Native American LegendsTribal Tales of Heroism

The Jumping Mouse

A tiny mouse's selfless journey leads to a legendary transformation into a majestic eagle.

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Illustration for The Jumping Mouse - a tribal tales of heroism Native American Legends story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Experience the legend of The Jumping Mouse, a heroic Native American tale of sacrifice and transformation as a small creature seeks the Sacred Mountains.

A curious young mouse lived in a busy community, but he was plagued by a distant roaring sound that no one else seemed to notice. Following the sound, he reached a Great River. There, he met a Magic Frog who taught him to jump high, allowing him to glimpse the distant Sacred Mountains. Inspired, the mouse set off on a perilous journey. Along the way, he encountered a blind Buffalo. Moved by the giant beast's plight, the mouse gave away his own eyes so the Buffalo could see and survive. Later, he met a Wolf who had lost his sense of smell. Despite his own vulnerability, the mouse sacrificed his sense of smell to help the Wolf. Blind and scentless, the mouse finally reached the base of the Sacred Mountains, shivering in fear of the eagles circling above. The Magic Frog appeared once more and told him to jump. As the mouse leaped, he felt the wind catch him. He was no longer a tiny creature of the earth; he had been transformed into a majestic Eagle, the king of the sky.

The Moral

True greatness is achieved through compassion and self-sacrifice; when we give of ourselves to help others, we are spiritually transformed.

“To reach the Sacred Mountains, one must give of themselves until they are empty, only then to be filled with the spirit of the sky.”

Fun Fact

While an ancient oral tradition, the story became a global symbol of personal growth after being featured in the 1972 book 'Seven Arrows,' which introduced many to Plains Indian philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Jumping Mouse?

The moral is that true heroism lies in compassion and self-sacrifice. By giving away what he valued most to help others, the mouse achieved a spiritual transformation far greater than his original form.

What does the mouse become at the end of the story?

At the conclusion of his journey, the mouse is transformed into a majestic eagle. This signifies his transition from a lowly, earth-bound creature to a soaring spiritual being.

What animals does the mouse meet on his journey?

The mouse encounters three primary guides and companions: the Magic Frog, who provides initial direction; the Buffalo, who receives the mouse's sight; and the Wolf, who receives his sense of smell.

What does the mouse sacrifice for the Buffalo?

To help the blind Buffalo, the mouse gives up his eyesight. This act of empathy allows the massive creature to navigate the plains once again, demonstrating the mouse's selfless heart.

What is the significance of the roaring sound?

The roaring sound represents a calling to a higher purpose or spiritual awakening. While others were content with their mundane lives, the mouse's willingness to follow the sound led to his ultimate destiny.

Which Native American tribe told the story of The Jumping Mouse?

The story is rooted in the oral traditions of the Northern Plains tribes, particularly the Cheyenne. it was popularized in modern times by Hyemeyohsts Storm in his book 'Seven Arrows'.