Sharing The Legend
Saturday there were so many choices that had to be made, yet for some unknown reason, something told me "go." Here in NE CT many events become part of the annual Walktober sponsored by The Last Green Valley, an organization dedicated to preserving the national heritage corridor. So many events, walks, hikes, paddles were being held that day, I felt like a kid in a candy shop!
Anyway, you remember the Mohegan Indian Chief Uncas made famous from James Fenimore Cooper's Last of the Mohicans right?
Well, something told me "just go" to see "The Legend of Uncas' Leap."
So I did.
Anyway, you remember the Mohegan Indian Chief Uncas made famous from James Fenimore Cooper's Last of the Mohicans right?
Well, something told me "just go" to see "The Legend of Uncas' Leap."
So I did.
Arriving early and while waiting in the car, I was totally taken by surprise as I watched an immature eagle circling above (not the best pic but it is an immature).
Do you believe in Karma?
Do you know some of the symbolism affiliated with EAGLES?
When an eagle appears, you are on notice to be courageous and stretch your limits. Do not accept the status quo, but rather reach higher and become more than you believe you are capable of. Look at things from a new, higher perspective. Be patient with the present; know that the future holds possibilities that you may not yet be able to see. You are about to take flight.
Anyway, after a few short minutes, others began arriving and in joining them, I introduced myself to Val, a woman from Norwich.
Gathering with the other participants who, like me, were there to visit the Yantic River gorge, the natural resource that is home to the legend of Uncas' Leap, I continued to see the immature eagle flying overhead.
The tour was to be given by a gentleman from the Norwich Historical Society and a Mohegan Tribal Elder and I couldn't wait to hear the legend of the leap.
Gathering with the other participants who, like me, were there to visit the Yantic River gorge, the natural resource that is home to the legend of Uncas' Leap, I continued to see the immature eagle flying overhead.
As we walked from the Uncas Leap Heritage Area to the Royal Mohegan Burial Ground, stories were shared with us revealing the deep significance of the Mohegan Tribe's Heritage and their present day connection.
The majority of the stories, although not documented, are a result of "oral history" which had been passed down generation to generation to the Mohegan Elders.
All I can say is that it was not only an eye-opening experience but also a heart wrenching saga of the Mohegan Indians.
As I stood on the foot bridge overlooking the gorge where many fell to their death, my heart was full of emotions...anger, disgust for the way the Mohegans were treated yet grateful for my decision to come here and respectful as I listened and learned things you just don't read in history books.
The majority of the stories, although not documented, are a result of "oral history" which had been passed down generation to generation to the Mohegan Elders.
All I can say is that it was not only an eye-opening experience but also a heart wrenching saga of the Mohegan Indians.
As I stood on the foot bridge overlooking the gorge where many fell to their death, my heart was full of emotions...anger, disgust for the way the Mohegans were treated yet grateful for my decision to come here and respectful as I listened and learned things you just don't read in history books.
What broke my heart was to hear and see the reality of what became of the sixteen acre parcel of land the Mohegans were given for their Royal Burial ground...SIXTEEN STINKING ACRES...after they gave so much to the colonists.
Now only a small parcel, the land was excavated with many artifacts removed without permission, including some remains of the Mohegan tribal members! The Elder spoke of rumors that some of the homes had headstones in their basements..."only rumors though," she said standing tall and with pride becoming occasionally overwhelmed with emotion herself.
Now only a small parcel, the land was excavated with many artifacts removed without permission, including some remains of the Mohegan tribal members! The Elder spoke of rumors that some of the homes had headstones in their basements..."only rumors though," she said standing tall and with pride becoming occasionally overwhelmed with emotion herself.
Each circle inscribed with the name of a tribal elder's name located in the Royal Burial Ground's Memorial park represents one of the thirteen moons, the cycle of their year. The red center represents the spiritual life force of the universe. Inscribed on the center are the following words:
"You now stand on the site of the Mohegan Tribe's Royal Burial Ground.
Here rest the remains of the Mohegans whose graves were desecrated in their ancestral soil. May they rest in peace, now and forever."
"You now stand on the site of the Mohegan Tribe's Royal Burial Ground.
Here rest the remains of the Mohegans whose graves were desecrated in their ancestral soil. May they rest in peace, now and forever."
They are approximately 2000 Mohegan members alive today.
Saturday I was honored to meet one of them, a descendant of the great Uncas, a sachem (tribal chief) of the Mohegan.
Mohegans have fought in every war,
defending their native land...
our country.
defending their native land...
our country.
The location of the Mohegan, Pequot, Montaukett, Niantic, and Shinnecock, and their neighbors, c. 1600
When the tour ended, as I headed back to my car, while emotions ran deep like the falls I passed, I looked up and saw that the eagle was still with me.
When an eagle appears, you are on notice to be courageous and stretch your limits. Do not accept the status quo, but rather reach higher and become more than you believe you are capable of. Look at things from a new, higher perspective. Be patient with the present; know that the future holds possibilities that you may not yet be able to see. You are about to take flight.
When an eagle appears, you are on notice to be courageous and stretch your limits. Do not accept the status quo, but rather reach higher and become more than you believe you are capable of. Look at things from a new, higher perspective. Be patient with the present; know that the future holds possibilities that you may not yet be able to see. You are about to take flight.
To read more about "The Legend" click Uncas
Sharing history and some shaping of our country with you and those at
Comments
Yep, European settlers ought to be ashamed of how they treated the natives on this side of the ocean, that's for sure!