THE GIRL WHO ALWAYS CRIED
by Cyrus MacMillan · from Canadian Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Long ago, a girl always cried. A quiet man lived by the stream.
Owl Man lived by a stream. His house was under the ground. He was often alone. People did not know him well. He was very quiet. He did not talk much.
The Crying Girl lived near Owl Man. She was never happy. She cried all the time. She cried very loudly. Her mother and father were tired. The neighbors were tired too.
The Wise Old Man was her father. He had magic power. He wished Owl Man took her. Owl Man came that night. The Crying Girl was still crying. Owl Man put her in his basket. He carried her away.
The Crying Girl was not happy. She was in Owl Man's house. It was under the ground. She cried and cried. She made loud noises. Owl Man was not happy either.
The Crying Girl made a plan. She found sticky tree gum. She put it on her face. Owl Man liked how it looked. He wanted some too. She put gum on his face. Then he could not see.
Owl Man could not see. The Crying Girl ran away. She ran out the door. She went back to her home. Her mother and father were there.
Owl Man took off the gum. He could see again. He looked for the girl. He called, "Where is my wife?" Looked everywhere. He made a big mess.
Owl Man went to her home. He knew she was there. He was very angry. He tried to break things. He made a big mess. The Mother was afraid. The Wise Old Man was not home.
The Mother said, "Stop!" She showed Owl Man girl. The Crying Girl was hiding. Owl Man saw her. His anger went away. He was happy again.
The Wise Old Man came home. He saw his broken house. He was very angry. He saw the big mess. He made a plan. He would teach them a lesson.
The Wise Old Man gave Owl Man a bath. It was a special bath. Owl Man cried out. The Wise Old Man used his magic. He changed Owl Man. He became an owl. He will always cry for his wife. He will live alone.
The Wise Old Man looked at the girl. He was still angry. He used his magic again. He changed the Crying Girl. She became a fish-hawk. She will always cry. She will always be unhappy. She will never be satisfied.
Now, Owl Man and the fish-hawk are apart. They live far away. The owl calls in the night. He cries for his wife. The fish-hawk cries by the water. She is always unhappy. This is their story.
The Crying Girl and Owl Man learned that being unhappy or very angry can change things forever. It is better to be kind and happy. And that is why the Owl calls at night, and the Fish-Hawk cries by the water. They are still there, always apart, always remembering their story.
Original Story
THE GIRL WHO ALWAYS CRIED
On the bank of a stream far in the West, Owl-man lived long ago in a little house under the ground. He had very strange habits. He always kept away from the Great Water and he dwelt for the most part in the forest. He had very few friends, and he usually went hunting by himself. He lived on toads and frogs and flies. He would say but little, and when other people sat around him talking pleasantly, he was always silent, gazing into space with wide-open eyes, and trying to look wiser than he really was. Because of this, people thought he was very queer, and strange stories about him soon spread far and wide. It was said that he was very cruel, and that he was silent because he was always brooding over his past wickedness or thinking about some evil deed he was soon going to do. And when children were troublesome or disobedient, their mothers always frightened them into goodness by saying, "The Owl-man from the stream will come and take you if you do not mend your ways." And although the Owl-man was a solitary fellow he thus had great influence in all the land.
Not far away lived a man and a woman who had one adopted daughter. Because she was the only child in the house she was much petted, and she was never satisfied, and she cried and fretted all the time, and kept always asking for things she could not get. She disturbed all the neighbours round about so that they could not sleep because of her constant wailing and complaining. At last her foster-parents grew tired of her weeping and they said, "The Owl-man will carry you off if you do not stop crying." But still she pouted and fretted. And the old man of the house said, "I wish the Owl-man would come and take her away." Now the old man was a great magician, and as he wished, so it came to pass.
That evening it happened that the people were gathered at a feast of shell-fish on the beach by the bright moonlight, as was their weekly custom. But the sorrowful girl would not go with the others. She stayed at home and sulked. As she sat alone in the house, old Owl-man came along carrying his basket full of toads and frogs. The girl was still crying when he came in. "I have come for you," he said, "as the old man wished." And he put her in his basket with the toads and frogs and carried her off. She yelled and kicked and scratched, but the lid of the basket was tightly closed and Owl-man laughed to himself and said, "Now I have a wife at last. I shall be alone no more, and the people will not now think I am so queer." So he took her to his underground house by the stream. That night the people noticed that the girl's cries were no longer heard and they said, "What can have cured Sour-face; what can have pleased Cry-Baby into silence?" And the girl's foster-mother wondered where she had gone. But only the old man knew that it had happened as he had wished, because of his magic power, and that Owl-man had taken her away.
