In Indian myths, whenever two sisters are sent to some place and warned by father or mother against a deceiver, who is likely to meet them on the way, the elder sister is generally ready to become a victim, the younger is the wise one.
Cogátkis is an interesting character; like Samson, his strength was in his hair. Through the power of his hair, he could see at a great distance, and he could talk to his mother though she was far away.
I have never found a myth in which the method of taking life is similar to that described in this myth. Isis had two children; the elder died; he took the younger in his arms, put the top of its head to his mouth and drew a long breath, drew the child’s breath, its life, into himself. He said to his wives, “The children are half mine, and half yours. I have taken their breath into myself; you may have their bodies.”
In an Algonkin myth a character similar to Látkakáwas is the “Earth maiden.” The Sun looks at her and she brings forth a daughter, who becomes the mother of a great hero.
KUMUSH AND HIS DAUGHTER
Many of the Modocs firmly believe that their tribe originated as described in this myth. They call Kumush father, and live by the rules he laid down for them. They believe that he gave the race all gifts that support existence, that it is through him that the Indians live and prosper. He has many of the attributes of Zeus.
This myth and many of the myths in this volume are as sacred for Indians as Bible stories are for Christians. When old men are asked what their ideas are regarding life hereafter they tell of Kumush’s visit to the great house in [[383]]the underground world; of what he saw there, and of the terrible effort he made to bring spirits to the upper world, and create Indians.
The underground house of the Modoc dead is in the West.
When Kumush had done all that he could for mankind he went to the place where the sun rises. He traveled on Sun’s road till he came to the middle of the sky, and there he built his house.