A Whale of the Wild

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of pregnancy loss and animal cruelty and death.

The narrative moves to Deneb’s perspective. When Mother goes into labor during the first night of the Gathering, all of the kinship’s wayfinders and great hunters form a circle around her while the uncles stand guard. The blood draws sharks, and Deneb helps the uncles drive them away. The last time Mother gave birth, the infant was stillborn. Deneb is filled with relief and joy when Greatmother lifts his “tiny black and golden-pink sister” to the surface (48). However, Capella is unable to breathe. Uncle Rigel goes to his grieving relatives and tells them, “I am here […] I am beside you” (50). Deneb tries to follow his example by gently nuzzling Vega. All the mothers of the kinship sing a lament that is “high-pitched and fierce and full of longing” (51). Deneb feels overcome with sorrow and powerless to help.