One day Iktomi (Ik-toe-me) the Trickster was walking by a pond.
Many ducks were singing and dancing at the pond. When Iktomi saw
the ducks, he got hungry. He wanted to catch a few for his dinner.
He had an idea. Iktomi filled a bag with grass (to make the bag
look full) and threw it over his shoulder. Pretending he was in a
hurry, Iktomi walked close to the pond so the ducks could see him.
The curious ducks saw Iktomi with the bag on his back. They asked,
"Where are you going?" "What is in your bag?"
Iktomi hurried along. "My friends, do not slow me down. I'm in a
hurry!" he said.
But these ducks were very curious. They crowded around Iktomi.
"All that I have in my bag is a bunch of magic songs," said
Iktomi. "Oh, please let us hear your songs!" cried the ducks.
Iktomi continued with his plan to trick the ducks. "OK, but
first we must build a tepee," Iktomi said. "I can't sing my
songs outside because they will escape into the air."
The ducks helped Iktomi build a tepee with sticks. Then they
all went inside. Iktomi warned the ducks that they must do what
he said or he would not share his songs. The ducks said, "We
will do whatever you tell us to." Iktomi sang, "Dance with your
eyes closed!" Each duck shut his eyes very tightly and danced
hard.
