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The Legend of Tukarica

The Finding of the Legend

One day long ago, a group of arrowmen sought to find that place of places to hold our lodge induction. Near the lake at Scout camp, our great leader stumbled over a hard black object encased in a strange substance. Inspecting it, one of the arrowmen noticed strange markings on its smooth underside. The arrowmen took the artifact to the waters of the lake and cleaned it so they might read what was inscribed upon it. It began, "One day the Thunder Eagle . . ." Yes! At long last, they had found the Legend of Tukarica and the record of our creation, which has guided us forever since.

One day the Thunder Eagle, Mut-Too-Yah-Lat-Lat, was flying high over the mountains when he spotted the Mountain Ram, Lemonti Lemooto, being stalked by a Mountain Lion. As the Thunder Eagle and the Ram were brothers of the Arrow, the Eagle swooped down from the sky to warn his brother. Before the warning could be given, the Lion attacked and severely wounded the Mountain Ram just as the Eagle arrived to stop the attack. The Mountain Lion was so surprised by the intervention of the Thunder Eagle, that he let the Ram live and moved off to a small clump of trees to see what would happen next.

The Thunder Eagle tried to help his brother the Mountain Ram but the Ram was too weak and would surely die. The Lion thought, "Why should these two be such good friends?" He made up his mind to get closer and find the answer. Carefully he crept towards the Thunder Eagle and his wounded comrade. As the Thunder Eagle sensed the approach of the Lion he made up his mind to defend his brother with his life, if need be.

Now, being wise and having council with his Elders often, the Thunder Eagle, Mut-Too-Yah-Lat-Lat, turned to meet his foe. The Lion was crouched and ready to fight, but the Eagle said, "Mighty Mountain Lion, why have you attacked my brother; what has he done to deserve this?"

The Lion, expecting a fight, was again surprised by the actions of the Eagle. As the Thunder Eagle stood his ground calmly, yet with firmness, the Lion said, "In order for me to live here in these mountains alone, I must hunt those that I can catch to prove my mighty strength, to show all that I must be respected, or I shall surely perish."

"To me," said the Eagle, "it shows that you are alone and in need of comradeship and a purpose in life. This Mountain Ram, called Lemonti Lemooto, and I have been brothers for many years. We are those who practice service to others and we are a part of the Brotherhood of the Arrow, which teaches us the way to a higher goal in this life. I will not let you hurt my brother Lemonti Lemooto, further, but I fear that he is too weak to go on with his duties. What are you going to do about the void you have surely made?"

"I knew not of your brotherhood," said the Lion, "but wish to do that which is right. Your words of wisdom are true. I am in need of comradeship if I am to grow in this life. Will you take me to your Elders so I might join with you in your quest for service to others?"

"No!" said the Thunder Eagle, "It is not for me to say you may join. You must be chosen by those with whom you live and work."

At this the Mountain Lion jumped to a high rock and spoke to the wind. "Carry this message to the mountains and the plains, I Tukarica (the sheep eater), wish to undo the deed I have done. Tell me how I may do this.

Soon the wind began to bring the answer. "You must join with the Thunder Eagle and Mountain Ram to form one strong being to do the work of all three. In this union you will have the wisdom of the Thunder Eagle, Mut-Too-Yah-Lat-Lat; the sure footedness and gentleness of the Mountain Ram, Lemonti Lemooto; strength and courage to go on will come from you Tukarica.

The Eagle and the Ram said, "Yes, let us join to make the strongest brotherhood there is, and because you have chosen to join, we will be called Tukarica (the sheep eater) to remind us of what this great day has meant to our Brotherhood of the Arrow. We will soar straight and true as the arrow in our service to others."

And from that day to this, the mighty Tukarica has served those of the mountains and the plains of this, our land.

William P. Baker, Lodge Adviser, 1983

Tukarica Lodge totem - the cougar

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