When the world was created, First Man and First Woman struggled to stay alive and warm through the first winter. First Dog struggled also.
Deep in the winter, First Dog gave birth to her pups. Each night, she huddled in the brush of the forest, longingly watching the fire which kept First Man and First Woman warm.
First Winter was severe, so cold that First Dog dared not leave her pups to search for food to fill her own belly, fearing that her pups would freeze to death in her absence. She curled around them, but the wind was bitter. Her belly shrank with hunger, and soon she had no milk. The smallest pup perished, and First Dog felt her own life draining away as she struggled to care for the remaining pups. Fearing for the fate of the others, she knew she had no choice but to approach the fire and ask First Woman and First Man to share their food and the fire’s warmth.
Slowly, she crept to the fire and spoke to First Woman who was heavy with child. “I am a mother”, said First Dog, “and soon you will be a mother too. I want my little ones to survive, just as you will want your little one to survive. So I will ask you to make a pact.”
First Woman and First Man listened. “I am about to die. Take my pups. You will raise them and call them Dog. They will be your guardians. They will alert you to danger, keep you warm, guard your camp, and even lay down their life to protect your life and the lives of your children. They will be companions to you and all your generations, never leaving your side, as long as Mankind shall survive. In return, you will share your food and the warmth of your fire. You will treat my children with love and kindness, and tend to them if they become ill, just as if they were born from your own belly. And if they are in pain, you will take a sharp knife to their throat and end their misery. In exchange for this, you will have the loyalty of my children and their offspring until the end of time.”
First Man and First Woman agreed. First Dog went to her nest in the brush, and with the last of her strength, one by one, she brought her pups to the fire. As she did so, First Woman gave birth to First Child, wrapped her in Rabbit skins, and nestled First Child among the pups by the fireside. First Dog lay down by the fire, licked her pups, then walked away to die under the stars.
Before she disappeared into the darkness, she turned and spoke once more to First Man, “My children will honor the pact for all generations. But if Man breaks this pact, if you or your children’s children deny even one Dog food, warmth, a kind word or a merciful end, your generations will be plagued with war, hunger, and disease, and so shall this remain until the pact is honored again by all Mankind.” With this, First Dog entered the night and returned in spirit to the Creator.
Dear Zephr,
Thank you for taking the time to inform us all and thank you for being a voice for the animals. I just want you to know that you are being heard. I am reading what you are sharing, and also posting it on Facebook. I will also be sharing it on the Best Friends network.
Peace and love from me and my canine companion!
Thank you Claire. All of us must be united for all of the innocent victims who deserve only our love. It is a sad testament to today’s society that any animal must suffer torutre, neglect and human frustrations and anger. Only a very insecure individual will bully a child or an animal, in order to make themselves feel important. A practice of self-deception and low self esteem.
Thank you for your comment and your support.
Very nice of you to post this… I am vegan and feel that man has betrayed all the animal nations. Most of us are long past the time of “needing” them for much of what we “use” them for…. to their misery and death. Perhaps this Lakota Legend explains why the world seems to be in such turmoil. Thanks for inviting comment.
I would say that you are likely very right Bea. The world, society has gone to hell in a hand cart. “Revelations” says it will only get far worse before it gets better.
When I found the “Pact of Fire” I knew I had to post it. Says it all doesn’t it.
There is a deep and resounding message held in this Elder’s message…for each person that it has touched, perhaps one more animal may be allowed to survive.
Before I vote in another election I will ask each political canadate how he/she treats their dog or cat or horse.
If they have no animals as part of their life then I will be very careful before give them my one precious vote. If they have no relationship with our 4 legged fellow companions in this lifetime then how can I trust their judgement?
I read this and I knew before ever reading it, that this is why I can not keep animals anymore. I have had so many different ones, that I hurt too much even when they are born dead.
I love all living creations made for life here on Earth.
I love them all and can never mistreat them in any manner, therefore I keep my distance as much as possible for self preservation.
The bad part is when you realize that the human beings are worse to their children and the animals are to theirs!
Love All Life!
I posted it before I ever read a single word!
