The Singing Scoutmaster: Raven Steals the Sun

Long ago, before the world had light, everything was shrouded in darkness. The people and animals stumbled around blindly, unable to see the land around them. There was no sun, no moon, and no stars to guide them. The world was a cold, shadowy place, filled with confusion and fear. Raven, the clever trickster and shape-shifter, watched the people struggle and decided that this wouldn't do. He knew that somewhere, hidden away, there must be light. He couldn't bear to see the world remain in darkness forever.

After much searching and scheming, Raven discovered that the great chief of the sky kept the sun locked away inside a box, hidden deep within his home. The chief was a powerful and selfish being, unwilling to share the precious light with anyone else. Raven knew it would take more than simple trickery to steal such a valuable treasure. He would need to use all of his cunning and magic to succeed.

Using his magical powers, Raven transformed himself into a tiny, insignificant speck of dust. He floated gently on the breeze, drifting closer and closer to the chief's grand home in the sky. With great patience, Raven waited for his chance. Finally, the chief's daughter stepped outside, and Raven floated into the air, carried by the wind, and settled right beneath her nose. She inhaled deeply, and Raven, as the speck of dust, was drawn into her body.

Days passed, and the chief's daughter soon realized she was with child. She was puzzled by this sudden miracle, but she and her father, the chief, were overjoyed. In time, the daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby boy—Raven, still in disguise. The chief was delighted and doted on his new grandson, giving him everything his little heart desired. Raven, as the baby, bided his time, waiting for the perfect moment to carry out his plan.

The chief adored his grandson so much that he could not bear to see him cry. He would give the child anything to keep him happy. One day, as the child played, he pointed a tiny finger toward the large, ornate box where the sun was kept. The chief frowned, his brow furrowing with worry. He had never shown anyone what lay inside that box, for the light was too powerful to be released into the world. But when his grandson began to cry and wail, the chief's resolve wavered.

"Hush, little one," the chief murmured, bouncing the child gently on his knee. "There is nothing in that box that you need to see." But the child continued to cry, tears streaming down his face. The chief's heart softened, and finally, with a heavy sigh, he relented. "Very well, my precious one. I will show you what is inside, but only for a moment."

The chief carefully lifted the lid of the box, revealing a brilliant, glowing orb—the sun. Its light filled the room, casting warm rays across the walls and floor. The child's cries ceased immediately, and Raven, still in his human disguise, gazed at the glowing orb with wide, fascinated eyes.

Then, just as quickly, the child's form began to change. Feathers sprouted where there had been skin, and the child's small face elongated into a sharp beak. Before the chief could react, Raven spread his wings and transformed back into his true bird form. With a swift movement, he snatched the glowing sun in his beak and leapt into the air, soaring toward the open door.

"No! Stop!" the chief roared, his voice booming through the house. He lunged forward, but Raven was too fast. He shot out of the door, the sun clutched tightly in his beak. The light shone brightly, illuminating the sky as Raven flew higher and higher, away from the chief's grasp.

Furious and desperate, the chief shouted after Raven, but the clever trickster paid him no mind. He flew over the darkened world below, his wings beating powerfully as he carried the precious sun. As Raven flew, he could see the people and animals below looking up in wonder, their eyes wide with astonishment at the brilliant light piercing through the darkness for the first time.

With a triumphant caw, Raven released the sun into the sky. The brilliant orb rose high above the world, casting its golden light across the land. Shadows fled before its radiance, and the once-dark world was bathed in warmth and brightness. The people and animals cheered, their hearts lifting with joy and relief. They could finally see the beauty of the world around them—the rivers, the mountains, and the forests—everything illuminated for the first time.

Raven circled high in the sky, watching the people celebrate below. He cawed with satisfaction, proud of his deed. He had brought light to a world that had known only darkness, and his cleverness had given the people a gift they would treasure forever.

Back in his home, the great chief seethed with anger. He had been tricked and outsmarted by the cunning Raven. But no matter how much he raged, it was too late. The sun now belonged to everyone, and its light could not be hidden away again. The chief had no choice but to accept the loss, though his bitterness toward Raven remained. "You may have stolen the sun," the chief muttered, "but you will always be a thief and a trickster. You cannot be trusted, Raven."

But Raven, far above, paid no heed to the chief's words. He knew he had done what was right, bringing light and warmth to a world that needed it. And though the people respected and celebrated Raven for his bravery and cleverness, they also knew to be cautious around him. For while Raven was a bringer of light, he was also a master of trickery, and his mischievous nature meant that one could never be sure what he might do next.

To this day, the people of the Northwest Coast tribes tell the story of how Raven stole the sun and brought light to the world. The tale is a reminder of the power of cleverness and courage, but also a warning to be wary of tricksters, for their motives are often hidden behind layers of deceit. Whenever the sun rises in the morning, its light spreading across the land, the people remember Raven's daring theft and honor the bird who brought them the precious gift of daylight.