Journal #4: Write down a myth or legend that you know or were told Journal #4: Write down a myth or legend that you know or were told. Write the example. Why are myths important? What can they teach us? Why do we usually tell little children myths?

Native American Myths and Tales

Native Americans were on this continent centuries before Europeans arrived • There were 100s of thriving and unique Indian nations • Each had/has its own tradition of literature that was passed down orally and anonymously among families, though most can be attributed to certain tribes. • Native American myths are an important part of their spiritual beliefs

The Myth • The myth relies on the supernatural to explain a natural phenomenon, human behavior, or mystery They explain why the world is the way it is and help make sense of the world

• To explain the workings of the natural world The Purposes of myths: • To explain the workings of the natural world • To support and validate social customs • To guide people through the trials of living • To explain the mysteries of the universe

The significance of myths • They were important in giving people a sense of order and identity. They gave people a way to ensure food, explain the unexplainable, heal the sick, and teach lessons.

Rock art is the expression of the belief system of an ancient culture.

Why make Rock Art? There are many reasons rock art was used: for spiritual teaching to young tribal initiates to teach lessons for the more mature on The Greater Journey of Life to depict the visions experienced by tribal healers as clan symbols staking out a territory, hunting and water location information

Clans, totems, & tricksters

Clans • In many cultures, each family group, or clan, believed it descended from or had a strong connection to an animal or other natural object called a totem. • For example, members of the bear clan would honor the bear • The bear would in turn served as that group’s guardian spirit and protected its members • Then this clan was responsible for preserving the myths of the bear

Totem To honor their totem, tribes would create totem poles as well as crests, emblems, small figurines or anything else that depicts and shows respect toward your animal guide. • The Mohawks had three clans: the wolf, bear, and turtle. • People frequently attributed the characteristics of animals to people. • Example: bear is strong, dangerous; turtle is reserved methodical

Tricksters: The Rabbit Although the rabbit was a prominent figure in Cherokee legends, he was not an admirable character. He was a trickster and a deceiver, but he often got beaten at his own game, usually by his intended victim.

Trickster Tales: Key Terms • Animal People - the first inhabitants of the world; spirit beings that could take the shape of human or animal (ie: coyote) • Anthropomorphism - giving human behavior, characteristics, or motivations to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena

Reading Turn to page 48 in the textbook

Closing 3-2-1 -3 reasons for the significance of myths in Native American culture. -2 examples of the influence of nature or animals in Native American culture. -1 way the creation myth differs from the origin myth.

On Canvas discussion tab Homework: On Canvas discussion tab You will have to find an example of either a creation myth or a origin myth. It can be a pdf of the story, or a youtube video.  Post the link of the story, and answer the following questions: What type of myth (origin or creation)? Animal (s) present: Lesson to be learned: Creation of what?: