Myths and Legends of British North America/92

by Katharine Berry Judson

OWL

Eastern Eskimo⁠⁠

SOMETIMES Owl greatly disturbs a camp of Indians. Short-eared Owl will come to a camp just at the dimming of the twilight, and when the Indians hear his quiet flitting through the trees they are on the alert. Immediately they hang up some robe or leggings which they have not worn, which is just a silent way of saying, "We are not so poor as you think." Owl annoys only poor people.

Owl also likes the lower levels, so the Indians camp often on the higher lands where he does not come.