Long ago Quote by Catherine Anderson
““Looking skyward, he searched for Loretta’s Great One, the Almighty Father to whom she gave thanks for her food. At first he had been disgruntled by her prayers. Her God didn’t bring her the food; her husband did. Loretta had explained that her God led Hunter’s footsteps so his hunts were successful. Was her God up there in the sky, as she believed? Did he truly hear a man’s whispers, his thoughts? Hunter could see his own gods, Mother Earth, Mother Moon, Father Sun, the wind coming from the four directions. It was easy to believe in what he could see. Why did Loretta’s God hide himself? Was he terrible ugly? Did he hide only from Comanches? Loretta said he was father to all, even Indians. Peace filled Hunter. With so many Great Ones, both his and hers, surely they would be blessed. Relaxing his body, he surrendered himself to fate. The Great Ones would guide them. Loretta’s God would lead his footsteps in the hunt when his own gods failed him. Together he and Loretta would find a new place where the Comanche and tosi tivo could live as one, where Hunter could sing the songs of the People and keep their ways alive. Rising, Hunter turned back toward the village, his decision made, his heart torn, acutely aware that the prophecy had foretold this moment long ago.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Great Ones, Catherine Anderson, 1995
Hunter wrestles with faith and cultural conflict, seeking meaning in multiple deities while confronting personal loss and destiny.
In simple terms: Hunter doubts his faith and looks for meaning among many gods.
Embrace diverse beliefs and trust destiny.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- intercultural dialogue
- spiritual quest
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile conflicting spiritual traditions?
- What role does destiny play in personal choices?
The story assumes harmony among differing deities, ignoring real conflict.