Many of the Modocs firmly believe that their tribe originated as
described in this myth. They call Kumush father, and live by the rules
he laid down for them. They believe that he gave the race all gifts
that support existence, that it is through him that the Indians live
and prosper. He has many of the attributes of Zeus.
This myth and many of the myths in this volume are as sacred for
Indians as Bible stories are for Christians. When old men are asked
what their ideas are regarding life hereafter they tell of Kumush’s
visit to the great house in the underground world; of what he saw
there, and of the terrible effort he made to bring spirits to the upper
world, and create Indians.
The underground house of the Modoc dead is in the West.
When Kumush had done all that he could for mankind he went to the place
where the sun rises. He traveled on Sun’s road till he came to the
middle of the sky, and there he built his house.