"Spark of Creation" White Raven Gifts

This Creation myth as told by ancient Haida Elders, tells the story of how the Earth almost died. The sun was losing its power and becoming dimmer day by day. Without light, there would be no life and every living creature knew this, yet no-one offered to save the World for all were afraid to try... except for the great White Raven (known as "Spirit Raven"). He boldly stepped forward and offered to fly up to the dying Sun with a hot ember, a spark that would hopefyully reignite the star and bring light and warmth once more to the World. But it was a dangerous task, for Raven risked burning up in the burst of igniting flame should he succeed, but he tried anyway. The brave White Raven flew to the Sun, magically holding a single burning ember in his talons. Once above the dimming star, he sent his spirit-self downwards and carefully released the red-hot coal into the star. Immediately, after releasing the coal, he returned upwards but was not quite fast enough, and was singed by the reigniting Sun beneath him. His wings were blackened and scorched, but he miraculously survived and returned to the Earth quite black. The Gods let him and his descendants remain black as a reminder of the courage of the Spirit Raven. Occasionally, a white Raven is born into the World, to remind us of how Raven once appeared; with his beautiful white wings and beak and a heart of fire that anciently saved the World for Man and all the animals of Creation. (As retold by Skye Ryan-Evans)