What is the primary theme of the 'Legend of the Sleeping Bear Dunes'?

The primary theme of the 'Legend of the Sleeping Bear Dunes' revolves around the poignant tale of a mother bear and her two cubs, who were lost while trying to find safety across the water. In this legend, the mother bear ultimately transforms into the majestic dunes we see today, which symbolize her enduring love and sacrifice for her cubs. This transformation captures the essence of maternal love, resilience, and the connection between nature and story in Michigan's cultural landscape.

The setting of the Sleeping Bear Dunes serves as a prominent reminder of this legend, embodying the spirit of the bear and the enduring presence of the story within the natural beauty of the region. Each aspect of this tale highlights the elements of love, loss, and the mythical transformation of beings into the landscape, which is why the answer emphasizing the mother bear's transformation into dunes stands out as the central theme.