Story The deer skin: adaptation of an ancient Mayan legend.
In Mexico many children know an ancient and curious legend about their Mayan ancestors that now you are going to know too.
The story goes that hundreds of years ago deer ran free through the Yucatan Peninsula. Although the place was ideal because it had a fantastic climate and abundant food, there was something that made them feel unhappy and forced them to live in a continuous state of alert: their own skin, of such a light and shiny color that it could be seen at great distance. distance, and therefore, made them easy prey to capture.
One day, a young deer was drinking fresh water in a stream. Suddenly, a group of hunters began shooting arrows at him from a nearby hill. None of them hit the target but he, terrified, began a desperate flight. He ran and ran aimlessly, and when he thought that he had them too close and they were going to catch him, the ground caved under his feet and he fell into the void.
Once he hit the bottom, he looked up dazedly and realized that he had ended up in a cave hidden in the undergrowth. From that dark and humid place he could hear the voices of his attackers prowling around the area, so he tried not to move a muscle, much less make a noise. After a while the murmurs became fainter and he breathed a sigh of relief. There was no doubt that the men thought his game was gone and were giving up!
He was safe, yes, but one of his little legs hurt a lot.
– ‘Ouch!… Ouch!… What an inopportune twist! …What am I going to do now if I can’t get up to get out of this hole?’
Our deer friend did not know that he was in the home of three good and compassionate geniuses who, as soon as they heard the moans, quickly came to his aid.
The oldest greeted him kindly on behalf of everyone.
– Good morning! I see that by pure chance you have found our humble home. Be welcome!
The poor guy felt a little rushed.
– I apologize for the intrusion, but I was escaping from some hunters and as I passed by some bushes I noticed the soft ground and… bang!… I appeared here! I got rid of them but I’m hurt!
– Let’s see, where does it hurt?
– Oh, here, on the left leg, next to the hoof!
– Don’t worry! You stay still and we will take care of everything.
With a lot of love and utmost care, the three geniuses smeared the damaged paw with an ointment based on wild fruits, perfect for reducing inflammation and calming the pain. Then they helped him lie down on a comfortable mattress and prepared some food for him to regain his strength. He felt so comfortable that he became sleepy and fell asleep like a baby.
The deer received all kinds of attention and pampering for a week until it recovered. Once he was in good shape and had no trouble walking, he decided that the time had come to return to the herd.
– Friends, it’s time for me to go. I will never forget these days in your company! Thank you thank you thank you!
Once again, the eldest was the one who gave voice to the feeling of the small clan.
– It has been a pleasure! We too will always carry you in our hearts and hope you visit us from time to time. By the way, before you leave we want to give you a gift, grant you a gift, because that’s what we’re geniuses for! Tell us… what is your greatest wish, what would you most like to have?
The deer stayed silent for a few seconds, to see if he could think of something really useful.
– Well, the truth is that I don’t need anything material, but I confess that the color of my skin distresses me. I know it is beautiful, but so clear that hunters detect me from very far away, as you yourselves have been able to verify. I would love to walk safely through the forest and lead a relaxed life once and for all.
The old genius agreed and applauded.
– Good choice! You’re a very sensible fawn, you know that? Come, go, follow us!
The four of them left the cave and the sunlight dazzled them. How wonderful to be able to feel, after so many days, the warmth and soft breeze of spring! The deer breathed deeply to fill himself with the aroma of the flowers and in full enjoyment he heard the voice of another of the geniuses.
– Lie down, we will solve your problem in no time!
The animal plopped down on the fresh green grass and the geniuses got to work: they took dark dirt and rubbed it with great skill on its fur. When they finished the spreading task, they held hands, formed a circle and begged the sun to warm it a little bit stronger. The enormous yellow star agreed to the request and its rays slowly and gently singed the animal’s delicate skin.
The third genius was the one who indicated that they were finished.
– That’s it, you can get up now!
The deer noticed, completely fascinated, that the pearl color of its fur had transformed into an elegant tan tone of brown. The oldest genius, who was the one who talked the most, informed him about his new situation.
– From now on you and your companions will have a skin color much more similar to that of the land you walk on, which will allow you to easily camouflage yourself and prevent enemies from seeing you. Tell us, do you like the result?
– Oh yes, I love it! This will be life insurance for all members of my species… It’s a wonderful detail! I love you so much!
To show its infinite gratitude, the deer licked the genies’ faces and gave them a very strong hug. Then, without looking back so that they would not see his tears of emotion, he took the road home along the vast plain.
This legend says that since that day, thanks to the gift of the good geniuses, the deer live much more peacefully in the incredible lands of Yucatan.