Research source

The red men said that it hung in the air, and that the soul of an Indian--killed, that he might guard the…

Date of account: Published 1896
Source: Myths and Legends of Our Own Land — Complete
Reference: Myths and Legends of Our Own Land — Complete · selected passage 71
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

The red men said that it hung in the air, and that the soul of an Indian--killed, that he might guard the spot--made approach perilous to men of all complexions and purposes

Published source text

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Source passage

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The red men said that it hung in the air, and that the soul of an Indian--killed, that he might guard the spot--made approach perilous to men of all complexions and purposes. As late as Ethan Crawford's time one search band took a “good man” to lay the watcher, when they strove to scale the height, but they returned “sorely bruised, treasureless, and not even saw that wonderful sight.” The value of the stone tempted many, but those who sought it had to toil through a dense forest, and on arriving at the mountain found its glories eclipsed by intervening abutments, nor could they get near it. Rocks covered with crystals, at first thought to be diamonds, were readily despoiled of their treasure, but the Great Carbuncle burned on, two thousand feet above them, at the head of the awful chasm of Oakes Gulf, and baffled seekers likened it to the glare of an evil eye.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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