LegendsGuide.com

The first thought that may come to mind when hearing the name, Maid of the Mist, most American’s might think of a boat ride on Niagara Falls. The name however is derived from a Native American tale.

The legend has some variations depending on the source, but the general idea is presently clear. A peaceful tribe, the Ongiaras, lived near the river and soon disaster struck. The people of the village began to sicken and die. Some versions of the story state that the people of the village thought that they must please the god of thunder that lived in the falls or they would continue to die. They began by sacrificing food items, by sending them down the falls. After this failed to work they sent the daughter of the chief down the falls to her death.

The story then turns and the sons of the god of thunder catch the girl and save her. They tell her the real problem afflicting her people. They tell her that a large snake is making the people sick by contaminating the water and that he goes into the village after and eats those that were killed by the bad water.

The girl then appears as a spirit to her people and warns them of the danger. The warriors of the tribe attack the creature and mortally wound it. As it tries to escape, the snake’s tail and head get caught on opposite sides of the river forming a horseshoe shaped waterfall. This is the story behind the creation of the horseshoe falls segment of Niagara Falls.

For more information on the Maid of the Mists, please check out these links:

• First People
• InfoNiagara
• Maid of the Mist Boat Tours
• Niagara Falls Tourism Information

PC DB NY New York Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist Boat US $3.99 Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 8:49:59 PDT   | Watch this Item

MAID O MIST 1/8" IPS AIR ELIMINATOR HYDRONIC AIR VENT US $4.95 Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 8:50:58 PDT   | Watch this Item

PC DB NY New York Niagara American Falls & Maid of Mist US $3.99 Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 8:53:02 PDT   | Watch this Item