The old story in case some have not see the version or not seen it in years:
The Legend of the Order of the Arrow
Long years ago, the Lenni Lenape tribe of the Delaware Indians inhabited the Delaware River Valley. They pursued the deer, bear, wildcat, and the panther. They hunted and fished. Their villages were numerous and powerful; their hunting parties strong. They tilled the fields as well as followed the chase. They were a peaceful people, never warring with other tribes unless first attacked. The smoke arose from their wigwams as they smoked their pipe of peace.
Many moons they lived in this happy state of blissful contentment. Springtime blossomed into summer, summer matured into autumn, and autumn faded into winter in what seemed a never-ending succession of seasons. A cloud arose on this peaceful scene, however. Neighboring tribes and distant enemies began to raid their hunting grounds. Then Chingachgook, the chief of the Lenni Lenape, made an inquiry: "Who will go to the villages of the Delaware and warn them of the danger that threatens?" but none wished to go. One said, "Let them look to themselves--we are happy here." Another said, "Why should we be concerned as long as we are safe?" But Uncas, his son, said, "My father, here I am, send me. All these villages are of our blood--the Lenni Lenape. What is danger to one is the affair of all. The need is urgent. They are six to our one, and if we are to survive as a nation, we must all stand by each other. Meanwhile let us both urge upon our kindred the necessity of unselfish devotion to each other and the cause in which we are enlisted, and as they get this higher vision, send them forth on their errand of cheerful service."
Then Chingachgook, the chief, and his son Uncas set to work. In every village were found some who were willing to give themselves cheerfully in the service of others. Their enemies were compelled to retire to their own borders, and when peace was declared between them, they who first went out cheerfully to serve their kindred were raised to places of high eminence in the tribe by the chief. He said, "The servant is the greatest of all." These men became so convinced of the truth of this saying that they besought the chief to perpetuate it in some manner.
Therefore, Chingachgook bound them together in a Brotherhood into which only those who can forget their own interests and advancement while looking out for those of their brothers may be admitted. These also must be recommended for membership by their associates.
So greatly did this Order aid and strengthen the Lenni Lenape that other tribes sought their help in forming similar lodges in their own tribes. In the spirit of service many such lodges were formed, and they were bound together into one great Brotherhood.
Wimachtendienk, Wingolauchsik, Witahemui
Topic: Order of the Arrow (Read 773 times)
