
Retold By Zitkala-Sa - ITKALA-SA.
OLD INDIAN LEGENDS
IKTOMI AND THE DUCKS
IKTOMI'S BLANKET
IKTOMI AND THE MUSKRAT
IKTOMI AND THE COYOTE
IKTOMI AND THE FAWN
THE BADGER AND THE BEAR
THE TREE-BOUND
SHOOTING OF THE RED EAGLE
These timeless tales echo across the Great Plains, preserving the voices of the Dakota and other peoples who first whispered them around campfires. Each legend is rendered in clear, lyrical narration that brings the rustle of prairie grass and the sparkle of beadwork to life. Listeners will feel the rhythm of ancient drums and the subtle humor woven into every character.
The opening story follows Iktomi, a clever but boastful spider‑fairy who roams the plains in a fringe‑trimmed coat, always seeking a shortcut or a trick. When he encounters a circle of dancing ducks, his curiosity and vanity lead him to share a mysterious bundle of songs, turning a simple encounter into a lively lesson about pride and community. As the melody rises and falls, the tale gently reminds us that cleverness without kindness can leave a wanderer alone, while true sharing builds connections.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (97K characters)
Release date
2008-07-05
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1876–1938
A fierce, original voice in American literature, she turned personal experience into stories and essays that challenged the violence of forced assimilation. Her work as a writer, musician, and activist helped push Native rights and Native cultural survival into the national conversation.
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