In the beginning, all the Kadohadacho lived with the Great Spirit Sah-coo, in a mountain cave near a great river. And all were happy.

But as time passed, the Kado people grew dissatisfied, and quarreled amongst themselves. One day a stranger came and told them they should move to another world to restart their lives in peace, prosperity, and contentment. He told the tribal elders to bring their people and animals together and prepare everyone to move through a glowing portal to a bright, beautiful land up on the surface of the earth.

He told them to gather their seeds for growing food in the upper world and to take with them their drums and pipes. He warned that if they looked back as they were moving to the upper world, the portal would close forever.

The family tribal elders brought their people together and all began moving through the portal. But one of them, anxious to see that all the people were coming out of the underground without a problem, looked back. The portal closed, trapping the remaining people and animals underground. This caused great sorrow and grief amongst the people, so the place was called Na-Da-cah-ah—the place of sorrow. But the families that arrived safely at the new, beautiful land thrived and multiplied.

The truest of the Kadohadacho built a grand city on the banks of the great river and honored Sah-coo with magnificent ceremonies and song. For these acts of tribute and obedience, Sah-coo bestowed upon these True Kadohadacho peace and prosperity. From these first Kadohadacho, many tribes spread across the land. All were friends to the Kadohadacho, and there was much trade between all these peoples. The Kadohadacho built great cities and amassed vast treasures, displayed openly for all to see and enjoy.

But as the treasures of the Kado grew, they began to close their eyes to Sah-coo. No longer did they bring Sah-coo sacrifices. No longer did they honor Sah-coo in ceremony and song. Sah-coo grew very angry. One day the Kadohadacho people awoke to find everything gone. No great cities. No vast treasures. Gone in an instant. In the blink of an eye. The Kadohadacho were sorely miserable.

They implored their leaders to strike a bargain with Sah-coo. After all, the Kadohadacho were excellent traders. The right bargain might bring back their cities and treasures.

After much negotiation, the bargain was struck. If the Kadohadacho would return to the ways of selflessness and honor, Sah-coo would return a portion of their treasures. But just a portion. If the tribe broke its word, Sah-coo promised to bring an evil to the land. A terrible evil that would destroy the Kadohadacho forever.

For a time, the Kadohadacho did return to the ways of honor, but it was not to last. Again the Kadohadacho closed their eyes to Sah-coo. And Sah-coo made good on the bargain.