A Moon Myth
by Shadow Butler
Long,long ago when the earth was young many things happened. Those of which we now only remember as myth and legend. This is one of them.
Gaia was the spirit of the earth. She watched the forests and meadows bloom, the animals and birds play. The People of this time cared about the earth; and knew the spirits. Each rill and brook had their spirit. Each star in the sky had its guardian. There was no moon, only the stars to give the night light.
Some animals moved by day, but the majority moved by night. The gentle ones, prey for some of the others, could easily hide by starlight. The hunters of the night had to work hard, often going hungry. Soon some of the hunters got together to plan what to do about the situation. They decided to take their problem to Gaia.
Arriving at Gaia's bower, the owl, as spokesperson stepped forward and bowed.
"Most honourable Gaia," he began. 'We stand before you in need of your help. Many of us are sick, and starving for lack of prey. We know there is prey enough for all, yet it is too easy for them to hide. Their sick, old and weak are also suffering. One of our purposes is to keep them healthy by taking the weak, old or sick. Thus we help them to be strong by ensuring only, that only, the strong continue their line. We need a light at night . One brighter than the stars so we can do what it is our purpose to do. Will you help us?"
The owl stepped back and all the hunters waited for a reply. They knew that Gaia was their only hope.
After a period of silence Gaia answered them. "I know that you have been having a bad time. I have also observed how the hunted are growing in numbers. If this continues for too long they will starve, for there is not enough food for the numbers that will be. Starving is a much harder way to go than to be food for you. Therefore I will give you a light in the night to help you hunt."
The animals who hunted bowed their heads in gratitude. Silently they left, knowing Gaia would help. Although wondering how soon she could.
After the animals left a unicorn appeared from behind the bower. As part animal and part spirit the animals had not sensed its presence. Reaching the place where Gaia sat it blew a gentle laugh in her hair.
'Do you know what you have promised?" asked the unicorn. "You are the spirit of the earth, but you must get the help of the spirit of the sky. Otherwise whatever you put up will not stay."
"I was hopeing,' Gaia said. "That you would help me contact Una who controls the sky. We must make sure that he understands why we need the light amongst the stars. That he knows I do not trespass lightly, but only for the good of those in my care. Will you help me Selene?