[3] In 1889, upon arriving in Oklahoma, a couple learn about local legends surrounding a "snake god" called Yig, which takes vengeance on anyone who kills a serpent by either killing them or turning them into a half-snake monster.

The husband has an intense fear of snakes, and his wife kills a nest of rattlesnakes at one of their campsites.

After building their cabin, the husband is insistent on practicing various rituals from the native tribes to keep Yig away, grating heavily on his wife's nerves.

Bishop supplied the story idea and some notes, paying Lovecraft to flesh it out in 1928.

It was the first of three tales Lovecraft wrote with Bishop, the others being The Mound and Medusa's Coil.