• 

Raven & Flounder

Raven and Flounder

Long time back, Raven was the best marksman in the whole world. Everyone would gather around him at all the Potlatches. Flounder thought that he would trick him, so he challenged Raven. Flounder said, “Hey Raven, I will give you three tries to shoot me.” Raven looked at Founder and thought to himself, not a problem.

So Flounder (being a flat fish) stretched his wings out really wide, and just as Raven released the arrow Flounder turned sideways, clean miss. Raven couldn’t believe his eyes. Raven did this two more times and so did Flounder, “clean miss, each time!” Flounder received all the gifts, because he was able to trick Raven.

Now, Raven lost face and was embarrassed and hung his head and started walking away when Blue jay approached him and gave him the same challenge, “three shots”! So Blue jay threw a big Potlatch and everyone brought him gifts. As soon as the doings got started Blue jay told Raven, “I will give you three shots”. Raven didn’t have any confidence anymore, but he took the challenge. Just as Raven went to release the arrow, Blue jay (being a plump bird) turned sideways and the arrow hit him in the hip and that is why Blue jay hops! Now Raven is still the best shot once again!

This story was told to Andy & Ruth Wilbur-Peterson by Andy’s great-uncle Jim Byrd in the 70’s.