The oral traditions of Native American tribes are rich with stories that explain the world around them, impart moral lessons, and entertain audiences across generations. One such tale, originating from the Omaha people, features the wily Rabbit and the unsuspecting Turkeys. This Rabbits and Turkeys Omaha Legend is a fascinating glimpse into the storytelling heritage of the tribe, offering insights into their understanding of animal characteristics and the consequences of both trickery and disobedience.
This particular narrative, passed down through generations, recounts an encounter between Rabbit, a figure often depicted as a clever trickster in Native American folklore, and a group of wild Turkeys. The story begins with Rabbit traveling, his destination unknown, until he stumbles upon a gathering of these large, feathered birds. Immediately, an idea sparks in Rabbit’s mind, a scheme that promises a bountiful reward for his cunning.
Approaching the Turkeys, Rabbit proposes a seemingly innocent and enticing proposition. He offers to sing dancing songs for them, a suggestion that piques the Turkeys’ interest. Intrigued by the prospect of entertainment, the Turkeys readily agree, eager to witness Rabbit’s musical talents and engage in a lively dance. "Oho! Rabbit will sing dancing songs for us!" they exclaim, their anticipation evident.
Rabbit, seizing the opportunity, lays down the rules of the game. He instructs the Turkeys that as he sings, the larger birds must circle around him. However, there’s a crucial caveat: they must keep their eyes closed. Rabbit warns them that should any of them open their eyes, their eyes will be forever marked with redness. This seemingly arbitrary condition sets the stage for Rabbit’s deception.
With the rules established, Rabbit commences his performance. His song, though short and simple, carries a hidden purpose:
Alas for the gazer!
Eyes red! Eyes red!
Spread out your tails!
Spread out your tails!
As the Turkeys, obediently circling with their eyes tightly shut, come within reach, Rabbit puts his plan into action. He swiftly grabs the unsuspecting Turkeys, one by one, and stuffs them into his bag. The repetitive nature of the song and the circling motion lull the Turkeys into a false sense of security, making them easy prey for Rabbit’s trickery.
However, Rabbit’s scheme is not without its risks. While he’s busy capturing the Turkeys, one of them momentarily opens his eyes. The truth dawns upon him: Rabbit is not entertaining them; he’s capturing them! The startled Turkey cries out, "Why! He has captured nearly all of us large ones!"
The alarm is raised, and the remaining Turkeys, realizing the deception, immediately take flight. With a loud whirring of wings, they escape Rabbit’s clutches, leaving him with only the Turkeys already secured in his bag.
Despite the partial failure of his plan, Rabbit still manages to secure a significant prize. He carries the bag, heavy with captured Turkeys, back to his grandmother’s lodge. Upon arriving, he instructs his grandmother to guard the bag carefully and, most importantly, not to look inside. He claims to have carried it on his back and expresses his desire for her to protect its contents. He then leaves to gather spits for roasting the Turkeys, anticipating a delicious feast.
Left alone, the grandmother’s curiosity gets the better of her. She wonders what her grandson could have possibly brought home on his back that requires such secrecy. Unable to resist the temptation, she unties the bag and peers inside.
As soon as the bag is opened, the remaining Turkeys burst forth, their wings beating against the walls of the grass lodge in a desperate attempt to escape. They fly out through the smoke hole, scattering in all directions. The old woman, startled by the sudden commotion, manages to kill only one Turkey in her attempt to recapture them.
When Rabbit returns, he finds his grandmother distraught. She informs him, "Oh I have inflicted a severe injury on my grandchild."
Rabbit, feigning disappointment, responds, "Really? Grandmother, I told you not to look at it." He understands that his grandmother’s disobedience has thwarted his plans for a grand feast.
The story concludes with a simple explanation for a physical characteristic of Turkeys: "But that is why Turkeys have red eyes." This serves as a reminder of the Rabbits and Turkeys Omaha Legend, a direct consequence of the one Turkey opening its eyes during Rabbit’s deceptive dance.
This Rabbits and Turkeys Omaha Legend offers several layers of interpretation. On one level, it’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and trickery. Rabbit’s desire for a large meal leads him to deceive the Turkeys, ultimately resulting in a diminished reward. On another level, it highlights the importance of obedience and listening to instructions. The grandmother’s curiosity and subsequent disobedience lead to the escape of the Turkeys, costing Rabbit a significant portion of his prize.
Furthermore, the story can be seen as an explanation for the natural world, providing a narrative origin for the red eyes of Turkeys. This type of etiological tale is common in many cultures, offering explanations for the characteristics and behaviors of animals, plants, and natural phenomena. The Rabbits and Turkeys Omaha Legend, therefore, serves not only as entertainment but also as a means of understanding and interpreting the world. It is a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving cultural knowledge and values across generations. The narrative highlights the importance of trust, the consequences of deception, and the enduring connection between humans and the natural world.