Contemporary American Indian Storytelling: An Outsider's Perspective

Abstract

After all the animals were on the ark, Noah called them together for a council. The water around the ark began to rise. Noah stood before the horses, dogs, owls, snakes, buffalo, and butterflies, and said, "We have a long voyage ahead of us. The rain will keep falling and we will be on the water for many days. As you all can see, the ark is very cramped. There is only enough room and food for those who are already here, so the one rule is that there shall be no sex. We cannot support one more animal." At this, many of the animals squirmed a little, but none spoke out against the rule. The next morning Owl came to Noah's quarters and knocked on his door. Noah called him in. With a slight grimace, Owl informed Noah that the dogs had sex last night. "I'll have a talk with them, Owl," said Noah. So Noah went to the back of the ark and found the dogs. They were sleeping soundly, cuddled against one another. After waking them, Noah said, "You dogs had sex last night, when I strictly forbade it. There is no room or food for any more of us, and so you must not have sex." The dogs' eyes were downcast. "Is that clear?" asked Noah. "Oh yes, oh yes," answered the dogs. But the next morning Owl again came to Noah's room and informed him the dogs again had sex. So Noah spoke to them, saying that this was the second warning and the next time there would be consequences. Once more the dogs apologized. The next morning, however, Owl was at Noah's door, and he again informed Noah that the dogs had sex last night. Noah called a council and all the animals attended. Noah stood before them, frowning, as he began to speak. "I have warned the dogs twice not to have sex. This has been the only rule, because we only have enough food for those of us who are already here. You two dogs,