Thank you for your very sincere words. All life is precious, it is to be revered and honored not exploited. Karma is a wonderful thing, those of the human species who chose to destroy the wildlife, the habitat and environment for greed, those who chose to inflict such pain and suffering on the innocent rather than enjoying their great beauty and companionship are now making even those who do actually care pay the ultimate price for the havoc and destruction mankind has inflicted.
Mother Nature is very angry and rightly so.
I fully understand your pain, I have lost beloved pets as well. I have had those I tried so desperately to help die in my arms. The pain is excrutiating. It is difficult to move on, difficult to adopt and to give love and care to another that desperately needs a loving home. But do not deny yourself this precious gift, so many are waiting for you, so many that will give to you the unconditional love that only an animal can give. I have often said and truly believe that when a loved one passes, the tears we shed are shed for ourselves as well, because we cannot envision life without the loved one..be it a beloved family pet or human member of our family.
But, this intense pain, can and does make us stronger and strength can be drawn from the Wisdom gained from the life shared while they remained with us. Do not deny yourself, take joy in the history you shared with your pets and other animals you have helped, they all would ask you to continue, to do what you do best and to continue to give to those waiting for you what only you can give.
a lovely story…when stories were legends taught to open, young minds. “IF man breaks the pact, your generations will be plagued with war, hunger, and disease…” “if a child denies even one dog food or a kind word”…These fables were meant for a different time —- but how different? IS there still hope? Not if this is literal…let’s take it as a warning…a jumping off point for a story of our own! There IS a tipping point!
Marie – I cannot be without a canine companion-but I totally understand. Zephr -the possibility of karma (and my dogs!) is the only thing keeping me alive. The pain & needless cruelty we inflict on the earth’s animals, knowing the deep, untapped intelligence behind each eye causes me desperation beyond words. I stay here, as sane as I can pull off, knowing that when I see the light at the end of the tunnel — or not– *I* am NOT returning! I am weak, useless, and need to rest and re-access my life – forever. ANYTHING to NOT return. Carry on troops – be strong for the animals! I will be “resting”
Your words wring loud, true and clear. Our journey, for those who are committed, is a long and unending one of emotional turmoil and heartbreak, we identify, we feel their pain and we feel helpless, wanting to do so much more.
Will the suffering these animals face ever end? In a perfect world the answer would be yes. But this is not a perfect world, it never will be while the human species continues out of control.
There is an light at the end of the tunnel my friend, once the Rainbow Bridge is crossed, those who have cared so much, sacrificed so much will be reunited with those beloved ones they have lost, have cared for and have saved. If I did not believe that myself, I could not continue.
.It is my belief that I am here to help those who cannot help themselves. While I am here I will use my intelligence
(such as it is) and my hands, and my money to help those animals in bondage–like the captured wild horses waiting in pens, perhaps for the rest of their lives, instead of running free as they were meant to do.
Please continue to share the stories of the Lakota People.
Your commitment and devotion shines through my friend. In today’s society where animal cruelty runs rampant, not only as a means to fill government coffers, line the pockets of the greedy and a means to vent human frustration, more and more people are needed to speak out, to defend and to rescue the still suffering victims of animal cruelty around the world and in backyards, factory farms, circuses and zoos. Your commitment is applauded and so gratefully appreciated.
Thank you for reposting this. This version was taped from an elder telling stories to children at an All Nations powwow many years ago. It was transcribed from the tape.
Thank your for your most valued information. Hopefully all of those persons hearing and reading this Elder’s message will have taken it into their hearts and will act upon the deep message held within his words.
If we all followed the instructions of Christ to “Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate” the world would be filled with justice, peace and love.
Fourteen cats live with me. Each one unwanted, neglected and dumped out onto the back road where I live.
Each, is also a wonderful creature. It is very difficult for me to understand how anyone could throw out these beautiful animals. There isn’t one that is mean-spirited or disappointed at its treatment by humans.
Somewhere in time, cats must have also made man the promise to comfort and to love he and his family, and keep the land cleared of vermin. Promising unbounded love and companionship for something as simple as a warm place to sleep and a daily dinner.
