by Dawn R. Cole

Created on: December 21, 2009

LAKOTA LEGENDS: THE BUFFALO AND THE FIELD MOUSE

For thousands of years, Native Americans have passed down legends in the oral tradition. Their stories were a vital educational tool for younger generations that imparted knowledge of the past, taught valuable life lessons for the future and, provided entertainment.  Though these stories were being told long before the Europeans landed in the New World, many have striking similarities to the values and teachings in the Christian Bible.

In the Lakota legend of "The Buffalo and the Field Mouse", pride and selfishness are viewed negatively, just like in Bible teachings.  The basic characters and story are different, but the warning message and resulting repercussions from engaging in these behaviors, are the same.  (As with many Native American stories, there is no reference as to the exact origin or original storyteller for this tale.)  

Here is a paraphrased recount of the Lakota legend,
"The Buffalo and the Field Mouse":

A field Mouse was out in a meadow, gathering food for winter, when a Buffalo came down to graze.  The Mouse did not like the Buffalo's intrusion because his grazing would destroy the tall grasses that the Mouse used for hiding.  The little Mouse decided to battle the Buffalo.

"Hey, Buffalo, I am challenging you to a fight!" he announced in his squeaky little voice.

The Buffalo continued grazing, not paying any attention to the Mouse.  The little Mouse announced his challenge again, but the Buffalo just kept chomping on the grasses.  The Mouse continued his tirade and began laughing in contempt.
The Buffalo finally lifted his head and spoke.

"Quiet down and keep still or I will come over there and step on you with my hooves and there will be nothing left!"

"I don't believe you will do it!" the Mouse taunted.

"If you choose to continue bothering me, I will put an end to you!" the Buffalo insisted, angrily.

"I dare you to try!" the Mouse said, in a provocative manner.

The Buffalo had had enough and rushed towards the Mouse's voice.  His hooves tore up the earth and trampled the grasses.  Once he had reached the area where the Mouse had stood, he looked around, but did not see the Mouse anywhere. 

"I warned you that if I stepped on you there would be nothing left!" he shouted.

Suddenly, the Buffalo felt a scratching in his right ear.  He began to shake his head and twitch his ears but could not rid himself of the gnawing that kept going

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>