Inside the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area of Disney's California Adventure sits the Ahwahnee Camp Circle story theater. Here Grizzly Guides and Legend Keepers share their tales of California. The Grizzly Guides talk tales of camping and adventure while the Legend Keepers share the myths and legends of the California Indians.

Like the gods and goddesses that are presented in front of the Enchanted Tiki Room theater, surrounding the Ahwahnee Camp Circle are wood carvings of various creatures that were important to the Indians as well as short tales telling who they are, which are presented below in our latest Disney Detail feature.

Wek'-Wek
Hawk

A fire was kindled
At the base of a rock
And when it split open
Out flew Wek'-wek the hawk
Miwok Legend

Ah-wahn'-dah
Turtle

Left one eye open
Whenever he slept
so he could protect
The Sun that he kept
Miwok Legend

Kah'-Kool
Raven

This devious raven,
He smeared himself black
so his prey could not see
When he swooped to attack
Miwok Legend

Catala
Bullfish

Coyote was swallowed
By this fish bit by bit,
Because he taunted him
And just wouldn't quit
Wintu Legend

'Ase
Buzzard

A child lay dreaming
When buzzard came along
And taught him to heal
The sick with a song
Wintu Legend

Oosh' Kinah
Dragonfly

Whenever a dragonfly
Lands upon you
It's a sign that you'll always
Be calm, cool and true
Serrano Legend

Tol'-Le-Loo
Mouse

He played on the flute
'Til the chief fell asleep
Then took back the fire
For his people to keep
Maidu Legend

Welketi
Frog

She swallowed the moon
And because of her pride
Now every frog's mouth
Is incredibly wide
Maidu Legend

- Story and Photos by Matthew Walker
Posted

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