# Told the First Night explained — Zuni Folktales

> Chapter companion for Zuni Folktales by Frank Hamilton Cushing.

## What happens

The beautiful maiden of Mátsaki, after testing her suitor with insects, finally believes in his love and prepares to meet him. However, her jealous witch sister impersonates her, leading to a fatal confrontation where the young man accidentally kills his beloved. The maiden is buried before the House of the Sun, and the young man mourns her loss.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Trial

The young man's love is tested through insect bites, and later tragically leads to the maiden's death due to mistaken identity.

### Death and Mourning

The accidental killing of the maiden and the young man's profound grief, followed by her burial and his vigil.

### Folklore vs. Science

The tale explains the behavior of mayflies, gnats, and mosquitoes through mythical events, blending natural observation with folklore.

## Character check-ins

### The Young Man

Works in the cornfield, passes the insect test, and accidentally kills his beloved wife, mistaking her for her jealous sister.

### The Maiden of Mátsaki

Tests her suitor with insects, finally believes in his love, but is killed by him when her jealous sister impersonates her.

### The Priest-Chief

The father of the maiden; he accepts her death stoically and orders her burial before the House of the Sun.

## Key lines

> Alas! that thus it should be after all, after all!

The dying maiden laments the tragic outcome of the fight.

_Expresses the sorrow of the mistaken killing._

> Alas, alas! my beautiful wife; I loved thee, I love thee. Alas, alas! Ah, my beautiful wife, my beautiful wife!

The young man mourns his wife repeatedly, expressing his enduring love despite the tragedy.

_Highlights the theme of mourning and regret._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/told-the-first-night
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/zuni_folktales_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters