Chapter 1 Summary

Sunday, November 30, 5:18 p.m. A young boy, nearing manhood, runs along the route he takes daily in his quest to get in shape. He has been selected by his people, the Zuni tribe, to play the role of Shulawitsi, the Little Fire God, during the upcoming festival of Shalako. Eight days from today, the Shalako will come from the Dance Hall of the Dead to bless the Zuni people. The Fire God must be in shape. If a young man portraying a God becomes too tired, the Salamobia will embarrass and beat him with their yucca wands. The boy reminds himself that he must avoid anger, too, so near the festival. Thinking about his friend George makes him angry. George's nosy questions about secret, sacred Zuni spiritual practices have caused the Fire God to break a taboo by telling George too much. The...