Myths and Legends of British North America/Sun and Moon (Thompson River)

SUN AND MOON

Thompson River

SUN and Moon were both chiefs who looked after the people. One day they were quarreling, and began to say unpleasant things to each other.

Sun said to Moon, "You give too faint a light. The people cannot see properly. Besides you do not warm them."

Moon answered, "People turn aside their faces when they look at you. You blind them; and you are so hot you make them very uncomfortable. I don't burn people as you do. Besides, I am prettier than you are."

Thus they disputed.

At last they agreed to this: Sun should shine by day and Moon by night. And they did so. They do so even to this day. They used both to shine at the same time; so the Indians say.