In which it's okay to be kind, even to alligators. Who knew?

 The Alligator and the Hunter (Choctaw Tribe)

When a man went hunting, he saw an alligator far from water.

This alligator had crawled too far and become stranded.  It was so thirsty and dried it could hardly speak.  It begged the hunter for help. 

The hunter kept his distance.  But he said, “Go through the forest in that direction.  There is water nearby.”

But the animal pleaded.  “I am too weak, I shall surely die.  Come closer and let me talk to you.”

Cautiously, the hunter approached.

“You are a hunter,” said the alligator, “but you rarely bring home game.  Is that true?”

It was true.  The hunter had very bad luck.

“Help me now,” said the alligator, “and I will tell you how to become a great hunter.  Will you do it?”

The hunter was afraid.  “I could carry you to the pond,” he said, “if you would let me tie up your legs and tie up your mouth.”

“Tie me up and carry me,” said the alligator.  And it rolled over on its back and allowed itself to be tied up.

The hunter carried the heavy animal on his back.  Finally, they reached the water.  The hunter untied the alligator and jumped back.

The alligator dove to the bottom of the water and swam to the top again.  It did this three times. 

Finally, the alligator swam back to the top and spoke.  “You have saved my life.  Now listen carefully:

“When you go back through the forest, you will meet a small doe.  Do not kill that small doe.  She has many children yet to bear.

“You will meet a large doe.  Do not kill that large doe.  She has many children yet to raise.”

“You will meet a young buck.  Do not kill that young buck.  He has many children yet to sire.”

“You will meet an old buck.  This buck has lived long.  His time is done.  Aim your arrow at this buck.  Remember always to take deer as I teach you.  Then you will have food for your family.”

The hunter did as the alligator instructed. 

He passed by the young doe.

He passed by the old doe.

He passed by the young buck.

When he saw the old buck he went close and took that buck.

From then on, the hunter took game as the alligator said.  Throughout his life, his family always had good luck for hunting.