedom. And if my death may be a lesson to you, than I am more than happy. It is not your spear that makes you king; it is love alone.” 

Chief Washakie: Wiki Commons 

Hearing this brought shame to the posse. The men returned to their settlement in honor of the great Washakie, only returning to the Snake River for harmonious trade and leisure alongside the Shoshone people.

Author’s Note. This is a story from based on an episode of the the Jataka Tales titled The Monkey-Bridge. I liked this story because it highlights the difference between a leader and a ruler. I had read this at some point earlier in the semester but chose a different reading, so I am glad that I stumbled across it again. The story involves monkeys living in a mango tree up river from a town. They know their fruit is the best thing around so they try and prevent any of it from falling in the river, knowing this would lead to their demise. Inevitably it does, and the chief of the monkeys forms a bridge with his body allowing his subjects to flee. I chose the Native American theme because I think that this is something that the Native Americans experienced quite a bit with the early westward expansion of European settlers. Particularly, I chose Chief Washakie because he remains one of the most revered Shoshone chiefs. A fierce warrior, clever diplomat, and great leader, Washakie lead his people through the intrusion of the white man while also helping them along the way in certain instances. Because of his great qualities, he was one of the only chiefs to actually chose the lands where his people were forced to relocate.

Bibliography. 

Title: Twenty Jataka Tales
Author: Noor Inayat (Khan)
Illustrator: H. Willebeek Le Mair
Year: 1939
Link: Twenty Jataka Tales