The legend of the mouse, guardian of the first grain

La légende de la souris, gardienne du premier grain


In the beginning, the creatures were obsessed with size and power. They mocked the smaller ones, considering them insignificant. To teach them a lesson in humility and faith, the great spirit challenged them: to cross the high and perilous Kitchi Mountain to bring the first grain of life to the other side.

The bison charged, grew exhausted, and retreated. The bear roared, but his muscles betrayed him on the ice. The wolf ran cunningly, but his solitude became a fear that made him give up.

Then came the mouse. Its paw was small, its breathing shallow, but its eyes shone with quiet determination. The other animals laughed: "How can the smallest succeed where giants have failed?"

The mouse didn't reply. She accepted the tiny grain, holding it carefully. Instead of trying to run or climb straight ahead, she embarked on the long underground path. She dug, rested, dug some more. Her progress was slow, invisible, but it was steady.

She didn't look at the grandeur of the mountain, but focused solely on the next small effort. Her faith was not in her strength, but in the importance of the grain she carried.

After many moons, the mouse emerged on the other side of the mountain. The small grain, although wet and marked by the journey, was intact.

The great spirit appeared and said, "The greatest have failed through lack of humility and pride. They looked at the immensity of the obstacle. The mouse succeeded through faith, silent perseverance, and the recognition that constant effort, however tiny, eventually triumphs over the greatest of mountains."

From that day on, the mouse has been considered the guardian of the first grain. It reminds us that true strength lies not in the size of the body, but in the quiet power of the mind and fidelity to one's path.

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Foire aux questions

1. What is the difference between the strength of the mouse and that of the other animals in the legend?
The other animals (bison, bear, wolf) possessed physical strength (external strength), but lacked humility and patience. The mouse possessed inner strength: faith, silent perseverance, and concentration on small, constant effort.
2. What does the "first grain" that the mouse carries symbolize?
The first grain is a metaphor for life itself, for hope, or for a personal mission. It is what gives meaning to effort. The mouse teaches us that even the smallest and most fragile thing must be carried with the utmost determination.
3. What message does this legend send about success and size?
This legend overturns the belief that size or brute power leads to success. It teaches that the greatest victories are often the result of a series of humble and constant efforts (perseverance) and an unwavering faith in one's mission.