*The Exquisite Quetzal*

*Long ago, there was a son whose father was the chief of one of the forest tribes. His name was Quetzal. On the day he was born, a hummingbird landed on a tree before the chief’s home. The wise men of the village told the chief that the appearance of the hummingbird meant that one day Quetzal would become a beloved chief but his future was not sure. His father was pleased to hear that but he didn’t notice the jealousy from his brother towards his son. This jealousy grew more and more each day because his uncle wished to become the chief of the tribe. Time passed, Quetzal grew up and became a strong, couragous, kind and generous man. He could be a good hunter or a good fisherman and people loved him exactly like what the wise man had foretold. One day, his father passed away. The wise man announced Quetzal to become the chief of the tribe. Not long after that, the neighboring tribe attacked his tribe, Quetzal led his people to fight back the invaders. Because Quetzal was protected by Gods, so every arrows of the enemies flowing toward him was fallen to the ground before they could hurt Quetzal. The enemies was very scared to see that and fled in terror. His uncle wanted to find out what could make Quetzal be protected. One night, when Quetzal was asleep, his uncle sneaked into his place and stole the tiny hummingbird feather attached to a cord on Quetzal’s body. Next morning, Quetzal went for hunting. His uncle followed him and took advantage of a moment he threw an arrow to the chest of Quetzal. Quetzal fell into the ground and the blood kept flowing out from his body until Quetzal died. At this moment, a miracle happened, he turned into a magnificent bird rose gracefully into the air. People said that Gods protected Quetzal in another way after he lost his feather by making him become the bird. This brilliant the most beautiful creature in the forest still lives in the forest of Guatemala. The people call the Quetzal their holy bird, and when they see it they remember their beloved leader who is always in their hearts.*