The Makah people, a tribe indigenous to the northwesternmost point of Washington State, possess a rich tapestry of oral traditions that explain their origins and the formation of the world around them. Central to these narratives is the concept of transformation, embodied not in a single creator figure, but by two powerful beings known as the Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things. This narrative, also shared by their linguistic relatives across the Strait of Juan de Fuca on Vancouver Island, provides insight into the Makah worldview, their deep connection to the natural world, and the origins of the creatures and plants that sustain their way of life. The Makah Creation Legend serves as a foundational story, shaping their understanding of the cosmos and their place within it.
In the mists of time, before the dawn of humanity, the earth existed in a primordial state. It was a landscape sparsely populated by grasses and sands, inhabited by beings that were neither fully animal nor fully human, existing in a liminal space between the two. The world was incomplete, awaiting the touch of transformative power to bring it into its final form. This was the stage upon which the Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things were destined to arrive, carrying with them the potential for a new order.
These two brothers, descended from the Sun and the Moon, were known by the name Ho-ho-e-ap-bess, which translates directly to "The Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things." Their purpose was clear: to prepare the earth for the arrival of the Indian people, the ancestors of the Makah. They possessed the power to mold and shape the existing creatures, transforming them into the diverse array of animals, birds, and plants that would populate the world and provide sustenance and resources for the coming generations. This act of transformation was not arbitrary, but rather a careful calibration, assigning each being a role and purpose within the newly formed ecosystem.
The Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things began their work by summoning all the existing creatures before them. Each creature was assessed, its characteristics and behaviors carefully considered before its transformation was enacted. The transformations were often imbued with a sense of justice, punishing negative traits and rewarding positive ones, ultimately shaping the moral landscape of the new world. These transformations were not merely physical; they were also symbolic, imbuing each creature with a new identity and purpose within the grand scheme of creation.
One notable transformation involved a creature known for its thievery. This being, constantly stealing food from the fishermen and hunters, was deemed unfit for the new world. The Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things, in their wisdom, transformed him into the Seal. His arms were shortened, his legs bound together, allowing only his feet to propel him through the water. He was then cast into the ocean with a stern warning: "Now you will have to catch your own fish if you are to have anything to eat." This transformation served as a powerful lesson, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and the consequences of dishonesty. The Seal, once a thief, was now forced to earn his sustenance through his own efforts, forever bound to the ocean and its bounty.
In stark contrast to the thief, another creature was known for his exceptional fishing skills. He was a constant presence on the rocks and in the shallows, his long fishing spear always at the ready. He wore a distinctive white cape draped over his shoulders. The Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things recognized his diligence and transformed him into the Great Blue Heron. The white cape became the elegant white feathers around the Heron’s neck, and the fishing spear transformed into the bird’s long, pointed bill, perfectly adapted for spearing fish. This transformation celebrated the virtues of skill and perseverance, turning a successful fisherman into a graceful symbol of the natural world.
Another creature, possessing both fishing skills and a penchant for theft, met with a unique transformation. This being had stolen a necklace of shells, a prized possession. The Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things transformed him into the Kingfisher. The stolen necklace was transformed into a ring of feathers around the Kingfisher’s neck, a constant reminder of his past transgression. Yet, his fishing abilities were not entirely negated. He retained his instinct for catching fish, diving headfirst into the water with a characteristic splash, forever bound to his dual nature as both fisherman and former thief. The Kingfisher serves as a reminder that even those with flaws can find their place in the world, albeit with a constant reminder of their past actions.
Two creatures, notorious for their insatiable appetites, were transformed into the Raven and the Crow. These beings devoured everything in their path, leaving little for others. The Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things recognized the need to control their boundless hunger and transformed one into the Raven and the other into the Crow, wife of the Raven. Both were gifted with strong beaks, enabling them to tear apart their food. The Raven’s distinctive croak, "Cr-r-ruck!" and the Crow’s loud response, "Cah! Cah!" became permanent sounds of the landscape, a constant reminder of their former gluttony. This transformation highlights the importance of moderation and the consequences of unchecked greed.
The Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things also considered the needs of the future people. They summoned Bluejay’s son and presented him with a choice: "Which do you wish to be – a bird or a fish?" The young creature, unwilling to commit to either option, replied, "I don’t want to be either." The Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things, respecting his decision, transformed him into the Mink. He was granted the ability to live on land and to catch fish from the water or scavenge along the shore, allowing him to occupy a unique niche in the ecosystem. This transformation emphasizes the importance of individual choice and the ability to forge one’s own path.
Recognizing the vital role of wood in the lives of the future people, the Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things turned their attention to the plant kingdom. They understood that the Indians would need wood for various purposes, from crafting bows and wedges to building canoes and providing fuel. This section of the Makah Creation Legend highlights the deep connection between the people and the forest, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management and respect for the natural world.
They called one creature before them and declared, "The Indians will want tough wood to make bows with. They will want tough wood to make wedges with, so that they can split logs. You are tough and strong. We will change you into the yew tree." The Yew tree, known for its strength and resilience, became a vital resource for crafting essential tools.
They then summoned some smaller creatures and said, "The new people will need many slender, straight shoots for arrows. You will be the arrowwood. You will be white with many blossoms in early summer." The Arrowwood, providing the raw materials for hunting and warfare, became another essential element of the landscape.
A big, fat creature was called forth, and the Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things declared, "The Indians will need big trunks with soft wood so that they can make canoes. You will be the cedar trees. The Indians will make many things from your bark and from your roots." The Cedar tree, with its versatile wood and bark, became a cornerstone of Makah culture, providing materials for shelter, transportation, and countless other necessities. The Makah Creation Legend shows that these transformations were carefully considered to meet the needs of the coming people.
Recognizing the need for fuel, the Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things summoned an old creature and said, "You are old, and your heart is dry. You will make good kindling, for your grease has turned hard and will make pitch. You will be the spruce tree. When you grow old, you will always make dry wood that will be good for fires." The Spruce tree, providing warmth and light, became an essential element for survival.
To another creature, they said, "You shall be the hemlock. Your bark will be good for tanning hides. Your branches will be used in the sweat lodges." The Hemlock, with its medicinal properties and practical uses, became another valuable resource for the people.
A creature with a cross temper was transformed into a crab apple tree, with the pronouncement, "You shall always bear sour fruit." The Crab Apple tree, a constant reminder of the consequences of negativity, served as a cautionary tale.
Another creature was transformed into the wild cherry tree, so that the new people would have fruit and could use the cherry bark for medicine. The Wild Cherry tree, providing sustenance and healing, became a symbol of the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world.
Finally, a thin, tough creature was transformed into the alder tree, so that the new people would have hard wood for their canoe paddles. The Alder tree, providing the means for navigating the waters, became an essential tool for transportation and fishing.
Thus, the Two-Men-Who-Changed-Things completed their work, preparing the world for the arrival of the new people. They shaped the landscape, transforming creatures and plants into their final forms, creating a world as it was when the Indians lived in it. The Makah Creation Legend is a powerful testament to the transformative power of creation, the importance of balance and justice, and the deep connection between the Makah people and the natural world. This legend continues to be a vital part of Makah cultural identity, passed down through generations, reminding them of their origins and their responsibility to care for the land and its resources.