The girl was not happy in her new home, for she would not be happy in any place. She still kept up her caterwauling and there was no peace in the house. Owl-man was a great hunter. Every day he went out hunting with his big basket on his arm, but he always locked his wife in the house before he went away. He was always very successful in the chase, and each night he came back with his basket full of toads and frogs and field-mice and flies. But his wife would eat none of them and she threw them in his face when he offered them to her, and said in a bad temper, "I will not eat your filthy food. It is not fit food for gentle-folk." And Owl-man said, "Gentle-folk indeed! You should find a more suitable name; you are not gentle; you are a wild evil thing, but I am going to tame you." And the girl wept again and sulked and stamped her feet in her temper.
At last the girl became very hungry, for there was little to eat except the food that Owl-man brought home for himself. He gathered a few berries for her, but even these did not satisfy her hunger. So she thought out a plan of escape. One day when Owl-man was away, she took some oil she found in the house and rubbed it all over her face and hair. When Owl-man came home in the evening, he said, "You are very pretty to-night. What have you done to make yourself look so sleek and shiny?" And she answered, "I have put on my face and hair gum which I picked from the trees last night when I went walking with you." And he said, "I should like to put some on too, for perhaps it would make me beautiful." The girl told him that if he would go out and gather some gum she would put it on his face and hair for him. So he went out and gathered a great store of gum from the trees and brought it back to her. She melted it on a hot stove until it was balsam again and would pour easily out. Then she said, "Shut your eyes so that it will not harm your sight, and I will make your face and hair beautiful and shining like mine." Owl-man shut his eyes, and the girl soon covered his face and head with the soft gum. She put it on very thick, and she said, "Keep your eyes shut until it dries or it may blind you." Owl-man did as he was told, but when the gum dried he could not open his eyes, and while he was trying to rub it off, the girl slipped out the door and ran back to her parents, far away by the Great Water.
Owl-man scraped the gum from his face and head as best he could, and when he could open his eyes again and could see pretty well, he went out into the night in search of his wife. And as he went along he cried, "Oh, oh, oh, where is my wife? Where is my girl? I have lost my wife. I have lost my girl. Oh, oh, oh." And when the people heard him calling they thought they would play a trick on him. So they said, "She is here, she is here." But when he entered their houses, the woman they showed him was not his wife, and he went away sorrowful. And the people all laughed at his confusion, and said, "Owl-man is getting queerer each day. He is far gone in his head." Owl-man went from house to house, but he could not find his wife. Then he went to the trees and searched among the branches. He pulled the trees up by the roots, thinking she might be hiding underneath. And he looked into the salmon-traps in the rivers, and kicked them to pieces in his frenzy. But nowhere was his wife to be found.
Then he went to the girl's house, where she was hiding, and he yelled, "Oh, oh, oh, give me my wife. Give me my girl. I know she is here. Oh, oh, oh." But the girl's foster-mother would not give her up. Then he began to tear down the house over their heads, for the old man of the house was away and there was no one else strong enough to stop Owl-man in his rage. When the woman saw her house in danger of falling about her ears, she cried, "Stop; your wife is here." And she brought forth the girl from her hiding-place. When Owl-man saw her, his rage left him and he was happy again.
AND WITH HIS MAGIC POWER HE CHANGED HER INTO A FISH-HAWK AND SENT HER OUT TO THE OCEAN
But just then the old man of magic power came home. He had heard the hub-bub from a distance. When he came in and saw the great holes in the roof and the side of his house where Owl-man had torn away the logs, he was very angry and he said to himself, "I will punish both Owl-man and the girl for this night's work." And he hit upon a plan. He said to Owl-man, "We must give you a hot bath to melt the gum and take it from your hair, for it will do you no good, and it will take all the hair off your head." And Owl-man gladly agreed. So they filled a great bark tub with water and heated it by placing at the bottom of it many red-hot stones, after the fashion of Indians in those old days. But the old man put so many hot stones in the water that it was soon almost boiling with the heat, and when they put Owl-man into the tub he was almost scalded to death and he yelled loudly in pain. Then the old man said, "Now I will take vengeance. You will trouble me no more. You have broken my house. Henceforth you will be not a man but an Owl, and you will dwell alone in the forest with few friends, and you will live always on frogs and toads and field-mice, and people will hear you at night crying for your wife all over the land, but you shall never find her." Then with his magic power he changed him to an Owl and sent him on his way.
He said to the girl, "You have done me much harm too, and you have brought all this trouble upon me. Henceforth you will be not a girl but a Fish-Hawk, and you will always cry and fret and scream as you have done before, and you will never be satisfied." And with his magic power he changed her into a Fish-Hawk, and sent her out to the ocean. And there she screams always, and she is a great glutton, for she can never get enough to eat. And since that time, Owl and Fish-Hawk have not dwelt together and have not been on friendly terms. They live far apart, and Owl keeps to the forest and the mountains, while the other keeps to the sea. Thus was the old man avenged, and thus was the weeping maiden punished for her tears. And the cries of Owl and Fish-Hawk are still heard in many places, one calling for his wife, the other screaming unsatisfied for something she cannot get.
