I can’t conclude the month of June, and the celebration of Tennessee, without sharing the Legend of Reelfoot Lake.
The Legend
In the early 1800s, in the northwest corner of Tennessee, lived a Chickasaw tribe. The chief’s son was born with a deformed foot, and his disability caused him to walk with a “rolling” motion. The people called him “Kalopin,” meaning “Reelfoot.”
Reelfoot grew up normal in every other way and became chief when his father died. He longed for a wife, but no woman had captured his heart. Remembering his father talk about the lovely maidens in the tribes down south, he went in search of a bride.
Days later, he reached the land belonging to the great Choctaw Chief, Copiah, and saw Laughing Eyes, the chief’s daughter. He fell in love with this enchanting woman, but her father didn’t want her marrying a deformed chief, so he told Reelfoot she had to marry a Choctaw chieftain.
The Great Spirit intervened, warning Reelfoot not to steal Laughing Eyes. For if he did, the Great Spirit promised to make the earth rock and to send waters to cover Reelfoot’s village.
Afraid, Reelfoot heeded the warning . . . until the next year, when his love for Laughing Eyes drove him to kidnap her. His people rejoiced at their chief’s upcoming marriage. But not Laughing Eyes. She remembered the Great Spirit’s warning and feared for her life.
Laughing Eyes was right to be afraid. During their marriage ceremony, the Great Spirit, angry at being disobeyed, stomped his foot, making the earth shake. The Father of the Waters heard and made the mighty Mississippi River run backward. Water spilled over its banks and into the Great Spirit’s footprint. The surging flood covered Reelfoot, his bride, and everyone in the village. Chief Reelfoot’s people and lands were no more, disappearing forever beneath the newly formed lake.
The Lake
Reelfoot Lake is the only large natural lake in Tennessee. Created by the earthquakes of 1811-1812, it draws visitors from across the state, as well as from around the nation. The lake is especially noted for its bald cypress trees and its nesting pairs of bald eagles. Hunting, fishing, scenic boat cruises, and nature walks (called “Swamp Tromps”) are a few of the many activities you can enjoy during your visit. For more information, click here.
Did You Know there is a fun, fictional story that takes place during the time and with the people of the legend? Check out my friend, Candie Moonshower’s, book The Legend of Zoey. The book is recommended for ages 8-12, but take it from me, adults can enjoy it, too. It’s a great read! And unlike the legend, the book has a happy ending!
You can find The Legend of Zoey at both Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
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