Note 441 — SENECA FICTION, LEGENDS, AND MYTHS (continued 5)

Not long after this the people realized the truth of what he had told them, for a strange woman441 came to their lodge. No one knew whence she came, for they were surrounded by water, and there was no land in sight. The strange woman did not remain at this lodge, but went directly to the lodge of the brother of the young man who had heard her walking. When the brother, who had been outside the lodge, reentered it he found the woman seated. He had never before seen another woman like her, for she was beyond measure attractive in person, in manner, and in her words and actions. The brother questioned her, asking her whence she came and whither she was going. The woman replied: “I have come from the south to assist you and your people in obtaining food for your needs. I came because my mother sympathizes greatly with her people, and it is she who has sent me here to become the wife of your elder son.” Answering her, the man said: “It seems very strange that your mother should send you here, but of course she probably knows that we are in despair, expecting nothing but death from hunger and starvation.” By way of reply to this the young woman asked: “Will you grant me the pleasure of having my mother’s request fulfilled?” The man, whose mind had already begun to hope for better things for his people, replied, “Yes; her request will be granted, and you will become the wife of my son.” She did become his wife, and they lived as husband and wife.