Legends of Vancouver · Chapter
A Squamish Legend of Napoleon explained
Chief Capilano tells Pauline Johnson the Squamish legend of how Napoleon Bonaparte lost a magical talisman—a joint from a sea-serpent's vertebra—that had been sent to him by a dying Squamish warrior's women.
What happens
Chief Capilano tells Pauline Johnson the Squamish legend of how Napoleon Bonaparte lost a magical talisman—a joint from a sea-serpent's vertebra—that had been sent to him by a dying Squamish warrior's women. The charm ensured victory until Napoleon lost it before the Battle of Waterloo, leading to his defeat. The tale blends local oral tradition with European history, highlighting the transmission of knowledge across the Pacific.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Preservation and Oral Tradition
The legend is preserved through oral storytelling, blending Squamish tradition with European history, as recounted by Chief Capilano.
Colonial Encounter and Cultural Exchange
The story illustrates cultural exchange between Squamish people and Europeans, including the transmission of the talisman to Napoleon via French captives.
Sacrifice and Heroism
The dying warrior's decision to send the talisman overseas rather than bury it reflects a heroic sacrifice for the greater glory of a fellow warrior.
Characters to notice
- Chief Capilano
Narrates the legend of Napoleon and the lost talisman to Pauline Johnson, showing deep knowledge of European history blended with Squamish tradition.
- Pauline Johnson
The listener and recorder of the legend, asking questions and reflecting on the mix of history and superstition.
- Napoleon
The 'Great French Fighter' who receives the Squamish talisman and wins victories until he loses it before Waterloo.
- The Great Tyee
Referenced indirectly as the source of the Squamish 'charm' tradition; the dying warrior is a descendant of this lineage.
- Unknown Narrator
The narrative voice that frames the story and provides commentary on the legend's transmission.
Key passages
“He lost the Squamish charm—lost it just before one great fight with the English people.”
Napoleon lost the magical talisman right before the Battle of Waterloo.
Chief Capilano explains the cause of Napoleon's defeat.
“The charm cannot rest in the hands of women... send it across the great salt chuck, to the victorious 'Frenchman'; they call him Napoleon Bonaparte.”
The dying warrior instructs his female relatives to send the talisman to Napoleon because women cannot use it in war.
The warrior's last words set the legend in motion.
“The Frenchmen took it and promised that if it were in the power of man they would convey it to 'the Emperor.'”
The French captives agreed to deliver the talisman to Napoleon.
The women entrust the charm to the French sailors.