It occurred a great while hence, in times when the world was yet in its nascent state. In those days, there dwelt in a certain locale an aged matron and a maiden.
The maiden was unwedded and without progeny. Her mother exercised great vigilance over her, for at the maiden's birth, she possessed a premonition that misfortune would befall the child. 'Twas revealed to her in a dream that the child should ne'er, under any circumstance, direct her countenance towards the region of the sun's descent. Even when she ventured forth to relieve herself, even after attaining womanhood, she was obliged to exercise caution in this regard. For should she fail to do so, some grave calamity would assuredly befall her. The mother attended to her daughter with the utmost diligence throughout her childhood. However, it is not within the realm of possibility for individuals to remain perpetually in a state of juvenescence. Upon attaining girlhood and womanhood, the daughter of the now-aged matron was compelled to exercise self-care. Nevertheless, the mother was assiduous in elucidating that consequences even more dire than the heavens collapsing upon her would ensue should she face the setting sun. The maiden heeded the admonition and was circumspect in this matter.
It so happened, that upon a certain day, she ventured alone into the woodlands. The atmosphere was thick with fog, and as she ambled about, she found herself bereft of her bearings. Whilst endeavouring to discover a path homeward, she was compelled by the exigencies of nature to relieve herself. Regrettably, she faced in an improper direction, whereupon she was seized with a sudden and unsettling sensation. Concurrently, a formidable whirlwind arose, violently uplifting her garments and exposing her torso in a state of undress.
When the tempest had subsided and the maiden had rearranged her attire, she continued her exploration of the forest until, at length, she discerned her way back to her abode. Upon her arrival, she recounted to her mother her recent experience and the peculiar disquiet it had engendered within her.
Upon hearing her daughter's pronouncements, the mother, who had been seated with her back toward the portal, forthwith turned about. She did then conclude, with no small measure of certainty, that this juncture marked the commencement of grave misfortune for her family. The girl did stand before her, trembling from her very head to the soles of her feet, and as pallid as the driven snow.
When the mother had sufficiently recovered her composure to give utterance, she did inquire of the girl: 'Hast thou, perchance, turned thy countenance in the incorrect direction?'
'Indeed, Mother,' quoth the maiden, sinking forthwith to the floor and burying her countenance within her hands. 'Indeed, Mother, yet 'twas not done with purpose aforethought. Natheless, I am cognisant that I must now endure hardship. Even at this very moment, I am possessed of the knowledge that I am with child'.
As time elapsed, the maiden found herself in a predicament of considerable gravity. It was patently manifest that her womb harboured more than a single progeny. A veritable struggle ensued within, occasioning the mother no small degree of torment. The offspring contended fiercely amongst themselves, vying for supremacy and the acquisition of pre-eminent powers.
Indeed, their contentions were audible, as they sparred verbally. One proclaimed, 'I am first.' Whereupon another, and yet another, echoed the same sentiment. Consequent to this, a most vigorous altercation would erupt. The unfortunate mother! At length, the appointed hour for parturition drew nigh. A struggle of unprecedented intensity occurred within the womb, accompanied by yet fiercer combat. Suddenly, the mother was rent asunder by the combatants, her corporeal substance scattered in fragments to the uttermost reaches of space. Even the girl's maternal progenitor found herself displaced by many miles.
The progeny thenceforth engendered were denominated the Four Winds, of whom Manabozho doth stand pre-eminent. Even within the confines of the maternal womb, these winds found themselves in a state of irreconcilable discord. Upon attaining a tender age, they did effect a separation.
They apportioned the terrestrial and celestial domains equally amongst themselves. Manabozho did lay claim to that quarter whence the sun doth make its advent. He is presently recognised as the puissant East Wind.