Story DNA
Moral
Unchecked bad behavior and selfish desires can lead to permanent and undesirable consequences.
Plot Summary
A perpetually crying and dissatisfied adopted girl is wished away by her magician foster-father to the solitary and feared Owl-man. She escapes his underground home by tricking him, but her return causes Owl-man to rage and damage her foster-parents' house. Upon discovering the destruction, the magician punishes both the girl and Owl-man by transforming them into a fish-hawk and an owl, respectively, condemning them to their characteristic cries and eternal separation, thus explaining the origins of these creatures.
Themes
Emotional Arc
irritation to punishment
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is from 'Canadian Wonder Tales' by Cyrus MacMillan, a collection of Indigenous Canadian folklore, particularly from the Mi'kmaq people. The 'Owl-man' and 'Fish-Hawk' transformations serve as etiological explanations for animal characteristics and sounds.
Plot Beats (13)
- Owl-man lives a solitary, feared life by a stream, known for his strange habits and silence.
- A constantly crying and complaining adopted girl disturbs her foster-parents and neighbors.
- The girl's foster-father, a magician, wishes for Owl-man to take her away, and Owl-man abducts her in his basket.
- The girl is unhappy in Owl-man's underground home, refusing his food and continuing to wail.
- The girl tricks Owl-man into applying sticky tree gum to his face, temporarily blinding him.
- The girl escapes from Owl-man's house and returns to her foster-parents.
- Owl-man, after removing the gum, frantically searches for his wife, destroying parts of the landscape and people's homes.
- Owl-man finds the girl hiding at her foster-parents' house and begins to tear it down in his rage.
- The girl's foster-mother reveals the girl to Owl-man, calming his rage.
- The old man (magician) returns, sees the damage to his house, and plans his vengeance.
- The old man tricks Owl-man into a scalding hot bath, then transforms him into an owl, cursed to cry for his wife and live on small creatures.
- The old man transforms the girl into a fish-hawk, cursed to scream in dissatisfaction and never be satisfied.
- Owl and Fish-Hawk are forever separated, their cries explaining the sounds of the animals.
Characters
Owl-man ⚔ antagonist
A solitary man, likely of Indigenous North American descent given the story's context (stream far in the West, bark tub, red-hot stones, 'fashion of Indians'). He is described as having wide-open eyes, suggesting a somewhat gaunt or intense appearance. His build is strong enough to tear down logs from a house in a rage.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but given his solitary, forest-dwelling nature and diet of toads and frogs, his clothing would likely be practical and simple, made from natural materials like animal hides or woven fibers, suitable for hunting and living underground. Perhaps a tunic and leggings, possibly with a cloak for warmth.
Wants: To end his loneliness, find a wife, and be accepted by others (to not be thought 'queer').
Flaw: Naivety, loneliness, and a quick temper. He is easily tricked by the girl and overwhelmed by the old man's magic.
Starts as a solitary, misunderstood man seeking companionship. He finds a wife but is tricked and loses her. He becomes enraged and destructive, leading to his transformation into an Owl by the Old Man, forever crying for his lost wife and living alone.
Solitary, observant (or trying to appear so), initially quiet, somewhat naive (believing the gum would make him beautiful), possessive (wants a wife), easily angered when thwarted, and ultimately sorrowful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A solitary Indigenous North American man of adult age, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a lean, strong build and a serious expression. His wide-open, dark eyes gaze intently. He wears practical clothing made of tanned animal hides, a simple tunic, and leggings, with a woven belt. He carries a large, tightly woven basket on his arm. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Girl Who Always Cried ★ protagonist
A young woman, likely of Indigenous North American descent. Her constant crying suggests a perpetually tear-stained face, perhaps a slightly flushed complexion from her tantrums. She is described as 'pretty' by Owl-man after she applies oil, implying she has a generally pleasing appearance when not sulking.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but as an adopted daughter of a man and woman, she would likely wear traditional Indigenous North American clothing. Perhaps a simple dress made of woven fibers or soft leather, possibly adorned with some beadwork or quillwork, reflecting her foster-parents' status. When sulking, her clothes might appear disheveled.
Wants: To get what she wants, to escape unpleasant situations, and to return to her comfortable, pampered life.
Flaw: Her insatiable desire for more, her constant dissatisfaction, and her manipulative nature, which ultimately leads to her punishment.
