Mitos y Leyendas: The Creation of the Rainbow

• Genny de Bernardo tells you the story of the creation of the rainbow.
• This is just one version of the many that exist about this beautiful light effect.
• In addition to the legend of its creation, there are also others about what is in it and its function.

The rainbow is a mystery in many cultures. There are plenty of stories and myths surrounding it. Although there is now a scientific explanation for this, before, ancestral peoples saw it with magical and enigmatic awe.

The scientific explanation is that the rainbow is formed due to the refraction, reflection, and dispersion of sunlight in water droplets in the atmosphere.

Now, it’s obvious why it appears after it rains, but, before knowing the logical reason for this, there were thoughts that connected the rainbow with extraordinary beings.

The Norse, for example, thought it was a path that connected Asgard with Midgar (the world of humans) and that it was guarded by elves. Without more to say, here is a legend from America about it.

The Creation of the Rainbow

A long time ago, in the dense jungle of the Emerald Green, lived small beings that awakened admiration in those who were fortunate enough to observe them.

They were seven beautiful butterflies, each unique in its color and beauty, whose wings shone with dazzling tones. Their splendor even eclipsed the flowers of the jungle.

They were always together, forming a cloud of resplendent colors when exploring their environment.

However, one day, one of the butterflies injured itself with a sharp thorn and could not fly with her friends. The other butterflies surrounded her and soon realized that her wound was mortal.

The Sacrifice to Stay Together

They decided to ascend to the sky to approach the gods and offered any necessary sacrifice to avoid the separation of their friend. Then, a deep and solemn voice interrupted the silence of the sky.

It asked them if they were willing to give their lives to stay together. All answered yes. At that moment, an unprecedented storm broke out with rain and lightning. A whirlwind enveloped the seven butterflies and lifted them above the clouds.

When the storm calmed and the sun began to dry the land, an imposing arc crossed the sky. It was a rainbow composed of the seven butterflies, shining thanks to the spirit of these seven friends who did not fear sacrificing their lives to stay together.

Mitos y Leyendas hopes that this story has been to your liking and that you join us in the next story of the knowledge of the peoples who inhabited and remain on our continent. See you soon!