Long ago, when Raweno the Creator was making the animals, he worked on each one with great care. All the creatures were told to close their eyes until they were finished, for it was not their place to watch the act of creation. Owl, however, was impatient and full of pride. Already finished himself, he sat on a branch and watched Raweno shape the Rabbit. Despite repeated warnings to turn away and be silent, Owl continued to hoot and demand that he be given a long neck like a swan and red feathers like a cardinal. Losing his patience, Raweno grabbed Owl by the ears and shook him until his eyes grew large with fright. He then pushed Owl’s head down into his shoulders and told him, 'Since you love to watch others so much, you shall have big eyes to see in the dark, but you shall only come out at night so no one has to see your vanity.' To this day, the Owl remains with a short neck and wide, staring eyes, forever hiding from the sun.
Patience and respect for others' work are essential virtues; curiosity without humility can lead to permanent consequences.
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Questions about this story
What is the moral of Why the Owl Has Big Eyes?
The moral is to practice patience and respect the work of others. It teaches that prying into things that do not concern you can lead to unintended and permanent consequences.
Which Native American tribe told this story?
This legend is primarily attributed to the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) people. It is a 'pourquoi' tale, a category of folklore used to explain why animals have certain physical traits.
Who is Raweno in the legend?
Raweno is the Great Spirit or the Creator in Iroquois mythology. He is the divine figure responsible for shaping all living things and maintaining the order of the natural world.
How did the Rabbit get its features in this story?
While Raweno was distracted by Owl’s interruptions, Rabbit was left with long back legs and a short tail. The myth serves to explain the unique physical characteristics of both animals at once.
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