Why the Sun and Moon Left the Earth

Long ago, the Sun and the Moon lived on the earth like any other visitors. They were great beings, bright and graceful, but they were also polite guests. When they came to a village near the water, the people welcomed them with food, mats, and cool water to drink. The two friends stayed in a small house by the river, and at first the home felt warm and peaceful. Every day, more and more people came to see them. Some came to greet the Sun because his smile was golden and strong. Some came to admire the Moon because her light was soft and calm. The little house was soon crowded from wall to wall.

The House Became Too Full

At first, the visitors stood outside and talked through the door. Then they began to sit on the steps. Then they came inside and filled every corner. Children leaned against the walls. Old people sat near the fire. Curious neighbors kept arriving with gifts, questions, and songs. The Sun and the Moon were kind, so they did not ask anyone to leave. They shared what they had and smiled at every new face. But the crowded home grew hot and tight. People could hardly move. Cups were passed from hand to hand, and everyone laughed at the small room that seemed to shrink each hour. Still, no one wanted to stop the celebration.

When the Water Rose

Then one morning the water began to rise. It crept under the door first, dark and slow. Soon it touched the floor mats. The people grew quiet. The river was swelling, and the earth around the house was becoming a wet place. The Sun looked out and saw water shining all around the yard. The Moon lifted her skirts and stepped onto a higher stool. The guests crowded close together, afraid to push or run. There was no room left to escape. The little house that had seemed so cheerful now felt like a tiny boat in a wide flood. The Sun and the Moon saw that the crowd and the rising water had turned their home into a place that could not hold them any longer.

Their Move to the Sky

So the two great friends made a choice. They thanked the people for their kindness, then climbed higher and higher until they left the flooded house behind. The Sun went first, bright and steady. The Moon followed, pale and shining like a lantern at night. They moved to the sky, where there was room for both of them and where no flood could trap them again. Since that time, the Sun has traveled across the day, and the Moon has watched over the night. People still remember the old story. It says that hospitality is beautiful, but even the warmest home can become too full. And it says that when the earth could not hold them, the Sun and Moon found their true place above us.