Native American Literature The Oral Tradition Mr. Glisch

Folklore Each culture has its own stories that are passed on by word of mouth. Urban legends, Cinderella The importance of these stories varies as to who is telling them as well as the stories’ purposes These stories are often told as: Entertainment Historical accounts Creation stories Religious stories education

Think of your family for example: Do you have any stories that are passed on? What about Waterford? Are there any stories passed on in this town? How important are they? Folklore, because it is passed on by word of mouth, changes with each telling, like rumors Storyteller may add a little of himself or herself to it In Native American culture, each nation had its own tradition of folklore. To the Native Americans, the stories were often considered to be true accounts of the past. Myth – an anonymous traditional story that relies on the supernatural to explain a natural phenomenon. They try to explain why the world is the way it is.

Some different types of folklore are: Myth an anonymous traditional story that relies on the supernatural to explain a natural phenomenon. They try to explain why the world is the way it is. Creation myth Tells how the world and human life came to exist Origin myth Explains how natural phenomena such as the stars, moon, and mountains came to be or why a society has certain beliefs and customs

Trickster tale Totem An animal character with two sides They are rebels who defy authority sometimes creating trouble or chaos They are also curious, clever, and creative figures who can unexpectedly reveal wisdom In Native American tales, often the mink, coyote, or raven Totem In many Native American nations, people believed they descended from a particular animal or other natural object. These animals were then honored by the clan in stories and totem poles (each totem pole tells a story)

Totem Poles

Ultimately, myths and rituals played and continue to play a central role in Native American cultures. They are used to: Give people a sense of order and identity To heal the sick To ensure a plentiful supply of food To initiate young people into adulthood To teach moral lessons