8/07/2010

100 Word Challenge: Adah Aho’doo’nili - The Place Where Two Fell Off

This was written for Velvet Verbosity's 100-Word Challenge, where the prompt this week is "companions." The challenge is hosted by LouCeel here. Thank you, Lou, for your continued efforts to keep the challenge going.


Adah Aho’doo’nili - The Place Where Two Fell Off


In 1805 they came, doing to us what they had done to so many before us. Those who could fight could not, gone to seek the roaming buffalo. We were those left, we women, children, and old men of the tribe.  We huddled in that place that would soon be called Adah Aho’doo’nili by those who would survive us.

Suddenly like a fearful apparition, one was upon me. I spread open my arms, and welcomed him into an eternal embrace. Stepping off into my Fate, I took him with me. Enemies in life, we would forever be companions in death. 

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This is a magnificent canyon in Chinle, Arizona called Canyon de Chelly (pronounced canyon da shay).  With the exception of a few years in the 1800s when they were forced off the land, the canyon has been home to the Navajo people.  In 1805, the Navajos were attacked here by Spanish troops.  The Navajos women, children and old men not out on a hunt took refuge in a cave high up in the 1000 ft canyon wall, which was inaccessible from the surface above. The Spaniards rained bullets upon them, and 115 Navajos were killed. A few Spaniards managed to find a way to climb down to reach the natives.  Legend has it that at "Massacre Cave," which the natives call "Adah Aho’doo’nili" or The Place Where Two Fell Off, a Navajo woman grappled with a Spanish soldier. Ultimately she took him over the edge with her, and they fell to meet their deaths.

14 comments:

  1. oh excellent tale patti...some gave all for their families...

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  2. incredibly beautiful and tragic a combination I find hard to resist, so come over and claim your Goddess Award whenever you want!

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  3. I was not aware there was a 100 word challenge. I love your offering.

    PG

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  4. Congrats on your POTW on Goddess' blog. This is a beautiful writing and I like your blog.

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  5. beautiful and historic, and alive.
    Dianne

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  6. Quite a tale...and a beautiful photo.

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  7. Thank you, everyone, for dropping in. I'm so glad you enjoyed my little tale of determination and courage.

    Everyday Goddess, thank you for the award. I am very honored!

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  8. A tragic tale written in only 100 words! Beautifully penned.

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  9. I read this the day you published it. It is still stuck in my mind.

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  10. An amazing tale of courage and defiance. Beautiful told.

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  11. Sad tale. Wish we could say stuff like that is all behind us.

    Good job in 100 words and fine choice of topic. Appreciate it much.

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  12. What a wonderful tribute. I love the historical and non-fiction aspect of it.

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  13. I love stories about strong women and this one is beautiful!

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Thoughts? I would love to hear from you.