The Origins of Dawn: Why the Cock Crows for the Sun Each Morning

In the beginning, the sun was the property of the cock. The god once asked the cock to give him the sun, but the cock refused. The god then called all the beasts he had created and offered them a big reward if they took the sun from the cock and gave it to him.

The squirrel, hearing this, went and made friendship with the cock in order that he might by some unfair means take the sun from the cock; but he failed in his attempt. The lizard then went and told the cock to build a compound round the sun that it might be safe, as many were coveting it.

The cock did this, and the lizard then had the opportunity of getting inside by climbing over the wall, and so took away the sun to the god. The god then told him that he was sorry he had no more hair to supply, but the lizard must have his abode with men in their dwelling houses. This accounts for the lizard living in dwelling houses.

And whenever the cock crows, he always asks the god to give back his sun to him.