[1] The half-rock woman in the corner, or the woman rooted to the ground, is very common in Haida stories. [↑]
[2] Many versions of this story say water, which, indeed, seems to be more appropriate, but fire was still oftener regarded by these people as a means of communication between natural and spiritual beings. [↑]
[3] Animal souls have the human form and act very much as men do on earth. [↑]
[4] Fish eggs are usually collected on hemlock boughs. [↑]
[5] The most important set of supernatural beings to a Haida were the Killer whales, who, living in the sea, were supposed to call human beings “common surface birds” (xa′-iʟ̣a xetî′t gī′da-i), employing the term used here. [↑]
[6] Because at that time of the year human beings hurt them by laying down hemlock boughs. [↑]
[7] Compare an episode in the story of [A-slender-one-who-was-given-away]. [↑]
[8] The closing sky is also spoken of frequently. Compare the story of [A-slender-one-who-was-given-away]. [↑]
[9] An exclamation used when the salmon is seen to jump. [↑]
[10] When mourning they covered their faces with pitch and burned off their hair. [↑]