To many Native Americans the world began when fire was brought to the people. In many legends, it was a bird or animal that brought fire. The Native American indigenous group, Crow, who lived in the Rocky Mountains told this legend.
Long, long ago, the crow had pure white feathers. He saw that the people had no fire. They could not cook their food or keep warm. Fire was kept on top of a high mountain that no man could reach.
One day Crow flew to the top of the mountain. He seized a burning brand out of the fire. Then he flew back as fast as his wings would carry him. He flew all through the country, giving everybody a spark from his fire-stick.
But as he flew, he left a long trail of black smoke. The smoke turned all his white feathers black. And that is why Crow is black to this very day.