"Unktomi and the Bad Songs" is a captivating tale originating from the rich oral traditions of the Dakota Sioux people. It features Unktomi, a complex and often mischievous figure, who embodies the trickster archetype found in many indigenous cultures. This story, passed down through generations, not only entertains but also offers valuable insights into Dakota Sioux beliefs, values, and worldview. The narrative structure, the character of Unktomi, and the moral undertones all contribute to its enduring appeal.
The story unfolds along the banks of a serene lake, a setting teeming with life and the promise of sustenance. Ducks, geese, and swans gracefully glide across the water, their presence a testament to the abundance of the natural world. It is here that Unktomi makes his entrance, his intentions initially concealed behind a facade of innocuousness. He is depicted observing the waterfowl, his mind already plotting a scheme that will exploit their trust and naivete.
To set his plan in motion, Unktomi employs a clever ruse. He retreats from sight and gathers a bundle of grass, carefully binding it together. This seemingly insignificant object becomes a prop in his elaborate charade, a symbol of the "bad songs" he intends to use as bait. With the bundle secured on his back, he reappears by the lakeside, ready to engage his unsuspecting audience.
The waterfowl, curious and perhaps a little bored, approach Unktomi. Their innocent question, "Unktomi, what are you carrying?" sets the stage for his deception. With a sly grin, he reveals his cargo: "These are bad songs I am carrying." The declaration is a masterstroke of reverse psychology, piquing their interest and planting the seed of desire to hear these forbidden melodies.
Despite Unktomi’s feigned reluctance, the ducks, geese, and swans persist in their request. "Unktomi, sing for us," they implore, their curiosity outweighing their caution. Unktomi, playing his part to perfection, initially demurs, emphasizing the undesirable nature of the songs. However, he eventually relents, but only under specific conditions.
He instructs the waterfowl to construct a grass lodge, a communal space where they can gather and listen to his performance. They eagerly comply, working together to build a large enclosure that will house their collective anticipation. Once the lodge is complete, Unktomi lays down the rules: "Now, let all the ducks, geese, and swans gather inside the lodge and I will sing for you. If I sing for you, no one must look, for that is the meaning of the song."
This seemingly arbitrary condition is the key to Unktomi’s plan. By forbidding them from opening their eyes, he creates an environment of vulnerability and trust, allowing him to carry out his nefarious scheme without being detected. The waterfowl, blinded by their desire to hear the "bad songs," readily agree to his terms.
As the ducks, geese, and swans huddle inside the grass lodge, their eyes tightly shut, Unktomi begins his performance. His song, a simple rhyme with a deceptive message, reinforces the importance of keeping their eyes closed:
"Dance with your eyes shut;
If you open your eyes
Your eyes shall be red!
Your eyes shall be red!"
The waterfowl, obediently following his instructions, begin to dance, their movements clumsy and uncoordinated in their blindness. Unktomi then interjects another verse, a seemingly nonsensical phrase that further lulls them into a state of complacency:
"I even, even I
Follow in my own;
I even, even I,
Follow in my own."
Under the cover of darkness and the rhythm of the dance, Unktomi’s true intentions are revealed. He begins to twist off the necks of the fattest geese, ducks, and swans, silently dispatching them one by one. His actions are a stark contrast to the innocent merriment of the dance, highlighting his deceitful nature.
However, Unktomi’s scheme is not flawless. When he attempts to kill a large swan, his efforts are met with resistance. The swan squawks loudly, alerting a small duck named Skiska. Skiska, peering through partially opened eyes, witnesses Unktomi’s treachery and raises the alarm:
"Look ye, look ye!
Unktomi will destroy us all.
Look ye, look ye!"
The jig is up. The waterfowl, realizing they have been duped, open their eyes and erupt in a frenzy of panic. They surge towards the exit, desperate to escape Unktomi’s grasp. Unktomi, caught off guard, attempts to block their path, but he is quickly overwhelmed. The birds, using their feet and wings as weapons, attack him with a vengeance, knocking him to the ground and leaving him for dead.
Unktomi, though battered and bruised, eventually recovers. He surveys the scene, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and frustration. The wood duck, who was the first to open his eyes, is said to have been marked with red eyes as a consequence of his actions, a permanent reminder of the encounter.
Despite his setback, Unktomi is not one to give up easily. He gathers the ducks, geese, and swans he managed to kill and carries them on his back, determined to salvage something from his failed scheme. He travels along the river until he finds a suitable spot to prepare his meal.
He builds a fire and places a kettle filled with the waterfowl on top, intending to boil them for a feast. As he waits for the water to heat, he lies down on the riverbank and falls asleep, entrusting his familiar spirit, Mionze, with the task of waking him if anyone approaches.
However, Unktomi’s luck continues to elude him. A mink, paddling along the river, discovers Unktomi asleep near the boiling kettle. Seizing the opportunity, the mink sneaks ashore and devours all the cooked meat, leaving only the bones in the kettle.
When Unktomi awakens, he is oblivious to the mink’s intrusion. Assuming his meal is ready, he removes the kettle from the fire and discovers the grim truth: only bones remain. His anger and disappointment are palpable as he realizes he has been tricked once again.
This narrative, "Unktomi and the Bad Songs," exemplifies the trickster tales common in many indigenous cultures, where the protagonist, often amoral, uses cunning to achieve his goals. "Unktomi and the Bad Songs" is a morality tale, cautioning against blind trust and the dangers of succumbing to temptation. While entertaining, "Unktomi and the Bad Songs" also offers a valuable lesson in critical thinking and the importance of questioning authority.
The story of "Unktomi and the Bad Songs" serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that it is essential to be wary of those who offer easy solutions or promise instant gratification. It underscores the importance of independent thought, critical analysis, and a healthy dose of skepticism in navigating the complexities of life. The Dakota Sioux people use stories such as "Unktomi and the Bad Songs" to pass down values to younger generations.
Ultimately, "Unktomi and the Bad Songs" is a testament to the power of storytelling as a means of preserving cultural heritage, transmitting moral values, and entertaining audiences across generations. It is a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant, questioning assumptions, and learning from the mistakes of others, as well as the ever-present possibility of being outsmarted, even by a trickster as cunning as Unktomi.