The Release of the Wild Animals
In the beginning, all wild animals were confined in a great underground cavern by a spirit who wanted to protect them. The Comanche people had only dogs and horses. A brave warrior followed a trail to the cavern entrance and heard the stamping and snorting of many animals within. With the help of the wind spirit, he opened the cavern door. Out rushed deer, antelope, elk, bears, wolves, and mountain lions, spreading across the plains. The warrior was nearly trampled but survived. The spirit, angry at the release, caused some animals to become dangerous to humans, while others remained gentle.