The Great Race (Arapaho)
Long ago, the animals decided to hold a great race to determine which would be the fastest and most powerful. All creatures gathered from across the plains. The two-leggeds and four-leggeds each chose their champion. The race was long and grueling, crossing rivers and mountains. The buffalo was winning for the four-leggeds, but the magpie—representing the two-leggeds—hitched a ride on the buffalo's back. Near the finish line, the magpie flew ahead and won. The Creator declared it a draw, ruling that two-leggeds would hunt four-leggeds for food, but must always show respect for their sacrifice.