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The Legend of El Capitan

The Yosemite Indians did not have a written language, so through the ages orally passed down stories to explain the world around them. Here is another legend that explains how El Capitan rose from the earth:

Long ago in the Valley of Ahwahnee two cub bears wandered away from their mother. They saw the cool water and went in for a swim. Afterwards, feeling very tired, they fell asleep on a flat boulder near the edge of the lake.

While they slept, the immense rock rose slowly until it towered above them. They were as high as the treetops and clouds.

When the mother bear realized they were gone, she searched and searched but could not find them. Finally, a crane discovered them sleeping atop the huge rock. The mother bear was sure they would awaken and fall to their deaths.

The forest animals wanted to help, but each tried in vane...no one could reach the top of the peak. A small worm came forward and offered to retrieve them. The other animals laughed at this arrogant boast, but the worm began its climb saying, "Too-tack, too-tack, To-to-kon-oo-lah" as he moved up and up the face of the rock.

When the worm was halfway, the massive rock shook--almost dislodging the little worm, but he held on with his front feet. Higher and higher he worked until finally he was atop the rock. All the animal kingdom celebrated! The worm gently coaxed the two cubs down the rock and to safety once again. To note the worm's accomplishment, the rock was named TOTOKONLAH in his honor.

From YOSEMITE INDIANS; YESTERDAY AND TODAY (1941)--Indian Legends by Elizabeth H. Godfrey

The Legend of Half Dome and Basket Dome

Early Yosemite Indians attempted to explain its geologic wonders by weaving beguiling legends about them. By word of mouth, they handed down these stories through the generations. Here is one of them:

A man and woman living in the dry plains heard of the lush and fertile Ahwahnee Valley. They decided to go there to make it their home. They trekked through steep canyons and thick forests; the woman carrying on her back a heavy basket containing acorns and other necessities, plus a papoose carrier. The man followed behind lugging his bow, arrow and staff.

The journey was rugged, but after many days the couple arrived in the Ahwahnee Valley. They were hungry and thirsty. Perhaps because of this, the man lost his temper without provocation and hit the woman across her shoulders with his staff. Frightened, she ran away from her husband.

As she ran the acorns flew from her basket--which later became mighty oaks. Reaching Mirror Lake, the woman's thirst was great, so drank every last drop. When the man caught up with his wife, he could not believe that she had drained the lake of every bit of water. In his anger, he struck her once again.

As she ran, he struck her again and again. She tossed away her basket in order to run faster--this became Basket Dome. Next she threw away the papoose carrier--this became the Royal Arches. The fighting displeased the Gods who decided to teach them a lesson.

(picture #2--Basket Dome)

They transformed the woman into Half Dome and the man into North Dome and although they would have to face each other for eternity, they would be forever parted.

**From YOSEMITE INDIANS; YESTERDAY AND TODAY (1941)--Indian Legends by Elizabeth H. Godfrey