been, their national legend is now lost
forever. The secret organizations that must have existed formerly
among the priesthood have also disappeared, and each man now works
independently according to his individual gifts and knowledge.
The sacred myths were not for every one, but only those might hear
who observed the proper form and ceremony. When John Ax and
■American Anthropologist, vol. xi. July. 1898. 3 Adair, American Indians, p. 81, ITT"'.
2 See page 20.
230 MYTHS OK THE CHEROKEE
other old men were boys, now some eighty years ago. the myth-keepers
and priests were accustomed to meet toe-ether at night in the asl.
or low-built log .sleeping house, to recite the traditions and discuss
their secret knowledge. At times those who desired instruction from
an adept in the sacred lore of the tribe met him by appointment in the
as?,where they sat up all night talking, with only the light of a small
tire burning in the middle of the floor. At daybreak the whole party
went down to the running stream, where the pupils or hearers of the
myths stripped themselves, and were scratched upon their naked skin
with a bone-tooth comb in the hands of the priest, after which they
waded out, facing the rising sun, and dipped seven times under the
water, while the priest recited prayers upon the bank. This purifica-
tory rite, observed more than a century ago by Adair, is also a part of
the ceremonial of the ballplay, the Green-corn dance, and, in fact,
every important ritual performance. Before beginning one of the
stories of the sacred class the informant would sometimes suggest
jokingly that the author first submit to being