Why The Bear Lost His Tail

An Ainu Legend

A long time ago, the bear had a long, beautiful tail. He lived at the top of a tall mountain with all the other powerful gods. Bear was the biggest and strongest of all the gods.

Meanwhile, a small rabbit god lived at the bottom of the mountain. He wasnʼt strong, so the other gods bullied him and wouldnʼt let him live on the mountain.

The bear god was the worst bully. He teased the rabbit god for being so small.

The rabbit god wished he had more friends, so he decided to invite all the other gods for a big party. He made his special recipe of delicious wine. Maybe if the other gods liked it enough, they would be his friend!

Rabitt decorated his house with all his most beautiful treasures. He put out his special cups and bowls, and waited for the guests to arrive.

That evening, all the gods came down from the mountain to Rabbitʼs house.

The bear god came too. He thought it was the sillest thing heʼd ever heard, that a tiny, small rabbit had invited all the big, strong gods to his house. The bear laughed until he was rolling on the floor.

When the gods went inside Rabbitʼs house, they were amazed but his beautiful collection on display. They never imagined that a small god like Rabbit could be so rich!

Rabbit invited all the gods to try his delicious wine.

The wine really was amazing. It was the best wine that any of the gods had ever tasted. Soon everyone was busy asking Rabbit for his recipe!

Bear was unhappy that everyone was paying attention to Rabbit. He didnʼt want any more surprises, so he tried to sneak away quietly through the door.

Bear was so big, however, that he couldnʼt just disappear. Rabbit saw him leaving, and...

...SWISH! Rabbit picked up his sword and cut off the Bearʼs tail!

Bear god was so embarrassed to be seen without his tail that he ran away quickly.

The other gods realised that even though Rabbit was small, he was also brave and clever. Instead of teasing Rabbit, they should invite him to live on the mountain, and treat him with respect.

SInce that night when Rabbit cut off the bear godʼs tail, all bears have lived with no tail.

That is the story of why bears have no tail, as told to me by the bear god in the mountains.