The legend of the creation of stars

Long ago, before humans inhabited the earth and the sky was lit by stars, night reigned supreme. The world was plunged into total darkness when the sun disappeared below the horizon. The nocturnal creatures and the first inhabitants of the earth lived in fear of the unknown and the dangers hidden in the darkness.

The Great Spirit , creator of all, saw that this darkness frightened men and animals. The nights were long and terrifying, and people did not dare leave their homes once the sun had set. They could not travel, hunt, or explore without light to guide them.

Touched by their suffering, the Great Spirit decided it was time to bring light into the darkness. He called Pakwa , the Great Bird of the Heavens, and commanded him to fly to the ends of the world and bring back the eternal light of the stars.

Pakwa obeyed, spreading his great silver wings and flying away over the mountains, forests and rivers. He flew day and night without stopping, determined to find the source of light that could guide men in the darkness. Finally, after a long journey, Pakwa reached the end of the world, where he found a great celestial hearth, an eternal fire that burned in the sky.

With his silver feathers, Pakwa gathered small sparks from the sacred fire and placed them in a basket. Then he flew away at high speed to earth, carrying these sparks with him. As he returned above the world, he scattered the sparks across the night sky. Each spark became a twinkling star, illuminating the night with a soft, reassuring light.

When men first looked up and saw the stars shining in the sky, they were amazed. The stars guided their steps in the darkness and gave them safety during the night. Thanks to Pakwa and the Great Spirit, men no longer had to fear the night, for they knew that the stars were there to watch over them.

Since that day, the Algonquin have looked to the stars as sacred guides, shards of eternal light sent by the Great Spirit to protect and enlighten the peoples of the earth. Each star in the sky is a flame of the sacred fire, a reminder that light always exists, even in the darkest moments.