Long ago, the world was covered in thick white snow. The trees were bare, the rivers frozen, and the animals shivered with cold. This was the First Winter, and it had never happened before. All the creatures gathered to talk, their breath rising in the icy air like smoke. They needed warmth fire but no animal had ever seen it.
“We must send someone to the Creator,” said Deer, his hooves trembling in the snow. “He lives above the sky, and perhaps he can help us.”
One by one, the animals argued over who should go. Bear was too heavy to fly. Turtle was too slow. Hawk was strong but feared the fire would burn his wings.
Then stepped forward Crow. Back then, he was not the plain black bird we know today. He had feathers of every color shimmering blues, bright reds, greens that glistened like fresh leaves. His voice was the sweetest song in the forest, and all paused to listen when he spoke.
“I will go,” Crow said, his tone calm and clear. “I can fly higher than Hawk, and I do not fear the fire. Our people need warmth. I will bring it back.”
The others cheered. “Thank you, Rainbow Crow,” whispered Mouse, who had nearly frozen the night before.
So Crow flapped his brilliant wings and soared upward higher and higher, past the clouds, beyond the stars. He flew so long his feathers iced over, and his breath grew faint, but he didn’t stop.
Finally, he reached the Creator’s land. The Creator listened as Crow bowed his head and explained the creatures’ suffering.
“They are cold,” Crow said. “They need warmth, or many will not live to see spring.”
The Creator nodded. “You have flown far for the sake of others. That is noble.” And from the Creator’s great fire, he gave Crow a single burning stick.
“Take this carefully,” the Creator said. “But know that fire eats air and drinks wood. It will not be easy to carry.”
Crow took the stick in his beak and began the long journey back. The fire smoked and sputtered. As he flew, sparks singed his feathers. Smoke curled into his throat. The colors of his wings blackened. His sweet voice turned raspy and croaking. Still, Crow did not let go.
Down he came, through wind and snow, his feathers dark as coal, his lungs aching. At last, he reached the animals and dropped the burning stick before them.
They cried out in joy. “Fire! Warmth!” Beaver quickly lit wood. Rabbit danced beside the flames. Squirrel brought pinecones to feed it. The snow began to melt, and life returned to the forest.
But Rainbow Crow now only Crow, stood silently. His feathers no longer shimmered. His voice was hoarse and scratchy.
Deer bowed low. “You have given us life.”
And though Crow could no longer sing beautiful songs or dazzle with color, the Creator watched from above. As a reward, he made Crow’s black feathers shine with hidden hues, if you look closely in sunlight, you’ll see purples, blues, and greens tucked within the black.
And the Creator gave Crow something more: his smoke-filled voice would make humans forget him. No man would hunt Crow for food or for feathers. He would be left in peace, a quiet guardian of the forest.
Moral:
True beauty does not lie in how you look or how sweet your voice sounds, but in the courage to do what’s right for others, even when it costs you everything. The Rainbow Crow teaches us that selflessness and sacrifice are marks of true greatness, and that sometimes, we must give up our own gifts so that others may live.
Knowledge Check
What is the moral of the folktale “The Rainbow Crow”?
The story teaches a lesson about selflessness and humility, showing how courageous, generous actions can lead to lasting respect and quiet dignity, even if they come with personal sacrifice.
What cultural group does the tale “The Rainbow Crow” come from?
This folktale originates from the Lenape (Delaware) Native American tradition in the United States, particularly from the Northeastern woodlands region.
Why did Rainbow Crow bring fire to the animals?
In the tale, Rainbow Crow flew to the Creator out of loyalty and love for the other animals, which sets the plot in motion. His mission to bring fire helps explain why crows are black and have raspy voices today.
How does the folktale “The Rainbow Crow” explain a natural feature or animal trait?
The story offers a traditional explanation for why the crow has black feathers, a hoarse voice, and is rarely hunted by humans, because he once sacrificed his beauty and voice to save the world from the cold.
Is “The Rainbow Crow” considered a trickster tale, ghost story, or moral fable?
“The Rainbow Crow” is a moral fable that reflects the values and wisdom of the Lenape people, focusing on selflessness, sacrifice, and humility rather than trickery or supernatural events.
How is this folktale relevant to modern readers?
The message of “The Rainbow Crow” remains relevant today as it teaches timeless truths about kindness, community, and putting others before oneself ,values that are needed in any age.
Cultural Origin:
This story is a traditional tale from the Lenape (Delaware) Native American tribe, shared to teach moral lessons and explain the traits of animals in the natural world.
