NATIVE AMERICAN LITERATURE Oral Literature: Myths and legends

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

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

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

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

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

Native American Poems More properly called "songs" More properly called "songs" Created for tribal occasions such as: Created for tribal occasions such as: initiation rites initiation rites healings ceremonies healings ceremonies planting or hunting rituals planting or hunting rituals Pass on: Pass on: tribal history tribal history social values/mores social values/mores religious beliefs religious beliefs Simple language Simple language Repetition of similar or contrasting phrases often create the effect of “rhyming thoughts” 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 1) healing 2) growth/germination 2) growth/germination 3) vision/dream 3) vision/dream 4) death 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.”