**CLPRA scripts are working drafts for recording sessions. Recorded performances may vary due to editing for broadcast.** Links key: CLP Atlas Informational (with hover) Online Books CLP Author page CLP Intern

Miwok http://tinyurl.com/CLP-Miwok

Click the below to hear radio segment.

Mouse Steals Fire

From Californian Indian Nights Entertainments, 1930. Read Online

Reader: Jessica Teeter

In Western mythology, it was the Titan Prometheus who gifted mankind with fire stolen from the gods. In Miwok lore, however, it was a Mouse, a musician, no less, who pilfered the flames.

The tale of Mouse's escapades, originally told by the Miwoks of today's Marin County, explains the world-wide distribution of fire through the cleverness of one small but heroic creature.

Mouse, the Flute-player, slipped away unnoticed to go and steal some of the fire from the valley people. He took with him four of his flutes. When he arrived at the assembly house in the valley he found Bear, Rattlesnake, Mountain Lion, and Eagle guarding all the entrances. But Mouse managed, nevertheless, to get into the house. He climbed on top of the house, and while Eagle slept he cut two of his wing feathers which were covering the smoke hole, and slipped in.

Once in, he began to play his flute for the people. The music soon lulled them to sleep, and, when they were all snoring, Mouse safely filled his four flutes with fire and escaped.

When the people awoke they searched all over the hills for the one who had stolen fire from them.

"Mouse Steals Fire" first appeared as a written text in Californian Indian Nights Entertainments, compiled in 1930.

–Contributed by Christie Genochio