Origins and Encounters The World on a Turtle’s Back

Native Americans were on this Continent CENTURIES before Europeans There were 100s of thriving unique nations Each had/has its own tradition of literature that was passed down orally Myths are an important part of Native American spiritual beliefs –It is unknown where the stories originated –They were written down only in the last 100 years – These stories tell us how the world came to be – Many rely heavily on a reverence of the natural world

Telling Stories – Native American Mythology Myths and rituals play a central role in traditional Native American cultures –gave people a sense of order and identity. –gave people a way to ensure food, explain the unexplainable, heal the sick, and teach lessons. Passed stories down through oral tradition –there are often many versions of a single myth. Myths were often derived from ceremonial songs and prayers, hero tales, explanations of things in nature, migration stories, historical stories, and poems.

Literature terms to know Myth—a traditional story, passed down through the generations, that explains why the world is the way it is. Creation myth—explains how the universe, earth, and life began. –Instills a sense of awe toward the mystery of the universe –Explains the workings of the natural world –Supports and validates social customs –Guides people through the trials of living Definitions from THE LANGUAGE OF LITERATURE

Vocabulary Void—an empty space Ritual—a ceremonial act or a series of such acts Devious—shifty; not straightforward Contend—to compete/vie Succumb—to give up or give in; yield Lacrosse—game of Native American origin that is played on a field with long- handled sticks with webbed pouches.

Characters Main Characters—events center on the lives of one or more people, animals, or other beings Minor Characters—interact with main characters and help move the story along. Static characters—tend to stay in a fixed position over the course of the story. Dynamic characters evolve as individuals, learning from their experiences.

Characters in “World on a Turtle’s Back” A man/husband in Sky-World His wife Birds of the sea Fish and creatures of the deep Daughter Man with arrows Twins Minor / static Main / dynamic

Cause and Effect Cause/Effect—one event that brings about the other. –Example from story Effect: Earth Cause: Woman walked around in circle on a turtle’s back. What cause and effect did you find most interesting?

Theme Central idea or ideas the writer intends to share –Lesson about Life People Actions –Different readers can discover different themes in the same work.

“World on a Turtle’s Back” Themes –an Iroquois myth which explains how the world was created –expresses a Native American ideal of people living in harmony with nature –the world is made up of forces that seem to be in opposition to one another –these opposites are needed for balance and harmony

Discussion Questions How did the animals help the woman who fell from the sky? What are the differences between the twins? What was the outcome of the duels between the twins?

More discussion questions Why do you think that the people sing and dance for the left-handed twin? How does this compare to other creation myths that you have heard? How would you relate the left-handed and right-handed twins to the concept of good and evil?