How Bears Got Their Claws
A long time ago in the beginning of time, all Bears were shy, loving creatures. The Iroquois, who lived in the northeastern part of the land that Tabaldac gave them, loved the Bears.
At that time the Iroquois natives would grow corn, beans, and squash to give to the Bears. These people were also great hunters and would bring rabbit, deer, and duck meat to the Bears. In return, the Bears would help them make bowls and cradle boards. The Iroquois loved the way the shy Bears made these things. Sometimes a family that lived in an important Longhouse would invite the shy Bears to come for dinner. Then the family would share with the Bears their secret for making cornmeal fifty different ways. Although the Bears were very timid and didn't say much, the Iroquois loved being with the Bears.
Then, one day an extremely shy Bear named Ecuba was walking through the forest. He suddenly heard the howl of a fox followed by the cry of a small porcupine. Ecuba ran in a circle to look for a place to hide. He suddenly stopped and thought. He knew it was wrong for the foxes to hunt the porcupine. Even though Ecuba had never meet a porcupine, he respected life. With all his strength and courage, he roared a tremendous roar!!! The foxes were so scared they almost dropped dead, but they didn't and ran away quickly.
Ecuba was now feeling better about himself and so he stepped forward towards the porcupine. They looked at each other for awhile until the porcupine said, "Thank you very much."
"You're welcome," the Bear replied.
Suddenly Tabaldac appeared and said "I am very impressed with your courage Ecuba and so, as a reward, I will give you some of these Porcupine quills to protect yourself." Tabaldac said this in a powerful voice. The porcupine didn't mind sharing his quills. Ecuba thanked both the porcupine and Tabaldac and continued on his way. So from than on, all bears would have claws just like the quills that Tabaldac gave Ecuba for his bravery in helping the porcupine.
by Marshall 5-M