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The Iroquois people have what they call the three sisters, the sustainers
of life. These sisters are call corn, beans, and squash. The corn Spirit
so thrilled at being one of the sustainers of life that she asked the
Creator what more she could do for her people. The Creator said that a
beautiful doll could be formed from her husks. So the Creator set to work
forming the doll. When finished he gave the doll a beautiful face, and sent it to the children of the Iroquois
people to play with, and to make them happy. The doll went from village
to village playing with the children and doing whatever she could for
the children. Everywhere she went everyone would tell her how beautiful
she was, so after a while she became vain. The Creator spoke to her and
explained that this was not the right kind of behavior, and she agreed
not to be this way anymore. The Creator explained that if she continued
with this behavior, then he would have to punish her, but he would not
tell her how he would punish her. She agreed not to act this way anymore,
and things went on as before. One afternoon she was walking by a creek
and glanced into the water. As she admired herself, she couldn't help
think how beautiful she was, because indeed, she was beautiful. At this
time the Creator sent a giant screech owl out of the sky and it ed her
reflection from the water. When she looked again, she had no reflection.
This was the punishment the Creator put upon her. When an Iroquois mother
gives a doll to her child, she tells them this legend. It is wrong to
think they are better than any else, and that the Creator has given a
special gift to everyone.
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