Such a long time ago when the earth was quite new, but the heavens were already ancient, Wind swept along the jagged, rocky coastline, training his gaze toward the distant mountain range. Gusting inland, he ruffled the grasslands, whipped over lakes, and raised mist at each waterfall, all the while admiring his handiwork. Stilling himself inside the forestland, he realized he’d not yet chosen a protector of the wildwood and its many inhabitants.
Wolf was the first candidate Wind considered for the important task. Though cunning and ferocious, it soon became evident Wolf’s first loyalty was to his wolfpack. Also, Wolf’s nighttime howls announced his presence, though the position demanded stealth. Wind thanked Wolf for his efforts and praised his devotion to the pack.
Bear was the next possibility. Though a strong contender, her need to hibernate would leave the forest vulnerable during winter. Bear’s tendency to intimidate evidenced her lack of diplomacy, which was a vital element for the position. Anticipating Bear’s displeasure at being rejected, Wind simply hid until Bear commenced her long sleep.
Woodpecker auditioned for the important role. Although he possessed keen eyesight and the ability to soar above the tree canopy, his need to sleep at night left the forest vulnerable during the dark hours. Wind thanked Woodpecker for his efforts and pledged an unending and varied supply of material suitable for pecking.
Squirrel petitioned for consideration, insisting she not be overlooked because of her small size. She reminded Wind that the plethora of nuts she buries ensures a robust sapling population. Ultimately, fervent fall gathering proved to be a distraction to the necessary duties. Wind thanked Squirrel for her single-minded devotion and promised a banquet of acorns every autumn.
Beaver’s agility in the water drew Wind’s attention and for a time, he was frontrunner. However, the trees launched a protest insisting too many of their kindred had been felled by Beaver, and they feared lack of representation should Beaver be chosen. Wind acknowledged the trees’ concerns and delivered the news to Beaver, who swam away without a backward glance. He had a dam to build.
As Wind mulled his conundrum, grandmother Spider appeared. Descending from a silky silver thread anchored to the moon, she positioned herself by Wind’s ear, whispering her sagacity.
“The protector you desire must be created anew. Attributes of each candidate can be woven into a whole new being that will possess every characteristic required for the job.”
Wind succumbed to a deep sleep, and grandmother Spider set about her weaving.
Wolf’s cunning was the first thread. Grandmother Spider sprinkled in Wolf’s excellent hearing.
Bear’s courage was the second thread. Grandmother Spider added a claw from Bear’s mighty paw.
Woodpecker’s vision was the third thread. Grandmother Spider extracted a pinch of Woodpecker’s strong head and neck muscles.
Squirrel’s diligence was the fourth thread, and, after a spirited pursuit, grandmother Spider captured the essence of Squirrel’s tireless energy.
Beaver’s skill was the fifth thread. Grandmother Spider swirled in Beaver’s water repellent coat. She knew the new being would need it.
From her own web, grandmother Spider plucked the sixth thread of independence and the seventh thread of wisdom. She had plenty of each to share.
While Wind rested, grandmother Spider weaved the threads and extra elements into an enormous cloth which she draped over a tiny fir called Douglas. Rumbling thunder preceded the sky’s gift of gentle rain that continued all night long, soaking the cloth and melding it to the tiny fir.
As the sliver of dawn’s first light peeped over the horizon, Wind awakened and found curled asleep upon a bed of fir needles, the new being, Sasquatch. Overnight, under the charm of the cloth woven by grandmother Spider, Sasquatch and Douglas had grown as tall and strong as the oldest specimen in the wildwood.
At Wind’s behest, Sasquatch arose. Wind was awed by the thick furred creature who would tread silently in the woods, with Bear’s courage, Wolf’s cunning, Woodpecker’s sharp vision, Squirrel’s diligence, Beaver’s skill, and grandmother Spider’s wisdom and independence.
Wind was pleased and blessed the new being. Observing his enormous stature and features, grandmother Spider remarked “this one is a Bigfoot” and Sasquatch’s nickname was bestowed.
Each thread woven into Bigfoot’s making cloth linked him to its donor, and he enjoyed and nurtured relationships with his origin beings. He tucked the bears in for hibernation. He admired the beavers’ craftsmanship. He allowed the squirrels to groom him. He danced to the rhythm of woodpecker’s drumming. He was godfather to every wolf pup, allowing them to cut teeth on his tough hide. He sought grandmother Spider’s wisdom and counsel. His very best friend was Douglas, and the woodland grew dense with Douglas’ offspring.
Wind, grandmother Spider, and Bigfoot became a formidable force, and the wildwood and its inhabitants thrived under their care.
And so, it remains. Each full moon finds Bigfoot in the thicket of Douglas firs where he was born from the woven, enchanted, rain-soaked cloth. Wind renews Bigfoot’s blessing and thanks him for his excellent work. From her celestial web, grandmother Spider smiles and admires her creation.