Long ago, before there were trees or rivers or birds in the sky, the world was water. Endless water, stretching in all directions, with no land in sight. The animals of the air flew tirelessly above the surface, while the creatures of the water swam below, but none had ever touched earth, for there was none to touch.
In this watery world, Sky Woman fell.
She had lived in the Sky World above, where the people walked gently and tended the light of the stars. One day, she looked through a hole in the sky and leaned too far, tumbling down toward the endless ocean below. As she fell, she clutched a handful of seeds and roots from the Tree of Life, not knowing where or if she would land.
The birds saw her falling. Goose cried out first: “She cannot swim!”
Swan and Loon joined, and the three flew up together, catching Sky Woman on their wings just before she hit the water.
The birds brought her down gently, but she could not live in the water. “She needs land” Beaver said: “Something solid to rest on.”
“But there is no land,” said Otter. “Only water.”
Then a great voice rumbled from below. It was Turtle, old and steady. “Place her on my back,” he said: “I will hold her.”
So the animals placed Sky Woman gently upon Turtle’s shell, and she rested there, but it was not enough. “If we bring earth up from below,” she said softly: “we can make land for all.”
One by one, the strongest swimmers tried. First Beaver dove deep. He was gone long and long, but returned empty-handed, water pouring from his fur.
“I could not reach the bottom,” he said.
Next went Otter, sleek and swift. He swam down longer than any had seen, but came back coughing and gasping: “Too far,” he whispered.
Then Loon tried, diving with wings tucked and legs pumping, but even she, strongest of birds, failed to reach the bottom.
The animals looked to one another. “It cannot be done,” they said.
But then a small voice spoke up. It was Muskrat, the smallest of them all, quiet and unassuming: “I will try,” she said.
The others scoffed: “You are too small.”
“Your lungs are too weak.”
“You’ll drown.”
But Sky Woman looked into Muskrat’s eyes and nodded. “Go if your heart says go.”
So Muskrat dove.
Down she went, deeper and deeper, into the cold blackness. Her lungs burned. Her legs trembled. But she did not turn back. She dove until the world grew silent, and just when her strength was nearly gone, her paw brushed something. Mud. Earth.
She grabbed what she could and pushed upward. Her limbs moved like anchors, her breath running out, her heart pounding.
When she surfaced, she floated limply. The others rushed to her side. She was still and cold, but in her tiny paw, clenched tight, was a bit of sacred earth.
Sky Woman took the earth from Muskrat’s paw with care and gratitude. She spread it gently on Turtle’s back. She danced in a slow circle, singing a song of beginnings, and wherever her feet touched, the earth grew. Hills formed, rivers flowed, and trees sprouted from the seeds she had carried.
And so the land was born, Turtle Island, the earth we live on today.
Muskrat, small and selfless, did not wake again, but her courage was remembered by all. Turtle remains below us still, holding the land steady on his back.
Moral of the Story: Even the smallest creature can change the course of the world. Strength does not always come from muscle or might, but from heart, persistence, and the courage to try when others will not. Turtle Island teaches us that humility and unity, not pride, are what build the world, and keep it turning.
Knowledge Check
What is the moral of the folktale “The Great Turtle Island”?
The story teaches a lesson about humility and community, showing how small, selfless actions can lead to lasting change, even when the odds seem impossible.
What cultural group does the tale “The Great Turtle Island” come from?
This folktale originates from the Ojibwe tradition in the United States, one of many Native American nations who tell versions of this creation story.
Why did Muskrat dive for earth?
In the tale, Muskrat dove for the earth out of loyalty and determination, even when stronger animals had failed. Her quiet bravery sets the plot in motion and leads to the creation of land.
How does the folktale “The Great Turtle Island” explain the creation of the earth?
The story offers a traditional explanation for why the land exists today, saying that the world was formed on the back of a great turtle from mud brought up by a small but brave animal.
Is “The Great Turtle Island” considered a trickster tale, ghost story, or moral fable?
“The Great Turtle Island” is an origin tale, a type of moral fable that reflects the deep values and creation beliefs of the Ojibwe and others.
The message of “The Great Turtle Island” remains relevant as it teaches timeless truths about humility, courage, and respect for nature, reminding us that anyone can make a difference, no matter their size or strength.
Cultural Origin: Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) Native American tradition, Great Lakes region of the United States.
