What is the myth of the salmon, and how is it related to Mark?

Native American stories virtually always teach a lesson or contain symbolism, and in this chapter the symbolism is related directly to the characters. Mark is compared to the salmon or swimmer, which travels through its allotted time span and then dies after accomplishing its purpose. Marta points out that the end it not sad; it is a part of the swimmer's life. This contains definite foreshadowing of Mark's death.