The Opossum's Fiery Lesson (A Cherokee folklore)

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Have you ever wondered why the humble opossum sports such a distinctive, bare tail? It's a feature that sets it apart in the animal kingdom, and like many unique traits in nature, there's a story behind it. This charming tale comes from the rich tradition of Cherokee folklore, offering a glimpse into their understanding of the world and the lessons it holds.
Long ago, in a time when the world felt a little more magical, the opossum was a creature of great pride, and the object of his admiration was his magnificent tail. Unlike the smooth appendage we see today, the opossum of old possessed a glorious, bushy tail, thick with soft fur. He cherished it, spending countless moments meticulously grooming each strand, ensuring it was always perfectly fluffed and ready to be showcased. For the opossum, his tail wasn't just a part of him; it was a statement, a testament to his perceived beauty.
One starlit night, the forest echoed with excitement. The animals had gathered for a grand celebration, the centerpiece of which was a towering bonfire that crackled and danced, casting warm light on the joyous assembly. The opossum, eager to impress his fellow creatures, saw this as the perfect opportunity to display his prized possession.
With a flourish, he began to dance, twirling and swaying closer and closer to the mesmerizing flames. Lost in his vanity and the desire for admiration, he didn't notice the danger lurking in the fiery heart of the bonfire.
Suddenly, disaster struck! A shower of hot sparks leaped from the crackling wood and landed directly on the opossum's beautiful, bushy tail. In an instant, the soft fur ignited, and flames began to lick upwards. Panic seized the vain creature. He yelped in fear and pain, whirling around in a desperate attempt to extinguish the fire, but it spread rapidly, consuming his precious tail.
Amidst the chaos, a wise old owl, with eyes that had seen countless seasons, observed the opossum's plight. With a silent swoop, she landed beside him and hooted a crucial piece of advice: "You must put your tail in the water!"
Driven by instinct and the searing pain, the opossum didn't hesitate. He scrambled towards the nearest stream and plunged his burning tail into the cool, flowing water. The flames were extinguished, and the immediate danger passed. However, the fire had done its work. All the beautiful, bushy fur had been completely burned away, leaving behind the smooth, pink tail we recognize today.
From that day forward, the opossum's tail remained bare, a constant reminder of his vanity and the painful consequences of his actions. 
The Cherokee people, through this engaging story, not only explain the peculiar appearance of the opossum's tail but also impart a subtle lesson about the dangers of excessive pride and the wisdom of heeding good counsel, especially in times of trouble.
So, the next time you see an opossum, take a moment to remember this tale – a fiery origin story passed down through generations, whispering of a time when a bushy tail led to a valuable, if somewhat singed, lesson.

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