A long, long time ago, when the world came to be, the People of the Sub-Arctic lived in a vast, fertile plain. The rich land, dotted with trees, stretched into the horizon, like the night sky. The People had lived there for as long as they could remember, and were finally getting richer from their hard labour. Everyone was happy; there was no fighting. The village was becoming known for the inhabitant’s skills and talents.

            One day, Crow came to the village. Crow perched on a tree. He cawed, “People of the Sub-Arctic, I know how to make you prosper!” The whole village gathered around Crow – hunters and warriors, scholars and shamans, wise men and little children. Suddenly, Chief started taunting Crow, “Why must we follow your advice?” He mocked, “We are rich enough already!” The People agreed. A wave of disdain spread across the village. One by one, the People laughed at Crow. They mocked and teased Crow, for Crow’s insolence, at Crown’s ugly voice, at Crow’s messy black feathers, which looked as if Crow had flown through brambles and thorns. Soon, everybody was laughing, but then Crow screamed, “Stop!” Everyone was silent. Crow looked at the People of the Sub-Arctic with shame and anger, and whispered, “Mock me as you will, I do not care, for I shall punish you!” Crow was shouting by then. Crow flew up and up, and up, until all that was left of him was a tiny speck, swallowed by the vast sky. Chief was triumphant, “Ha! That rascal never would scare us!” Just as he finished, a gust of wind blew. From that wind came more, and more, and even more wind.  Soon, the wind blew away everything in the village as easily, like a bird takes to the heavens. Everybody was blinded to the howling gales, and nobody could see. The People of the Sub-Arctic heard Chief scream, “You won’t get away with this!” in his rage.

            But Crow did. When the gusts first subsided, everybody was grateful. But then, the People took a look around. Their home was barren. The once green plains had been dyed white. Snow gently drifted down from the heavens. The once warm winter was suddenly cold. Many of the trees had also disappeared. Ever since, the People of the Sub-Arctic have had to endure, and carry the burden of Crow’s curse. Thus comes the cold desert, the “tundra”.

Be sure to check all my other articles:

A new animal? Adaptations for the platypus: http://scienceray.com/biology/a-new-animal/

Why explorers came: http://socyberty.com/history/explorers-and-the-new-world/

A myth (short story): http://authspot.com/short-stories/a-myth-crow-makes-the-tundra/

Persuasive letter on Wikipedia: http://quazen.com/reference/wikipedia-a-reliable-source-for-student-research/

Possible Advertisement For Mars?: http://socyberty.com/future/possible-advertisement-for-attractions-on-mars/