Why was the Sky Stranger called the Indian Corn?
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:
Wunzh reached the age when every Indian boy fasts so that he may see a vision of the Spirit that is to be his guide through life.
On the first day he walked in the woods looking about and filling his mind with images of growing things, so that he might see them in his dreams. He saw how plants grew, and knew that some were for food and others for healing. His heart was filled with longing to do something for his people.
"Truly," thought he, "the Great Spirit made all things. To Him we owe our lives. Could He not make it easier for us to get our food other than by hunting and fishing? I must seek an answer in my vision."
So Wunzh returned to his lodge where he fasted and slept. On the third day he became weak and faint. Soon he saw a young brave coming down from the sky. He was clad in garments of green and yellow. On his head was a tuft of green plumes and his motions were graceful and swaying.
"I am sent to you,"said the Sky stranger, "by that Great Spirit. He has seen your fasting, and knows how you wish to do good for your people. Arise and wrestle with me, for only by overcoming me, may you learn the secret." Thus, the two wrestled daily.
On the third day, Wunzh, though fainter in body, grew stronger in mind and will. He was determined to win or perish in the attempt. He exerted all his powers, and soon prevailed, overcoming the stranger.
The conquered one said, "You have wrestled manfully and met your trial well. Tomorrow I shall come once more. You must wrestle with me one last time. Should you prevail, you will strip off my garments, clean the ground of roots and weeds, and bury me in that spot. When you have done so, leave my body there. Come often to the place, and see whether I have come to life.”
"Be careful not to let weeds or grass grow on my grave. If you do all this, you will learn how to benefit your people." Having said this, the stranger disappeared.
The next day, the stranger came again. Although Wunzh had fasted seven days, he felt a new power arise within. He grasped the stranger and threw him down. He took his garments, and, finding him dead, buried him, and did all that he was directed.
Daily he visited, and pulled out weeds and grass. He kept the ground soft and moist. Very soon, to his wonder, he saw green plumes coming up from the ground.
Weeks passed by. One day Wunzh went to the grave and there in the place where the stranger had been buried, stood a tall and graceful plant, with golden, silken hair, crowned by nodding green plumes. Its stalk was covered with waving leaves, and there grew from its sides many ears of corn wrapped in green husks.
The boy shouted joyously, "This is Mondawmin, my friend, who has turned into the Indian Corn! We need no longer depend on hunting, so long as this gift is planted and cared for. The Great Spirit has heard my voice and has sent us this food."