Episode 22 - Chasing the Great Bear (Iroquois legend / Native American folktale)

WokeTales - Woke Folktales

It’s official fall season. Though we have a modern scientific explanation for why leaves change color, let’s dive into this Iroquois legend about fall/autumn, Chasing the Great Bear. Apart from giving the red color to the leaves this story also tells the story behind Ursa Major constellation (The Big Dipper). This Native American story brings us a little closer to the wonders of the natural world. The constellation is visible year-round because the hunters are eternally chasing the bear. The next time you’re admiring the fall foliage or gazing at the stars, you can think back to this Native American story about fall and remember that the bear and the hunters are keeping you company in the sky. In the current world, individuals can help bears by supporting wildlife conservation and habitat protections like the Endangered Species Act.