NOCTUOIDEA

"when the bear awakens from its long sleep, in late spring, it is chased across the heavens by seven hunters who are disguised as stars. all summer long, the hunters chase the bear across the northern horizon. in the fall, with only three hunters left, the bear is struck by the hunters' arrows. as the bear rears up, then falls on its back, its blood drips down to Earth. the drops of falling blood turn the leaves red. during the long winter, the wounded bear lies on its back until its spirit enters another bear. when the next spring arrives, the newly enchanted bear starts fleeing across the sky, the next seven hunters in pursuit."