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How Bear Lost His Tail

© retold by Mary Alward

An Iroquois Legend

Long ago, Bear had a tail. It was his proudest possession. It was long and black. Bear used to wave it around so people would look at it. Fox saw this and was jealous. As everyone knows, Fox is sly and likes fooling others. So, he decided to play a trick on Bear.

It was the time of year when Hatho, the Spirit of Frost, was sweeping the land. Hatho covered the lakes and streams with a coating of ice. Fox, the sly creature that he was, made a hole in the ice near where Bear liked to walk. When Bear came by, Fox was sitting on the ice surrounded by fat trout and big perch.

Bear's favorite meal was fish. He wondered how Fox had been able to catch so many. Just as he was about to ask, Fox twitched his tail, which had been sticking into the hole in the ice, and pulled out a big fish.

"Greetings Bear," said Fox. "How are you this fine day?"

"I am well, Fox," Bear replied, his mouth watering as he looked at the pile of fish. "What are you doing?"

"I am fishing," Fox answered. "Would you like to try?"

"Oh yes," Bear said. He lumbered toward the hole in the ice.

"Wait," said Fox. "This place will not be good. I have already caught all the fish. You should make a new fishing hole near the shore."

Fox knew the water was shallow near the shore. Bear would not catch any fish there. Fish always stayed in the deepest water when Hatho has covered the lakes and streams.

Bear watched as Fox made a hole near the shore. He could already taste the delicious fish he was going to catch.

"Now," said Fox, "you must do exactly like I tell you. Clear your mind of all thoughts of fish. Do not even think of a song, or the fish will hear you and won't bite. Turn your back to the hole and drop your tail through the ice. Soon, a fish will bite on your tail and you will pull him out of the water."

"But how will I know when a fish has grabbed my tail?" Bear asked.

"I will hide nearby where the fish cannot see me. When a fish grabs your tail, I will shout. When you hear me, pull your tail out of the water as hard and fast as you can. You will have to be very patient. Do not move until I tell you."

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