Snow Blossom Legend, Odin V ~ Gold Options

[Guest_Cathy_*]

SNOW BLOSSOM LEGEND


In the mountains of Sioux territory (where the fox run free and whispering winds carry tales) was born a legend.

Many, many years ago, the tribal chief lost his one true love. On that day, a beautiful red blossom appeared on the mountainside, defying harsh winter winds and snows... for all to see. The chief married again, for it was expected of him to produce a boy child to take his place as chief one day, but he never loved another. It was believed that the flower was a sign from their Gods to symbolize love's strength and tenacity, that this was the reason that a flower could withstand freezing conditions, disappearing only when the first warm days of spring arrived. There was one single bloom... until now.

A girl child was born to the Indian chief Fire Fox and his woman, Singing Wind. They named the child, Snow Blossom, after the legendary red flower. Story has it that Snow Blossom grew up with a young brave named Winter Warrior and for a long time they were inseparable. They roamed the wilderness and swam sparkling streams, he taught her how to climb trees and trap small animals, she taught him sensitivity and the importance of trust. Their infectious laughter could be heard ringing throughout the village.

As they reached twelve summers, other braves in the village began to taunt him for spending so much time with a 'girl', so Winter Warrior drifted apart from her. He began to do 'warrior-like' things; hunting, trapping, scouting... until he noticed those same braves casting their eyes towards Snow Blossom. He was not about to let them win her affections so he renewed his attentions, their spark rekindled.

She fell deeply in love with him. He was the bravest, most handsome man in the village. Every maiden desired him but he had eyes only for Snow Blossom. She was proud that he had chosen her from among all the other girls.

She was a real beauty, with long raven hair that glistened blue in the sunlight, ebony eyes that sparkled when she smiled. Her skin glowed tawny-gold, reminding him of the lithe form of a young deer. Always willing to help others, she did more than her share of tanning hides, gathering food and medicinal herbs, firewood and water for the elderly. Winter Warrior couldn't hide his pride in her. One glance would warm his heart and soul.

Winter Warrior towered over her by at least 4 inches, with coal-black hair braided on either side of his chiseled features, eyes dark as night twinkling with merriment. He was beautifully sculpted, causing all the maidens to sigh dreamily when he walked by. Often, one would attempt to gain his favor but he didn't see.

They would stroll through the village, hand in hand, gazing at one another with hearts in their eyes, ride in the forest away from the others even when the grounds were blanketed in winter snows. Their favorite spot was a waterfall completely surrounded by rock and a thick line of trees that hid them from prying eyes. Water tumbling into the pond muffled their secrets. They would steal sweet kisses and loving caresses, speak of the future; it was there that Winter Warrior asked if she would join with him.

The following weeks were spent wandering together, growing ever closer in spirit. Almost every trek into the woods took them to a place where she could stand to gaze at the wild beauty of one scarlet bloom. Snow Blossom had always been fascinated with the legend of the flower that she'd been named for. She had never tired of hearing her father tell the tale. Winter Warrior was entranced with her fascination and decided that he would scale the mountain to pluck the bloom as a gift to her on the day they joined.

He kept his plans secret for he didn't want her to know until the moment they stood before their chief to exchange vows. The only one he told was Grey Wolf, his childhood friend. Grey Wolf tried to talk him out of his mission. No one had ever gone after that flower and come back to tell about it.

"I am Winter Warrior, named after fierce snows. I am the bravest warrior, best hunter, best tracker in our village." He gave a grin to Grey Wolf who was scowling at Winter Warrior's remark. "I will be the one who comes back. I will give that snow blossom to my love."

Four moons later, Winter Warrior hadn't returned. Grey Wolf had finally told everyone what his friend had gone to do. Snow Blossom was devastated, for she too knew that no one had ever returned from the mountain. Day after day Snow Blossom could be seen at the edge of the village, shoulders slumped in defeat, staring up at the red bloom that had stolen her love from her. She simply existed, going about her daily routine half-heartedly, her spark for life now snuffed out by cruel fates. At night, her heart-wrenching sobs could be heard throughout the camp and then one morning, she was gone. She had said nothing to anyone... she just disappeared.

The villagers searched the area for many suns, but to no avail. There was no sign of Snow Blossom anywhere... yet, come twilight, her sobbing could still be heard. If one looked, a strange faint glow of light would appear on the mountainside, moving aimlessly against the gloomy shadows of night. On the day that they were to have been joined, clinging to the side of the mountain were two snow blossoms, so close together as if entwined; the brightest, deepest crimson they had ever seen. For the remainder of that day the villagers could be heard weaving their tales.

But with the rising of the next sun... the blooms were gone.

One morning soon after, the village awakened to spring songbirds. The women hurried to their lodge entrances to give praise to their Sun God before going about their daily chores, but on this morning they stared in awe. In the middle of camp, next to the smoldering ashes from the night fire, stood Snow Blossom and Winter Warrior, each with a crimson bloom in hand. Locked in a loving embrace, they kissed. Smoke arose from the pile of ashes beside them and suddenly sprang to life, flames dancing merrily. Cries of disbelief and happiness ensued as everyone clamored to hear their story.

Legend has it that every winter season that faint light can be seen, the sobbing still heard. Trappers have told tales of seeing a misty female form wandering those hills, whispering winds crying out for Winter Warrior... until the day that would have been their wedding day, when two snow blossoms appear on that mountainside for the space of one sun ... the tale that Snow Blossom and Winter Warrior now tell to their daughter, Two Flowers.

Cathy Bollhoefer~
copyright Sept 2006

[Cleo_Serapis]

Thank you for your entry into Odin's Opposition, Cathy!

Perhaps you’ll rise up, drink from the Well of Wisdom and be crowned the ‘bringer of victory’?

Best of luck in the battle!

~Mosaic Musings Staff

[Cleo_Serapis]

Congratulations Cathy on your Gold placement!

You have risen up, drank from the Well of Wisdom and have been crowned the ‘bringer of victory’!

Well done!

[Peterpan]

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!

Cathy!

From

Peterpan

[Psyche]

CONGRATULATIONS, CATHY, ON YOUR GOLD MEDAL!!!!
It's a truly beautiful legend, and so well written, Cathy.
A most deserved award.

Hugs and keep 'em coming,
Syl ***