The legend of the birth of the moon and the sun

Long ago, before the world as we know it, the earth was shrouded in eternal darkness. There was no light to guide the people, no heat to warm the earth. Animals and men lived in an endless twilight, where darkness reigned day and night.

The Great Spirit watched the earth from the spirit world, worried about the men and creatures that inhabited this cold, dark place. He knew that the earth needed light, but he had to find a way to bring it without upsetting the balance of the world.

One day, the Great Spirit summoned Wisakedjak , a cunning and spiritual being, to help him solve this problem. Wisakedjak, often considered a trickster, but also a protector of men, thought of a solution. He knew that he had to create two sources of light for the earth, one to illuminate the day and the other to watch over the world at night.

He then set out in search of these lights across the heavens. After days of traveling, he discovered two bright young spirits playing in the far reaches of the sky. These spirits were luminous, filled with an energy and strength unknown on earth. Wisakedjak asked them if they wanted to help men and animals live in a better world. The two spirits, curious and eager to discover the earth, accepted enthusiastically.

Wisakedjak introduced them to the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit gave one of the spirits the mission of becoming the Sun . Every day, the sun would rise in the sky to light the world and warm the earth, allowing plants to grow and creatures to thrive. The second spirit became the Moon , a softer, more soothing light, meant to watch over the earth at night, bringing calm and tranquility to the beings who lived there.

Thus the sun and the moon were born. The sun, with its bright and warm light, illuminates the world every day, while the moon, soft and mysterious, watches over the night, bringing serenity to the creatures of the earth. Together, they created a perfect cycle of harmony between light and darkness.

Since then, the Cree have looked to the sun and moon as benevolent spirits that protect the earth and ensure its balance. The light of day allows life, and the light of night watches over the rest of all creatures.

Primary Source : The legend of the creation of the sun and moon comes from the oral tradition of the Cree. These indigenous peoples have a rich cosmology, where figures like Wisakedjak play a vital role in the creation of the world and the balance between light and dark.

Cultural Reference : Variations of this legend can be found in Cree Legends and Narratives from the West Coast of James Bay by Richard J. Preston, which collects Cree stories of creation and cosmology.