Native American Legends

Native American Legends Two Wolves A Cherokee Legend An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.

"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

"Grandfather Tells"

"The Wolves Within" Here is the same story, but it is called "Grandfather Tells" which is also known as "The Wolves Within" An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, "Let me tell you a story.

I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.

But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.

Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed." Name______Date______Period_____

1. What is the topic (the focus of thought) for The Cherokee Legend? ______

2. What is the main idea for this passage? ______

3. The author uses the good wolf vs. the evil wolf to present the discussion as a metaphor for

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4. What does the old Cherokee say that places responsibility on the young boy?

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5. How do you think the young boy should react after what the old Cherokee told him?

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6. In “Grandfather Tells,” how does grandfather explain hate? ______

7. What motivates the angry wolf? ______

8. What simile is used for hate? ______

9. Which line illustrates an internal conflict? ______

10. Explain the last line in your own words. ______

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