Starts as a spoiled, constantly crying girl. She is taken by Owl-man, endures an unhappy captivity, and cleverly escapes. Upon her return, she is transformed into a Fish-Hawk by the Old Man as punishment, doomed to forever cry and be unsatisfied.
Spoiled, demanding, perpetually dissatisfied, manipulative (tricking Owl-man), selfish, and prone to tantrums and constant crying.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young Indigenous North American woman of slender build, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. Her face is often tear-streaked, with a pouting expression and slightly flushed cheeks. Her dark, straight hair is long and worn loose. She wears a simple, unadorned tunic dress made of soft, natural fibers, possibly with a fringed hem. Her posture is often slumped or defiant. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Old Man (Magician) ◆ supporting
An elderly Indigenous North American man, possessing significant magical power. His age suggests a weathered face and perhaps a stooped posture, but his power implies an underlying strength and authority. He is the head of the household.
Attire: As a magician and head of a household, his clothing would be traditional Indigenous North American attire, perhaps more elaborate than a common person's, indicating his status. This could include a tunic and leggings made of finely tanned leather or woven fabric, possibly adorned with significant beadwork, quillwork, or painted designs. He might wear a ceremonial headdress or a simple headband.
Wants: To restore peace to his home, to punish those who cause him trouble, and to maintain order through his magic.
Flaw: His anger can lead him to inflict harsh, permanent punishments.
Starts as a frustrated foster-parent who uses his magic to remove a problem. He returns to find his home damaged and, in his anger, uses his magic to permanently transform and punish both Owl-man and the Girl, becoming an instrument of justice/vengeance.
Powerful, wise, patient (initially with the girl), easily angered when his home is damaged, vengeful, and decisive.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly Indigenous North American man, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a weathered, wise face with deep wrinkles and a calm, stern expression. His long, white hair is neatly braided. He wears a richly decorated tunic made of soft, tanned leather with intricate beadwork patterns, and matching leggings. His posture is upright and authoritative. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Foster-Mother ○ minor
An Indigenous North American woman, likely of adult age, who is the foster-mother of the crying girl. Her appearance would reflect the daily life of a woman in her community.
Attire: Traditional Indigenous North American clothing, perhaps a simple dress made of woven fibers or soft leather, suitable for daily tasks. It would be practical and functional.
Wants: To protect her home and family, and to find peace from the girl's crying.
Flaw: Fear when faced with overwhelming force.
Remains largely static, reacting to the girl's behavior and Owl-man's rage. She is a witness to the events.
Patient (initially), weary, protective (of her home), and fearful when confronted by Owl-man's rage.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Indigenous North American woman, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind but weary expression on her face. Her dark hair is neatly braided. She wears a practical, simple dress made of woven fabric, possibly with some subtle patterns. Her posture is slightly stooped with concern. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Owl-man's Underground House
A small, subterranean dwelling located on the bank of a stream, mostly hidden within the forest. It is a confined space where the girl is locked in.
Mood: Confined, isolated, initially eerie due to Owl-man's reputation, later tense and unhappy for the girl.
Owl-man brings the girl here; she attempts to escape and successfully tricks Owl-man with tree gum.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, dark opening in a mossy stream bank, partially obscured by dense forest undergrowth and gnarled tree roots. A narrow, rough-hewn wooden door is set into the bank, suggesting a hidden dwelling. The stream flows gently nearby, reflecting the dappled light filtering through the canopy of ancient, tall pine and cedar trees. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Girl's Foster-Parents' House
A dwelling located 'not far away' from Owl-man's, by the 'Great Water'. It is a traditional Indigenous dwelling, likely a longhouse or similar structure, given the 'bark tub' and 'red-hot stones' for heating water. It sustains damage from Owl-man's rage.
Mood: Initially noisy and fretful due to the girl's crying, later becomes a scene of confrontation, anger, and magical transformation.
The girl is taken from here, returns here after escaping, and both she and Owl-man are transformed by the old man's magic.
Image Prompt & Upload
An interior view of a spacious, timber-framed Indigenous longhouse, with smoke-darkened cedar plank walls and a central hearth. Large holes are visible in the roof and side where logs have been torn away, letting in cool moonlight. A large, rough-hewn bark tub sits near the hearth, with steam rising from it. The floor is packed earth, and woven mats are visible. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Beach by the Great Water
A coastal area where people gather for weekly shell-fish feasts. It is illuminated by bright moonlight.
Mood: Communal, festive, peaceful, in contrast to the girl's sulking at home.
The community gathers here, unaware of the girl being taken by Owl-man.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, moonlit stretch of pebble and sand beach, gently sloping towards a vast, calm ocean. Clusters of people are gathered around small fires, preparing shellfish. The bright full moon hangs low in the clear night sky, casting long, soft shadows and a shimmering path across the water. Distant, dark forest lines the edge of the beach. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
