THE APACHE EAGLES NEST

The Apache Eagles Nest - by Snake Blocker

Great Eagle approached the Apache warrior, Killer of Enemies, and said, “Killer of Enemies, I must teach you a better way to hunt.  The ground is ruled by the Dragon and the sky is ruled by the Eagle; but the Apache is somewhere in between our worlds and must adapt to both.”

     “I will listen to your wisdom Great Eagle,” said Killer of Enemies.  Great Eagle flew up high in the air and then down again.  As he came down, he used his talons to grab a large branch and then flew back up.  Next, he placed the large branch on two trees connecting them to each other.  Great Eagle repeated this step until enough branches made the form of a large nest, upon which Great Eagle perched.  Killer of Enemies watched closely as a deer passed underneath. Great Eagle swooped down from the tree and landed on the deer.  The deer died instantly without pain.  Great Eagle and Killer of Enemies gave thanks to Usen (God) for what He provided and they built a fire to cook the meat.  They feasted on the deer and laid out its skin to tan. Next, it began to rain and flooded the surrounding ground.  Great Eagle told Killer of Enemies to climb the tree and rest in the nest. “You see,” said Great Eagle.  “You can find shelter from the rain using the trees.

You will stay safe from the flooding of the Dragon land.  The trees will welcome the Apaches, as they welcome the Eagles.  Get some rest for now and teach the others when the rain stops.”  Killer of Enemies took this lesson and shared it with his mother, Painted Woman, and his brother, Child of Water.  Next, he told the rest of his tribe.  

     To this day, the Apaches still hunt from a place they call The Eagles Nest and remember the wisdom of Great Eagle, from a time when the animals talked to humans.  Killer of Enemies became the greatest Apache hunter, killing five monsters and one giant. He is honored in Apache songs and dances.