Myths and Tales of the Southeastern Indians: Creek Stories: 28. The King of the Tie-Snakes

"See yonder feather; it is yours," pointing to a plume in the corner of the cave. He approached the plume and extended his hand to seize it, but it eluded his grasp. Three times he made the attempt and three times it escaped him. On the fourth attempt he obtained it.

"Yonder tomahawk is yours," said the Tie-snakes' king.

He went to the place where the tomahawk was sticking and reached out his hand to take it, but in vain. It rose of itself every time he raised his hand. He tried four times and on the fourth trial it remained still and he succeeded in taking it.

The king said: "You can return to your father after three days. When he asks where you have been, reply: 'I know what I know,' but on no account tell him what you do know. When he needs my aid walk toward the east and bow three times to the rising sun and I will be there to help him."

After three days the Tie-snake carried him to the spot where he had dived into the stream, lifted him to the surface of the water, and placed his lost vessel in his hand. He swam to the bank and returned to his father, who was mourning him as dead. His father rejoiced over his son's wonderful restoration.

He informed his father of the Tie-snake king and his message of proffered aid. Not long afterwards his father was attacked by his enemies. He said to his son: "You understand what the king of the Tie-snakes said. Go and seek his aid."

The son put the plume on his head, took the tomahawk, went toward the east, and bowed three times to the rising sun.

The king of the Tie-snakes stood before him.

"What do you wish?" he said.

"My father needs your aid."

The enemy came and attacked his town, but no one was harmed. Night came. In the morning they beheld their enemies each held fast in the folds of a tie-snake, and so all were captured and the chief made peace with his foes.