The Trial of Lovers: Maiden of Matsaki
A Zuni folk tale about the beautiful Maiden of Matsaki, desired by many suitors. After the war god Áhaiyúta and his brother courted her, they discovered she was cruel — she had let the children of Field-mice die of cold while she gambled. The gods punished her but also showed compassion for the helpless mouse children, taking them to their grandmother who raised them. The story teaches that even gods can be cruel, but those who find helpless children must care for them. The Maiden of Matsaki's story illustrates Zuni values about compassion, the consequences of cruelty, and the duty to care for