intense submerged spirits that gave individuals control
over the waters. To a few tribes, beavers were an image
of bounty. In a Nez Perce legend, Beaver stole FIRE
from the PINES, desirous watchmen of this mystery, and
offered it to birches, willows, and different TREES. This
story clarifies why fire is made when the wood
of trees is rubbed together. In one form of the
Blackfeet CREATION ACCOUNT, Beaver was one of