And as among all other peoples, legends have grown up to account for every phenomenon of Nature, so among the Washoe Indians stories about Tahoe have been handed down from generation to generation.
I do not vouch for these legends.

The modern Indian too often tells what he thinks you want to know,--if only you will cross his hand with silver.

But there are touches here and there that make me feel that for the most part they are remnants of very old legends.
THE ORIGIN OF TAHOE, FALLEN LEAF, AND OTHER LAKES Long, long ago, before the white man came to Nevada, there lived in the meadow over beyond Glenbrook a good Indian.

But though he was good, he was much annoyed by the Evil Spirit, who constantly interfered with all that he tried to do.
Finally, he determined that he must move away and get over into the valleys of California.

But when he tried to escape, the Evil One was always there ready to trip him in some way or other.
In his trouble the Good Spirit came to his aid, giving him a leafy branch which had certain magic qualities.