Tree of odors (Tate’s account)

Overview

The husband of Tsauda’s elder daughter travels towards the upper Skeena in search of copper described by his supernatural father-in-law. Fragrance becomes stronger as his canoe ascends. While exploring a valley near camp, he finds a living tree moving in the middle of a clearing. Attracted to it, he embraces the trunk; its branches reciprocate and tighten around him.

The embrace becomes dangerous. Before losing consciousness, he calls his companions, who find him held fast. They expose the roots, the branches die and their grip releases. The episode gives the tree active bodily movement and a lethal potential, but no speech, named intention or prior history of consuming victims. Its alluring scent and constricting branches are the specifically attested features.

The rescued man divides the tree, branches and roots among the company, who also collect earth from its site. Chiefs, princes and princesses later buy these materials at high prices, and he grows wealthy. The narrator connects his success with marriage into a supernatural family. This outcome differs from that of his brother-in-law in the following living-copper episode, where death and Tsauda’s intervention are explicit. No botanical species is identified for the tree of odors, and its supernatural movement is not a claim about an actual fragrant plant.

Origins & earliest records

Franz Boas, Tsimshian Mythology, based on texts recorded by Henry W. Tate, published in 1916 in the Bureau of American Ethnology’s thirty-first report for 1909–1910. Boas translated Tate’s free interlinear English renderings of his Tsimshian texts. The preface notes Tate’s editorial choices and some influence from published collections; the 1916 volume omits the original-language text.

Records & interpretation

Story 51, Tsauda and Halus, complete pp. 297–306; preface pp. 31–32.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Tsimshian Mythology

   Henry W. Tate, recorder; Franz Boas, translator and editor · 1916

   Story 51, Tsauda and Halus, complete pp. 297–306; preface pp. 31–32.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Primary textBoas/Tate 1916: Tsauda and HalusResearch access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.