We have chosen to tell the story of the Lenape in Pennsylvania through “The Prophecy of the Fourth Crow,”
an ancient story passed down among the Lenape for generations. This story relates the ways in which Lenape people
have struggled to survive and to keep their community and culture intact. Chief Red Hawk summarizes the current
interpretation of the Prophecy in the following way:
“We now know that the First Crow was the Lenape before the coming of the Europeans.
The Second Crow symbolized the death and destruction of our culture.
The Third Crow was our people going underground and hiding.
The Fourth Crow was the Lenape becoming caretakers again and working with everybody to restore this land.”
The Fourth Crow
Told by Bob Red Hawk
Translated by Shelley DePaul
Lomewe, luwen okwes xu kshihele xkwithakamika.
Long ago it was said a fox will he run on the earth.
Ok luwen newa ahasak xu peyok.
and it was said four crows will they come.
Netami na ahas kenthu li guttitehewagan wichi Kishelemukonk.
first the crow he flew the way of harmony with Creator.
Nisheneit na ahas kwechi pilitu entalelemukonk, shek palsu ok ankela.
second the crow he tried he cleans the world, but he became sick and he died.
Nexeneit na ahas weneyoo xansa ankelek ok koshiphuwe.
third the crow he saw him his brother he is dead and he hid.
Neweneit na ahas kenthu li guttitehewagan lapi wichi Kishelemukonk.
fourth the crow he flew the way of harmony again with Creator.
Kenahkihechik xu withatuwak enta xkwithakamika.
Caretakers will they live together on the earth
The Prophesy of the Fourth Crow
The Treaty of Renewed Friendship
"The Prophecy"
by Amitanshu Das
and Kristin Searle
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