In the time before time, when the earth was still covered in endless night, the people of the Pacific Northwest lived in perpetual darkness. The forests stood silent, and the rivers whispered under the shroud of shadow. No Sun, no Moon, no Stars brightened the world, for the Great Chief, Raven’s powerful grandfather, kept all the light hidden within his great cedar house. The trickster Raven, whose name would forever be tied to this folktale, could not bear to see the world stumble blindly in the dark.
Inside the Chief’s house were three cedar boxes, tightly sealed, containing the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars. No one dared to enter the house or touch these treasures, for the Chief was proud and feared. Yet, Raven, clever and bold, decided that such light was meant for all beings, not just one man’s home. He began to devise a plan worthy of his cunning spirit.
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One day, perched high on a branch overlooking the river, Raven watched the Chief’s daughter fetch water. Her reflection shimmered faintly in the dark stream, and an idea as bright as sunlight struck him. Transforming himself into a tiny pine needle, he dropped into the water and floated toward her cup. Unknowing, the young woman drank, and with that, Raven found a way into the Chief’s household.
Time passed, and the daughter soon gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, none other than Raven in human form. The Chief adored his mysterious grandson. His laughter brought warmth to the cold house, and the Chief granted him whatever he desired. Raven, now patient and wise beyond his small years, began to play near the sacred cedar boxes.
At first, the Chief guarded them carefully. But the child’s innocent curiosity softened his heart. “Please, Grandfather,” Raven begged one day, his voice sweet as honey, “may I hold the smallest box?” Moved by love, the Chief relented. Raven lifted the lid, and a flurry of Stars escaped, scattering across the sky. Their silver light pierced the eternal darkness, and for the first time, the world glimmered faintly.
The Chief, though saddened, forgave his grandson. But Raven was not yet done. Days later, he pleaded again, “Grandfather, let me see the next box. I will be careful, I promise.” Hesitant but unable to refuse, the Chief allowed it. The moment Raven cracked the lid, the Moon floated free, glowing softly as it climbed into the heavens. Its gentle light washed over the forests and seas, and the sleeping world stirred awake.
Furious now, the Chief clutched the last box, the Sun, to his chest. “No more, mischievous child!” he thundered. Yet Raven’s resolve burned brighter than ever. He began to cry, loud, long, and relentless, until the Chief, weary from the noise, handed him the final box. In an instant, Raven transformed back into his true form, spreading his great black wings. With a triumphant caw, he flew through the smoke hole and soared into the sky.
As the box opened, the Sun blazed forth, flooding the world with golden light. Mountains gleamed, rivers sparkled, and forests came alive in radiant colour. Below, the people rejoiced, their eyes wide with wonder as warmth touched their faces for the first time. The Great Chief cried out in sorrow, but Raven only laughed and called down, “The world needs light more than one man’s pride!”
And so it was that light came to the earth through Raven’s daring and cleverness. From that day, the people honoured him not only as a trickster but as a bringer of life and renewal, a symbol of wisdom wrapped in mischief.
Moral of the Story
Even the most cunning heart can bring great good when guided by purpose. True wisdom lies in using one’s gifts for the benefit of all, not for selfish gain.
Knowledge Check
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Who is the main character in “The Theft of the Sun and the Moon”?
Raven, the clever trickster and bringer of light. -
Why did Raven steal the Sun, Moon, and Stars?
He wanted to bring light to the dark world and help all beings. -
How did Raven enter the Chief’s household?
He transformed into a pine needle and was swallowed by the Chief’s daughter. -
What does light symbolise in this Haida folktale?
It symbolises wisdom, renewal, and the power of generosity. -
What lesson does the folktale teach?
Courage and cleverness can be used selflessly to bring goodness to others. -
Where does this folktale originate from?
The Haida Nation of the Pacific Northwest, in present-day United States and Canada.
Source: Adapted from They Dance in the Sky: Native American Star Myths by Jean Guard Monroe & Ray A. Williamson (Houghton Mifflin, 1987).
Cultural Origin: Haida Nation (Pacific Northwest, United States).
