XXIX. THE OLD MAN IN THE SKY
(Iroquois)
he people of the Six Nations, or Iroquois, point out to their children a cluster of stars which they call the Old Man. White men do not always know where it is. They tell this story of his reaching the sky, or the Great Blue Wigwam.
An old chief was tired of life and of his people. He took his bundle and walking-stick and went to the top of the highest bluff. There he sang his death chant. His people followed, but waited at the foot of the bluff. While they were watching they saw him slowly rise in the air; his voice sounded fainter and fainter; the spirits of the four winds raised him to the Great Star Lodge. He was given a place among the stars.
His stooping form, his staff, and bundle are pointed out to Indian children as they watch the stars at night. [[168]]
XXX. WHERE THE MORNING STAR CAME FROM
(Chippewa)