NATIVE AMERICAN LITERATURE Oral Literature: Myths and legends

Functions of the Myths The purpose was to show beliefs about: the nature of physical world social order and appropriate behavior human nature and the problem of good and evil Preservation of spiritual beliefs

Characteristics of N.A. Myths Major roles often played by animals People were ordinary, animals and places were divine Spiritual outlook based on the Four Directions (North, South, East, West) Early mythsnative legends Oral stories/songs passed down for many generations

Features of Native Literature Stories teach spiritual lessons part of their histories Reflect an inclusive view of the natural world, including explanations for natural phenomena, seasons, celestial occurrences, etc. powerful metaphors Use archetypes– certain type of character that is used often in various stories over the ages

Features (cont.) Ritualistic beginnings and endings Progress and change are shown as cyclical Many of the stories have a “trickster” character (often a rabbit, raven or spider) Repetition of special elements, symbols, numbers, etc.

Common themes Movement from a sky world to a water world Fortunate fall –creation story Earth-diver myth usually involving an earth made from mud or a flood after the universe is created Theft of fire Emergence myth– movement of beings from under the surface to the surface of the earth

Native American Poems More properly called "songs" Created for tribal occasions such as: initiation rites healings ceremonies planting or hunting rituals Pass on: tribal history social values/mores religious beliefs Simple language Repetition of similar or contrasting phrases often create the effect of “rhyming thoughts”

N.A. Poems (cont.) The songs may be grouped as songs of: 1) healing 2) growth/germination 3) vision/dream 4) death

Functionality for Self-Awareness Most myths and folklore from the Native American spectrum primarily function as an opportunity for the individual to reflect on his/her place in this world, and, by assuming the responsibility of being “caretakers,” to preserve this world, so “the circle of life is never broken.”

Turtle Turtles play positive roles in the folklore of many Native American tribes. In the creation myths of some East Coast tribes (such as the Iroquois and Lenape), the Great Spirit created their homeland by placing earth on the back of a giant turtle. This is why some contemporary Native Americans refer to North America by the name "Turtle Island." Turtles are a symbol of the earth in many different Native cultures. To Plains Indians, turtles are associated with long life, protection, and fertility. In some Plains tribes, a newborn girl's umbilical cord was sewn into a figure in the shape of a turtle to ensure her health and safety. In other tribes, turtles are often associated with healing, wisdom, and spirituality. 

Thunderbird The Thunderbird is probably the most well known of all the monsters, beasts and creatures associated with the North American Native Indians. The thunderbird is depicted as a large raptor-like bird usually with curling horns, long legs, a long beak and a featherless head. Sheet lightning is believed to flash from its eyes when it blinks, and individual lightning bolts made by the glowing snakes or serpents that follows it.

Tricksters Mythical creatures called Tricksters were associated with most of North American Native Indian tribes and are often identified with specific animals, such as the coyote, spider and raven. Tricksters are mischievous supernatural beings who take the form of animals.

Windingo Likely the most well-known creature on this list, Wendigos originate from Cree and Ojibwe mythology. Television shows like Supernatural and Charmed depict Wendigos as lupine monsters similar to werewolves, but original Native American myths did not include this description.   According to the Cree people, these creepy creatures are wild, giant man-eaters who steal from and murder innocent people. Some stories claim that they can possess humans, and that their murder victims turn into Wendigos. Then there's Wendigo Psychosis, a psychological disease that causes people to crave human flesh. And yes, this is a real thing. 

Keelut The Inuit believed this creepy creature was an underworld deity that makes his way to earth sometimes. He is described as a gray, hairless dog (except for his feet), who stalks victims at night before murdering and eating them. Even if Keelut doesn't kill you, his presence is a sign your days are numbered; he's a harbinger of death. Legends say he doesn't leave foot tracks (which is significant in snowy Alaska), thus adding to his sneakiness. According to anthropologists, Inuit parents described Keelut to their children in order to prevent them from sneaking out at night.