In the Time That Was

In the Time That Was, written by James Frederic Thorne and published in 1909, is a collection of legends from the Chilkat tribe of Alaskan Indians. The book features the trickster god Yaeethl, who navigates themes of creation, nature, and morality through his adventures, including stealing light for the Earth Mother. Thorne's work preserves indigenous wisdom and showcases the cultural richness of the Chilkats, blending mythology with the natural landscape of Alaska. This volume is the first in a series of legends, illustrating the storytelling tradition of the Chilkat people.