Myths and Legends of British North America/Origin of Death (Thompson River)

by Katharine Berry Judson

ORIGIN OF DEATH

Thompson River

ANT and Spider were very wise. They were arguing one day about death. Spider said to Ant, "You are cutting yourself in two with that tight belt. Soon you will die."

Ant said, "Well, if I do, I shall come to life again in a few hours."

Spider said, "I think it would be better if people died properly, else the world will soon become over-crowded. If so many people come to earth and none die, soon people will starve."

Thus they argued.

Now Fly joined Spider, so it was two to one. They said death must happen.

Soon after that Spider's child died. Spider came weeping to Ant, and said, "Let us put things right by declaring people cannot die."

Ant said, "But it is too late now. Death has already happened."