One day, a torrential rain came to the earth, filling
the rivers and oceans without pause. Soon, the waters rose over the sands,
the grasses and the trees, until finally all the people were left stranded
atop a large rock. The Chief rose his voice to the Great Spirit in a plea
for his people, and said "Great Spirit, please help my people survive
this flood. In return for your help, I will sacrifice my only daughter,
the beautiful Princess Tamal." The Great Spirit replied "I have heard your
plea and accept your offering, and will send Beaver and Seal to aid your
people." Soon, the people saw two great animals approaching
them over the endless expanse of sea. As the animals grew nearer their massive
size became apparent, until at last they were as two islands upon which
all the people climbed for safety. Beaver and Seal carried the people for
many days before the water finally receded, when they deposited the people
back at their villages, and went to rest in the Bay to become "Alcatraz"
and "Yerba Buena" Islands. Once home the people thanked the Great Spirit with
many ceremonies. The Great Spirit, seeing the love of these people, spoke
again, saying, "I will give you Princess Tamal's body to protect you
from the great waters and so you will always remember her sacrifice." A great mountain then grew up where before was
only the rock, and it grew to expose finally the outline of the beautiful
Princess, sleeping between Ocean and Bay, protecting the people forever
more. |
The
Natives of San Francisco
