ABSTRACT
The first life lesson I learned, why we should not kill other creatures, was in stories. Story after story portrayed the connectivity of life, animals, and plants. A tribe's escape from attacks perpetuated by tribal archrivals was possible because of rides provided by animals. The message was embedded in folktales. Trees and shrubs mysteriously provided protective cover that enemies could not uncover. Children who left home alone found shelter and nourishment from a tree that had the magic power of keeping the “ghosts” off until grown-ups came home.
