Among the many tribes depicted within these myths and legends is the Modoc Tribe. “The Modoc” holds the meaning, “southerners”. The Modoc tribe held a great respect for animals, seeing them as their ancestors. They also held animals at a high respect because they believed them to be a creation from the Sky god. One animal in particular the Modoc tribe honored was grizzly bears. These animals are honored in the tale “When Grizzlies Walked Upright”. This tale shows the respect the tribe has for the animals, which are their ancestors and a creation of their god. Because of this, the Modoc would never kill or harm the grizzly bear. They believed to be the children of the grizzly bear.
Chief Kintpuash
Being invested in nature and its animals, as well as being hunter and gatherers, the Modoc people migrated according to season. In the winter, the Modoc made their homes out of sticks and mud near the water. The tribe formed many enemies and were in competition with the local tribes. Among many gods, the Modoc believed in Kumush, the creator god of the Modoc tribe. In the tale, “People Brought in a Basket”, Kumush distributes bones, which become four different tribes; Shastas, Pit River Indians, Warm Spring Indians, Klamath Indians and the Modoc Indians. The Modoc tribe was created to be strong, brave and, Kumush states, “you’ll be a small tribe, and though your enemies will be many, you will kill all who come against you.” Kumush created the tribe to be hunter and gatherers. When the European Americans entered their lives, the tribe’s social and economic culture drastically changed. One thing that did not change, however, was the tribe’s competitiveness. They began to compete with neighboring tribes on fur, gun and horse trades. The Modoc tribe found employment with the newcomers, trading work for food and other necessities. The Modoc people began to adapt to their new culture by, for example, calling their Chief Kintpuash “Captain Jack”. After signing a treaty with the United States government, the tribe had been living in an area that violated the treaty, which resulted in the Modoc War. Due to the war, the tribe made home in the Lava Beds. Throughout the war and the rest of the tribe’s history, the Modoc remained respectful of nature and animals, always brave and full of strength, how Kumush created them to be.
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