The Stories from Elders

The Two Wolves, a Cherokee Legend   ~ Stephanie Deplanque

 I am going to tell you of a Cherokee story that was told to me a long time ago, and I still love to hear it from time to time. This is the story of the two wolves.

A very long time ago, an old man loved walking with his grandson. He would tell him stories and legends about their ancestors and their tribe, and the young boy would be very interested in everything the elder had to say. He would listen carefully and asked many questions.

One day, the young boy was more silent than ordinary, and after a while, his grandfather asked him what was going on. The boy told him about his day, about another boy with whom he had a fight and how he was very disappointed with his friend.  

His grandfather then told him the story of the two wolves.

"You see son, in every one of us, there are two Wolves. One is Black and he is Anger, Regret, Envy, Sorrow, Arrogance, Resentment, Lies, Superiority and Guilt. But the other wolf is White, and he is Kindness, Love, Humility, Peace, Joy, Generosity, Courage, Empathy and Truth. And there is a constant battle going on between these two Wolves. A battle going on inside each and every one of us.

Thinking about what his grandfather just told him, the boy stayed silent for a while. Then he turned towards his wise grandfather and asked him, "Which wolf wins the battle in the end?"

And the old man simply answered, "The one you feed the most."



                                                        Banner Graphic: www.firstpeople.us