In the late 1600's, a girl in search of religious freedom escaped to the New World. Her name was Enira, and she wanted to freely practice Paganism; she was not accepted in her home country of England, being considered a witch. She was named for her peace-loving nature. Enira translated to "justice."1
When she arrived in Virginia, she was greeted by Native Americans. They were cautious around each other at first, but soon became friends. Fortunately, one of the Indians knew English. From that, she convinced them she meant no harm, and they formed a mutual trust.2
The Indians taught her how to grow crops, catch fish, and many other survival skills. Enira found that they shared many common beliefs, and an appreciation for nature. She enjoyed learning about their religion, and hearing their stories of how this world was created. However, she was most unsettled by the news of the settlers murdering their tribe, and how they were referred to as barbarians.3
One night, the colonists set fire to their home. Many Indians died, and Enira lay crying for her lost allies. The fire spread, and she was soon surrounded by it. With no way out, she died slowly; the way that many of her fellow Pagans died when they were burned at the stake.4
From her ashes came the crow, and from her tears came the dove. The crow became known as the symbol of sorrow, remorse, and death; an ominous bird that is often identified with a witch. Having feathers the color of the ashes left behind, black became the color attire for funerals.5
The dove reminds us of Enira, and how she made peace with the Indians. Her soul lives on in this graceful, pure white bird, continuing to search for peace in the world. The dove became the symbol of life, establishing justice throughout the land, letting people live together harmoniously, and beginning an era of freedom. The dove flys proudly, trying to spread equality among the people.6
Author notes
Our English teacher asked us to write our own creation story like that of the Native Americans; like how the turtle got its shell, how the sun came to be, and so forth. I chose to write on how the dove and crow were created. This was of course inspired by the quote "Death comes on the wings of a Raven as life comes with a Dove" on my author page. I also set this story around the time of the Salem Witch Trials, and when settlers and Native Americans were trying to make peace between each other. I chose the dove and crow since they seem to symbolize opposite aspects.
Any suggestions, questions, or comments are welcome.
~Grace
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
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This was a very well done story! It had the same flavor as a lot of the Native American creation stories I've read. My favorite of which is the Navajo story of coyote, but I digress. I like the dichotomy between Crow & Dove, black versus white, despair versus hope. Great job! Did you get an A on this?
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ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT
This was an awesome story! You drew me in right from the start. I really hope you made a perfect grade on this, because you deserve nothing less. Absoluetly brilliant. Keep up the awsome work sis.
Love from your sis,
Andi -
bravo, bravo, very well written. it drew me in, it was like I was reading it from a book! You made me believe this happened, very well, I hop eyou got an A+++!
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*11/10*
Brilliance. There's a word for stories written like this, but it slips my mind at this moment.
You've displayed a certain level of creativity I admire: reshaping the past (maybe not the best choice of words). No one can prove this happened, but you for damn sure make me want to believe it. You also wrote this quite well. Keep writing.
Justice...yeah, that's you al right.
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