Myths and Legends of British North America/Origin of Animals (Eastern Eskimo)
ORIGINS OF ANIMALS
Eastern Eskimo
WOLVES.—Once a poor woman lived in an Indian camp with many children. Her husband was dead, and she had so many children she could not find enough for them to eat. Always they were hungry; always they were gaunt and lean. Therefore they were changed into wolves. Even yet they are always hungry and wander over the land, roaming about, lean and gaunt, seeking for food.
Hares.—Once a child in an Indian camp had such long ears that everyone laughed at him. At last he went off into the brush and lived by himself. Therefore he was changed into a hare. When Hare sees anyone near, he lays his ears down flat, for if he hears a person shout he thinks he is laughing at his long ears. He does this even yet. Hare has no tail now because he formerly did not have one.