ElAhrairah

"Long ago, the great Frith made the world. He made all the stars, and the world lived among the stars.

"Frith made all the animals and birds, and at first, he made them all the same.

"Now, among the animals was El-ahrairah, the prince of rabbits. He had many friends, and they all ate grass together. But after a time, the rabbits wandered everywhere, multiplying and eating as they went.

"Then one day, Frith said to El-ahrairah, "Prince Rabbit, if you cannot control your people, I shall find ways to control them." But El-ahrairah would not listen and said to Frith, "My people are the strongest in the world." This angered Frith, so he determined to get the better of El-ahrairah.

"So, he gave a present to every animal and bird, making each one different from the rest. And so when the fox came, and others, like the dog and the cat, the hawk, and the weasel, to each of them, Frith gave a fierce desire to hunt and slay the children of El-ahrairah. Then El-ahrairah knew that Frith was too clever for him and he was frightened, for he had never before seen the black rabbit of death.

"My friend," said Frith, "have you seen El-ahrairah? For I wish to give him a gift." "Uh, no," said El-ahrairah, "I have not seen him." So Frith said, "Come out and I will bless you instead." "No, I cannot," said El-ahrairah, "I am busy. The fox and weasel are coming. If you want to bless me, you'll have to bless my bottom." "Very well," said Frith, "be it so."

"And El-ahrairah's tail grew shining white and flashed like a star. And his back legs grew long and powerful. And he tore across the hill, faster than any creature in the world.

"All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies. And whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, Prince with the Swift Warning. Be cunning and full of tricks, and your people will never be destroyed."