Grandmother Spider Steals the Fire (Cherokee)
In the beginning, the only fire belonged to the Thunders in the sky world. The animals held a council to decide who would bring fire to the people. Many brave animals volunteered but failed: Raven tried to carry an ember but his feathers turned black; Screech Owl's eyes were burned red; Hooting Owl's eyes were singed white. Finally, the tiny Water Spider, Dilsdohdi, volunteered. She spun a bowl-shaped web, placed it on her back, and crossed the water to the sky world. She placed a small ember in her web-basket and carried it safely back across the water to the people. This is why the Water Spi