How Fawn Got Its Spots



When our Earth was young and new, many things were not as they are today. As the Creator, Wakan Tanka, walked around on Earth, He noticed things that needed to be changed. Then, He made the changes as He saw fit.


He thought about how He had changed the Birds and the Four-Legged ones so that they could survive. He thought, "I have given Mountain Lion sharp claws and Grizzly Bear great strength. It is easy now for them to survive. I have given Wolf sharp teeth and Coyote, his Brother, quick wits. It is now much easier for them to survive. I have given Beaver a flat tail and webbed feet to swim beneath the water, and teeth that can cut down the Trees. I have given the Porcupine quills to protect himself from the others. Now it is easier for them to survive. I have given Birds their feathers and the ability to fly in order to escape their enemies. I have given Deer and Rabbit great speed so that it will be hard for their enemies to catch them. Now it is much easier for them to survive."


As He walked, a mother Deer walked up to Wakan Tanka. She brought her new, wobbly fawn to show to the Creator.


"Great One," she said, "It is true that You have given great gifts to the Winged Ones and to the Four-Legged Ones. Now it is easy for them to survive. You gave me great speed, and this speed is now my protection. But what of my young one here? She does not yet have speed, and it is easy for her enemies, with their sharp teeth and claws, to catch her. If my children do not survive, then how will my people live?"


Now, Wakan Tanka had great love and compassion in His heart. He loved all of the creatures which He had made, and He wanted them to have a fair chance at Life. "Wica yaka pelo!" said Wakan Tanka. "You have spoken truly, and you are right. Have your little one come here and I will help her."


Wakan Tanka then made paint from the Earth and from the Plants. He painted spots upon the Fawn's body so that she could not be seen when she was close to the ground. Then, Wakan Tanka breathed His breath upon Fawn, which took away her scent.


The Great One said to Deer, "Now your little ones will always be safe if they only remain still when they are away from your side. None of your enemies will be able to see your little ones or be able to catch their scent. That will be their defense."


And that is how it has been ever since. Until a Deer becomes big enough to have speed and strength, it is covered with spots that blend in with the Earth and its natural surroundings. It has no scent and it remains very still and close to Earth. When strength and speed are acquired, it loses those spots.


Dakota Sioux (Plains) Story