The Mysterious White Deer of the Great Dismal Swamp (Va)
Traci Poole ©
05/17/1998


It is said that long ago, 2 warring tribes of the Great Dismal Swamp,put aside all differences long enough to gather food for the upcoming winter. The Indians believed it was because of this deer, they were able to gather enough meat to last them thru-out the winter.

The Indian Princess had befriended an old doe who was named Cin-Co. One day, the deer came to the clearing without her new fawn and Cin-Co was limping. The Indian Princess followed the doe back to where her fawn had stamped a rattlesnake to death. It is said the doe wanted the Princess to raise the fawn and care for her for Cin-Co knew she wouldn't survive the bite.
 
Moaning from a short distance, was a brave who, too, was bitten by the snake. This warrior wasn't from her tribe. The Princess knew that of she helped him in any way, she would automatically become betrothed to him. Also if she helped him, she knew that both of them would die by posionous arrows from both tribes. She put all of this aside and helped the brave.
 
For several days, the young Princess risked her life to help the brave. Her father wondered where is daughter was going, so he followed. He watched as his daughter tended to the wounded warrior. He left, hoping it will give the couple enough time to leave before the rest of both parties found out. The couple struggled to find a new hiding place but it was useless. Soon, other braves from his tribe were upon them. The couple just stood there and was ready to accept death as their fate. A strange and marvelous thing happened. A flock of wild geese surrounded the couple. Upon the backs of these geese was the "Swamp Spirit". The warriors were afraid of the spirit and fled. The Swamp Spirit told the doomed couple that the Princess must carry out the rest of the work that Cin-Co did for this deer had saved their lives.
 
The Indian Princess was transformed from a human to a white doe and her husband was always by her side. Many people have sworn that in the heart of the Great Dismal Swamp, there is a mysterious white doe and a human companion by her side and there in the thickets, lies rattlesnakes to protect them.

Perhaps on a foggy night while the night is full and bright, you, too, can see the Great White Doe and her husband. Or if you are lucky and pure of heart, the Great Swamp Spirit will pay you a visit but be forewarned, rattlesnakes are there to protect the mysterious couple of the Great Dismal Swamp.

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