This retelling of the Huichol myth of the great flood that washed away the first world, along with its animal people, and the creation of the new, is also an explanation of the origins of the Huichol themselves, descended from the hero Watákame - the sole survivor of the flood - and the first woman, Yokawima. A picture-book that is divided into brief chapters, it follows the story of Watákame, the only one of the animal people to work hard and honor the gods. Warned by Nakawé, the goddess of living things, that a great flood is coming, and instructed to build a boat, and take on board the corn, beans and squash he will need in the new world - as well as his little black dog, and the materials needed to keep fire alive - Watákame is aided in his quest by the fire god Tatewarí, and by his magical deer spirit guide, Kauyumári. After the terrible events of the flood, Watákame learns to be a shaman, marries Yokawima (created from his little black dog), and teaches his descendants the rituals and customs they will need to observe, in order to ensure that life continues...

I originally became aware of Hallie N. Love and Bonnie Larson's retelling of this story after reading The Tree That Rains: The Flood Myth of the Huichol Indians of Mexico, which is a far more abbreviated version of this fascinating myth. The illustrator's note mentioned that the artwork was inspired by the yarn paintings of the Huichol, and in searching for information about this art form, I happened upon this other retelling. I'm glad that I did, as it is far more detailed, and seems - as much as I am able to tell - to be a more "authentic" version. Both authors are personally involved with members of the Huichol tribe, and the artwork - vibrantly colorful yarn paintings, created by pressing the yarn into beeswax and pine pitch that have been applied to a wooden panel - was made by eleven or more Huichol artists.

I'm always fascinated by the fact that the story of a great flood is so widespread, amongst the peoples of the earth, and the Huichol myth is certainly a beautiful addition to this corpus of tales. I confess that, while reading, I felt very sorry for the original animal people, whatever their flaws, but I can see how that aspect of the story would have been central, in emphasizing the importance of tradition, to the listener. I understand that the Huichol are one of the few indigenous groups in Mexico that have never converted (even nominally) to Christianity, despite centuries of Catholic efforts, and current Protestant ones, and that these stories are still recited every year. Like the story of Noah (and unlike classical Greek mythology, for instance), this tale is therefore part of a living religion. I recommend it to anyone interested in comparative religion/mythology, or in the Huichol and their artwork. ( )