Could it not be said that perhaps all creatures made a pact with man at one time or another…in the early beginning…before mankind deemed itself far more relevant and important than the fur bearing, four legged creatures, finned and feathered creatures charged to mankinds care. Think about it, no animal breaks a promise, kills for the mere joy of killing, inflicts suffering for the sake of ego and power; animals live and die in accordance to their spirit and nature, with little thought to wealth, strategy, possessions, gains..their evolution is perfect harmony…whatever promises may have been made so long ago…mankind broke each one…practiced deceit and inflicts great suffering…
If anything, man has much to learn from these gifted creatures…some of us have already learned so much….yet others have learned nothing. The Pact of Fire…was broken and man borke it…one need only look around to see just how angry Mother Earth is and how she hands out her justice….who in their right mind and conscience can blame her.
For those who welcome and share our life with the animals, be it in our homes or the wilderness, we are keeping our promise, and in turn our companions are keeping theirs…how so very fortunate we are. Truly, while we may fall in love with that tiny kitten, or rolly polly lil pup, while we want so much to hold, cuddle and be part of their lives, they can just as easily reject us, so ultimately the choice is theirs alone to make, deciding to invite us to be part of their world and their lives.
This is a very powerful allegory about dog and man and their special relation. I wonder how the dogs feel about helping man despoil the pristine world of nature?
If the dogs, wolves, lynx, bears, salmon, horses, buffalo, trout, eagles, ravens, fox…even the incsects could speak..they would tell man that the human species is the most destructive force created..while Mother Nature may destroy for the sake of renewal, mankind destroys for the sake of greed and ego, using the extremely tiresome and worn out justifications of religion, territory, development, expansion and economic gains….if the Animals Could speak….
Unfortunately the animals, the land and the environment is speaking…crying for help…except very few are listening…at least not those in power that have the ability to improve protection legislation, to end mass wildlife slaughter, mass wildlife extinction, pollution of the land, air and waters…as long as money is to be made, pockets to be filled…they will not listen…
So people as yourself, myself and many others around the world keep screaming!!! At least we can hear each other and take strength from our own voices…can I dare to imagine that the living species and the enivronment we are trying to protect can sense this….I hope so.
[...] The Pact of Fire – A Lakota Sioux Legend [...]
This is so beautiful, it made me cry, because I know it is true !! Sadly, man has deceived First Dog.
Thank you Zephr.
Zephr, I’ve been reading your comments and the posts of others….I cannot but comment on your wisdom and power of speech in reference to these wonderful animals. Thank you for caring. I, too, have lost many of my beautiful cats over the years and as I grow older know that kittens would be selfish of me. I do, however, have two fosters who are now living inside and who learned some ‘begging tricks’ from my beloved two who have since crossed over the Rainbow Bridge but are sadly missed. This family duo (father and daughter) are still very nervous of strangers, loud noises but seek attention from me, which I give and wish they would allow more as my pets were always beside me on or in the bed cuddling. I am assuming that Loki might be a wolf, or at least part wolf – beautiful – and I’m so glad he shares time with you, and you with him. I need to look at the Facebook page to establish the circumstances surrounding him. Wonderful.
Thank you for your sincere and kind words Jean. LOKI is very very special and I am forever grateful that he has allowed me to share in his life. Many have told me that he is part wolf, and likely so. His beginnings were that of tragedy, and now he is living as he should be, romping and enjoying the taste of freedom that he had never known. I have made the commitment to him that I will care for him, for as long as God allows. Our journey together is truly an amazing gift.
While I still hold the dream that he will choose to enter my home and become part of my family, I must respect that he may choose not to do so. He has never known a gentle human hand, yet he will touch me. I don’t know where this journey will take us but every step along the path is one of beauty and sharing.
Thank you again. Your support for him is greatly appreciated.
There are many posts on this Blog about Loki, his story and his videos and pictures. Enjoy.
Aptly said Zephr – as always and maybe one day Loki will decide to ‘come home with you’. I hope one day I shall be able to visit, meet and greet – it is one of my wishes as well as for your health, Loki’s and your precious family.
[...] The Pact of Fire – A Lakota Sioux Legend [...]
An old legend but the moral of the story still stands today. Even more so when you see the cruelty, hurt and pain that humans inflict on dogs (cats and all animals). All animals have a right to live in peace and have a happy life. It’s man who brings hate and cruelty into their lives. It has to stop. People who do these atrocious things will pay, as another saying goes what goes around comes around-right back at them!!!!
Aw, this was a really nice post. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.
As soon as I noticed this website I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.