Isi Vision Quest Essay

Once, back in time just on the shores of Curchill River, lived a Native American tribe. In this tribe lived 16 year old Isi. Isi was to go on a vision quest as a rite of passage into adulthood. He had to go into the harsh wilderness alone, for 3-4 day.He would have no equipment, food or water. The purpose of this quest was to find spiritual guidance and truly understand himself.

It was already dusk and quite frigid by the time he found a spot a few miles down the river. Here he could set himself up in the thicket. He used moss and leaves to try and keep himself moderately warm as he lay down to go to sleep. Isi was awakened by a loud, paralyzing noise. Feeling sleepy, he didn't make much of it at first, but when he opened his eyes he saw

a dark silhouette. Because it was murky out and he couldn't make out what it was. The noise that woke him up continued. However, this time he knew what it was. "BEAR!" Isi shrieked. Isi rapidly got to his feet and looked around for something to defend himself with.He had nothing. He ran for his life. The adrenaline was so powerful he forgot about his drowsy state. The bear quickly chased after him. Not paying attention, Isi tripped and fell over a rock and smashed his head. The blood was gushing out. He starting feeling light headed and passed out. As the blood continued to flow Isi began to lose his life. His spirit began to travel to the next world. Ahead of his spirit was a loon. As he got closer, the loon began to speak to him. "Isi, I am here to take you to your next life." Isi was afraid. "No! No! I want to go back to my tribe!" screamed Isi. As Isi's spirit and the loon approached each other, they suddenly melded into one. Isi continued to scream out, but suddenly all he could hear was the call of the loon. Isi and the loon were now one. To this dat when you hear the loon calling, you know it is the sound of lost spirits looking for their tribe.