Myths and Legends of the Great Plains

<p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg&nbsp;74]</SPAN></span></p> <h2>THE BIRD CHIEF</h2> <p class="subtitle">Omaha</p> <p><span class="dropcap">A</span>ll the birds were called together. To them was said, &ldquo;Whichever one of you can fly farthest into the sky shall be chief.&rdquo;</p> <p>All the birds flew to a great height. But Wren got under the thick feathers of Eagle and sat there as Eagle flew. When all the birds became wing-tired, they flew down again; but Eagle flew still higher. When Eagle had gone as far as he could, Wren flew still higher.</p> <p>When all the birds reached the ground, Eagle alone returned, after a great while. Behold! Wren only was absent. So they awaited him. At last he returned. Eagle had too highly been thinking of himself, being sure of being made chief; and behold! Wren was made chief.</p> <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />