EARLY AMERICAN LITERATURE Creation Myths
HOW WAS THE WORLD CREATED? Consider and write what you might know regarding different accounts of creation. (Choose and elaborate on at least 3 of the four categories listed.) Biblical Narrative Scientific Theories Stories from other Cultures (ex. Greek Mythology? Movies/Film Sketch/Illustrate each account of creation account
WHAT IS A MYTH? WHAT IS A CREATION MYTH?
NATIVE AMERICANS Culturally diverse different Native American cultures in North America languages spoken among tribes No written language Had an oral tradition History, legends, myths were entrusted to memory Passed from generation to generation; demonstrate reverence for nature and the worship of many gods Creation stories explain how the universe and humans came into being Much of their history did not survive after so many Native Americans fell to European diseases. Some groups lost as many as 90 percent of their people
IROQUOIS CREATION MYTH “The World on the Turtle’s Back” p. 38
WHAT DOES THIS STORY REVEAL ABOUT: Roles of women in their society Role of nature in their culture Origin of certain customs / rituals Roles / beliefs of a higher power Compare/Contrast “The World on the Turtle’s Back” to the account of Adam and Eve in Genesis How are they similar? How are they different?