Makunta's Vision

This story was first published in the September, 1999 issue of Fantasy, Folklore & Fairytales. It is protected by copyright.

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Makunta's Vision

Long ago, in the time of our grandfathers' grandfathers, there lived a young warrior by the name of Makunta, which means 'Eyes of Far Seeing' in the old tongue. It is said that Makunta could see farther than an eagle. He was always the first to know when the rains would come, for he could see the clouds forming on the distant horizon. Other men would ask him where to hunt, for he could see the herds of the plains when they were too far for others to see. His tribe was great in war, for no other tribes could ever surprise them with Makunta watching for them.

He could also see well into the past. Makunta always remembered everything he had seen and heard. Because of this, he became very wise, and his tribe turned to him for guidance in all things.

As he grew older, Makunta's great wisdom allowed him to see into the future as well. He earned his place as chief of his tribe by predicting a great famine that swept the plains. Many other tribes suffered greatly; but his did not, for he had seen the coming hardship, and his people had set aside a great store of food.

Eventually, however, he became discontent with even this extent of his vision. He desired to see beyond death itself. Makunta consulted many great shamans, and conducted the greatest ceremony our people have ever known. It lasted for weeks, alternately fasting and feasting, but always with the flames of the ceremonial fire burning higher than a tall man.

Finally, as the ceremony reached its peak, Makunta petitioned the gods with his request to see beyond death. Whether as a reward for Makunta's greatness or a punishment for his self-important attitude we will never know, but he was granted his request.

Nobody knows what Makunta saw beyond death, nor whether it was great or terrible, but on that day he was struck blind to the sights of the living. From then until his death several years later, he was unable to see anything around him, but could only stare inwardly at the memory of what lay ahead of all living creatures.

During his remaining days, he neither laughed, nor wept; indeed, he did not so much as smile or frown. Makunta rarely even spoke. But on the day he died, when he at last reached that which he had glimpsed so long before, it is said that a smile of peace and contentment finally spread across his face.