The Legend of Otona River

Tales from the Yakumo Area

This river, originally the river of the “Ottena” (Chief) of Yu-rap Kotan, was abundant with returning salmon. Once, an Ainu from Bui-ta-ush who came there to fish froze to death. It is said that when the people of Bui-ta-ush saw this, they held a “caranke” (negotiation), and thereafter the salmon were distributed by percentage. From that time, the Ainu of Bui-ta-ush were known to be feared for their power.