451, 452 (Paris, 1636); David Cusick, _Ancient History of the Six Nations_, and manuscript material kindly furnished me by Horatio Hale, Esq., who has made a thorough study of the Iroquois history and dialects.] The most ancient myth of the Iroquois represents this earth as covered with water, in which dwelt aquatic animals and monsters of the deep.

Far above it were the heavens, peopled by supernatural beings.

At a certain time one of these, a woman, by name Ataensic, threw herself through a rift in the sky and fell toward the earth.

What led her to this act was variously recorded.

Some said that it was to recover her dog which had fallen through while chasing a bear.