Gaukos and Green Frog Woman

Thomas Doty – Storyteller

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In a Cinderella-like Modoc story, Gaukos wanted Green Frog Woman to be his wife. Though her nine sisters called her ugly, starved her, dressed her in rags and scratched her face until it bled, Gaukos still desired her. He whispered to her, "I want you, the one who lives in my heart. We'll forever travel the sky, and I will call you Beautiful Green Frog Woman." These days, Gaukos is the moon, the frog in the moon is his wife, and the smaller shapes on the moon are their children.