The Call of the Singing River

Whether cruising on Riverview Boulevard, walking on the Riverwalk or just enjoying the river breeze, the melody of the Manatee River has always sung sweetly to my heart.  I recently discovered this Indian legend which very eloquently explains why I feel that way.

Local folklore tells us there is beautiful legend that has been handed down from generation to generation, from one tribe to another for more than 200 years.  The Great River of the "mystic music" served as a natural boundary between two Indian nations, the Timucans to the North and the Calusa to the South.  The old ruling Calusa chief had a very beautiful daughter, who was his pride and joy.  Her hand was sought by many a brave warrior, but she accepted none.  On one fateful trip the tribe to the north came across the Great River to trade and visit.  It is soon evident that the Calusa Chief's fair daughter and the Timucan chief's son had fallen in love and were together for many pleasant days.  When it was time for the tribe to depart, the young warrior summed up the courage to ask the Chief for his daughter's hand.  He told the chief of his home on a beautiful lake to the north, but instead of consenting, the old chief flew into a rage and ordered the young brave to leave immediately.

As undeniable as young love often is, plans were made to run away together.  When they met again and he clasped her tightly to him, a sound filled the air.  The brave thought they had been discovered, as the sound came from everywhere - it was the most beautiful and lovely music.  The maiden reassured him for she knew her brave was mystified and to soothe his alarm, she explained about the mysterious music that came from the Great River.  He was spellbound and thought because of their great love, the river was presenting them with a good omen.  Away they ran together and for a time, the young couple was very happy.  After a while, the bride yearned for her family and more than anything else, she longed to hear again that beautiful music emanating from the Great River.  She told her husband if one has ever heard the mysterious music of the river, they are never satisfied until it is heard again.

This legend was brought to light locally through an interview with a one-armed Indian who was wounded at Braden Castle in 1855.  The legend fits the facts of the two local tribes that lived along the Manatee River and the peace truce that brought the two tribes together.  It was the union of these two young lovers that would spring the future ruling royalty.  Was it a true story?  That is for you to decide, but the music from the singing river keeps calling us back even to this day.  Listen carefully, I think you will here it too.

Source: "The Singing River" by Joe Warner (1986)