Snail Girl Brings Water

retold by Geri Keams
Lexile:  ???
Genre:  Traditional Literature

This story is a retelling of the Navajo creation myth.  The People have discovered that there is no fresh water in their new world and someone must go back to retrieve it.  First, beaver and otter return.  Then, Frog and Turtle.  Finally, Snail Girl is able to find success on the journey.  In this story we learn why beavers and otters are surrounded by trees and vines, why turtles have shells and frogs have bulgy eyes, and why snails carry shells on their back.