Guardians of the Forest: An Aboriginal Legend

When winter sets in and snowflakes gently fall from the sky, the forests seem to enter a deep sleep. But in the icy silence, ancient spirits watch: they are the guardians of the forests.

It is said that every winter, when the wind blows between the bare branches and the ground is covered with a pristine white carpet, the guardians awaken. Invisible to human eyes, these ancestral spirits take care of the forests and all their inhabitants. They ensure that the natural balance is respected until the return of spring.

Etu's encounter with a guard

One winter evening, a young boy named Etu went into the forest to look for wood for his fire. The moon, high and bright, illuminated his path, but all around him, the world seemed asleep. The trees, frozen under their blanket of snow, whispered softly in the language of the wind. Etu knew well the stories of the elders, those that spoke of the guardians of the forests. It was said that these spirits took different forms: sometimes shadows between the trees, sometimes animals with shining eyes.

Suddenly, as he knelt down to pick up a branch, Etu felt a cold breath on his cheek. He looked up and saw a figure in the distance, a large deer with fur as white as snow. Its antlers glittered in the moonlight, and its eyes seemed filled with ancient wisdom. Etu knew that he was in the presence of a guardian of the forests.

The stag moved forward silently, then stopped. His gaze seemed to say, “Take only what you need. The forest gives, but it must also rest.” Etu bowed his head in respect and whispered, “I will not forget, Warden. I will take only what is needed to keep my family warm.”

At that moment, a light breeze shook the branches of the trees, as if the forest itself was responding to the boy. The deer slowly turned on its heel and disappeared into the night, leaving behind only footprints in the fresh snow.

The message of the elders

Back in the village, Etu told his story to the elders. His grandfather nodded and said, “The guardians of the forests remind us that we must honor what nature offers us. Winter is a time for rest, not for pillaging. Respect the forests, and they will always nourish you.”

From that day on, whenever a hunter or gatherer entered the forest in winter, he would leave a small offering—a prayer, a piece of food, or a few strands of tobacco—to thank the invisible guardians who watch in the shadows.

Respect for nature

It is said that those who respect these spirits always find what they need, while those who take more than they should get lost in the woods or return empty-handed.

So, even today, when you walk in a forest asleep under the snow, you just have to listen to the silence. Perhaps you will hear the whispers of the guardians, reminding everyone of the importance of balance, respect and gratitude towards nature.

Sources and references

• Hébert, M. (2020). Legends and stories of the First Nations . Hannenorak Publishing.
• Oral transmissions collected from First Nations elders.
• Dumont, R. (2018). The sacred knowledge of indigenous peoples . Montreal: Écosociété.