Myths and Legends of the Great Plains — The Bird Chief - Omaha

_Omaha_ All the birds were called together.

To them was said, "Whichever one of you can fly farthest into the sky shall be chief."

All the birds flew to a great height.

But Wren got under the thick feathers of Eagle and sat there as Eagle flew.

When all the birds became wing-tired, they flew down again; but Eagle flew still higher.

When Eagle had gone as far as he could, Wren flew still higher.

When all the birds reached the ground, Eagle alone returned, after a great while.

Behold!

Wren only was absent.

So they awaited him.

At last he returned.

Eagle had too highly been thinking of himself, being sure of being made chief; and behold!

Wren was made chief.

SONG OF THE BIRDS[H]