How Summer Came to Canada

Have you ever wondered how the warmth of summer found its way to the frosty landscapes of Canada? Once upon a time, when the world was new and untouched by the busy hands of modernity, only the Red Indians roamed the vast Canadian expanses. Their great lord and creator, Glooskap, had arrived from across the sea in a stone canoe, landing on the shores that would become home to his creations. But as with all ancient tales, change was inevitable, and from the far North, a powerful giant sought to claim the land for his icy kingdom.

The Arrival of Glooskap

Glooskap, a mysterious figure whose origins were as enigmatic as the stars at night, found solace on the Canadian shores. To fill the void of loneliness, he breathed life into the fairies and elves, who danced amidst the trees and rivers. Soon after, he formed the Red Indians to inhabit and enrich the land he cherished. Birds filled the skies, and animals grazed the plains, living harmoniously under Glooskap’s benevolent gaze.

Life was content, and the heart of Canada beat warmly until a dread from the frigid North appeared. An ancient giant, known simply as Winter, descended upon the land. He was formidable, a herald of endless snow and ice, immune even to Glooskap’s magic. As the frost tightened its grip, Canada grew inhospitably cold, driving both nature and people to the brink of survival. Fires struggled against the cold, and hunger cloaked the land in despair.

The Quest for Summer

Desperate to save his beloved people, Glooskap learned from the birds of a warm, eternal summer across the sea. This land, where blossoms flourished year-round, was ruled by a queen whose power surpassed Winter’s icy grasp. Without delay, Glooskap summoned his old ally, a majestic whale, and requested her aid in crossing the ocean to find this queen.

The whale agreed to ferry Glooskap but cautioned him sternly to keep his eyes shut. “If you open your eyes, I shall surely be stranded upon a reef or a sandbank,” she warned. Glooskap promised compliance and embarked on the journey upon her back. As they ventured southward, the air grew warmer, caressed by soft breezes laced with the fragrance of distant blooms.

A Daring Arrival

After many days, the ocean depths gave way to shallow waters. The clams, dwelling in the sandy shoals, sang a warning to the whale of the shallow waters. Alas, she could not understand, so she sought understanding from Glooskap. But Glooskap, eager to reach the shore, fibbed, saying they sang of an impending storm and to hasten forward. He cracked an eye open, ensuring the water’s shallowness, allowing him to leap ashore as the whale, true to Glooskap’s plan, stranded upon a sandbank.

Glooskap, feeling both remorse and gratitude, quickly helped her back into the deep, gifting her a pipe and precious Indian tobacco leaves to retain their friendship. Delighted, the whale swam back into the vast sea, puffing smoke across the waves—a tradition that sailors witness to this very day.

The Encounter with the Queen

Venturing inland, Glooskap followed a path adorned by vibrant flowers, leading him to an orange grove where laughter rang like wind chimes in summer’s breeze. There, amidst joyful maidens, stood a figure of unparalleled beauty—the one he sought. Confident, Glooskap played a enchanting melody upon his magic pipe. The captivating refrain drew the queen toward him, whereupon he seized her gently, carrying her away swiftly as the wind to the northern realms of his homeland.

Glooskap, wise and prudent, unfurled behind a strong moose-hide cord, mapping his return to the now imminent Land of Flowers. Upon reaching Canada, Winter watched triumphantly, assuming his power perennial over those who slumbered under his frigid embrace.

The Dawn of Summer

Winter ushered them into his chilly abode, believing his cold magic to prevail. Yet, to his astonishment, their presence invoked an unexpected warmth. Sweat beaded down his face as his frozen surroundings melted into nothingness. Rivers, once silent, sang anew; trees donned budding leaves, and life vibrated across the land.

The queen’s laughter, melodic and warm, shattered Winter’s icy facade. “I am Summer,” she declared, witnessing the awakening of life around them. “Your magic holds no power over me.” Defeated yet dignified, Winter heeded Summer’s proposition: to reign over the distant Northland, returning to Glooskap’s country for only six less severe months each year. In turn, Summer promised to unveil her vibrant pageant from the South for the remainder.

Accepting his fate, Winter retreated, softening his chilling grasp. Thus, the seasons of warmth and cold came into perennial balance, an eternal cycle orchestrated by Glooskap’s wisdom and Summer’s decree. When Winter visits, Summer retreats south, traversing the hidden cord until her joyous return, reviving all she touches with life and light.