Sun, Moon and Wind Go Out To Dinner
One day Sun, Moon, and Wind went out to dine with their uncle and aunt, Thunder and Lightning. Their mother, a star, waited alone for her children’s return.
Now both Sun and Wind were greedy and selfish. They enjoyed the great feast that had been prepared for them. But the gentle Moon did not forget her. Of every dainty dish that was brought round, she placed a small portion under one of her beautiful long fingernails, that Star might also have a share in the treat.
On their return their mother, who had kept watch for them all night long with her little bright eye, said,
“Well, children, what have you brought home for me?“
Then Sun (who was eldest) said,
“I have brought nothing home for you.“
And Wind said,
“Neither have I!“
But Moon said,
“Mother, fetch a plate, see what I. have brought you.“
And shaking her hands she showered down such a choice dinner as never was seen before.
Then Star turned to Sun and said
“Because you went out to amuse yourself with your friends, you shall be cursed. Henceforth, your rays shall ever be hot and scorching, and shall burn all that they touch. And men shall hate you, and cover their heads when you appear.“
And that is why the Sun is so hot to this day.
Then she turned to Wind and said,
“You also, you shall always blow in the hot dry weather, and shall parch and shrivel all living things. And men shall detest and avoid you from this very time.“
And that is why the Wind in the hot weather is still so disagreeable.
But to Moon she said,
“Daughter, because you remembered your mother, and kept for her a share of food, from henceforth, you shall be ever cool, and calm, and bright. No noxious glare shall accompany your pure rays, and men shall always call you ‘blessed.’“
And that is why the Moon’s light is so soft, and cool, and beautiful even to this day.
