Native American Myths

A simple definition of a myth is “a story handed down through history, often through oral tradition, that explains or gives value to the unknown”. content/themes/the%20hobbit/images/weath erindian3.jpg

Naturally curious, when answers are not readily available, we try to figure them out for ourselves. What is lightning, what makes a volcano erupt, why are there tidal waves, how was the world created? All generations of man have asked how, why, when, and where.

Why Myths? People have always tried to figure out common questions like who made the universe or questions like what causes a storm. Religion, gods, and myths were created when people tried to make sense out of these questions. For early people myths were like science because they explain how things work. They also explained other questions that are now answered through modern science.

M yths are often stories told by a particular people such as Native Americans, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and others. They are especially linked to religious beliefs and rituals. A myth is a story with a purpose. It tries to explain the way the world is. Myths also try to explain the relationship between gods and humans. Even though the events in a myth are usually impossible, they try to send a message that has an important social or religious meaning. reationwomen.html

Myths were used to teach humans behavior that helped people live in concert with one another. Mythical gods certainly had some strange and not acceptable behavior, yet stories often demonstrated such topics as the need for hospitality or the need to keep pride in check. In the eyes of the gods, excessive pride, or hubris, was the worst offense and deserved the worst punishment. Myths as a Teaching Tool

Many Native American myths could equally be called folktales: they seem to be about ordinary people, not gods. However, the Native American attitude is that everything is animated by divinity. Hence ordinary people, animals and places are divine. Often the people are not even named, or are given a convenient tag, such as Rabbit Boy – raised by rabbits. Nor is there much attempt to characterize them. Universal principles are held to be more important than individual traits. Folktales

M yths, then, are stories about certain characters -- gods, goddesses, men, women, and, especially, heroes. The Native North American cultures did not have a written language. Instead, a group’s history, legends, and myths were entrusted to memory and faithfully passed from generation to generation through oral tradition. In this oral tradition, stories often became distorted so that, in reading mythologies today, there are often variations in the same story. The moral however remains the same.

Characteristics of Native American Mythology deeply based in Nature rich with the symbolism of seasons, weather, plants, animals, earth, water, sky and fire. The idea of an all powerful Great Spirit, a connection to the Earth, diverse creation narratives and collective memories of ancient ancestors are common. Traditional worship practices are often a part of tribal gatherings with dance, rhythm, songs and trance. trickster stories are common

TRICKSTER TALES Trickster tales are a type of folk tale that features an animal or human character who typically engages in deceit, violence, and magic. Often, trickster tales are mythic, explaining how some aspect of human nature or the natural world came to be. Tricksters are archetypal characters— character types that can be found in literary works from different cultures throughout the ages. A trickster is full of contradictions and may appear to be heroic and greedy, devious and kind, or foolish and clever.

CREATION MYTHS A myth is a traditional story, usually involving supernatural beings or events, that explains how some aspect of human nature or the natural world came to be. A creation myth is a specific kind of myth that typically: describes how the universe, earth, and life began explains the workings of the natural world supports and validates social customs and values guides people through the trials of living

Some Traditional NATIVE AMERICAN: ANIMAL SYMBOLS Alligator: Symbolizes stealth and a fight for survival. Ant: Symbolizes group effort, teamwork and overall perseverance. Badger: Symbolizes aggressiveness, passion and drive. Bat: The bat is the guardian of the night. Bear: The bear is the protector and symbolizes physical strength and leadership. Bear Paw: The paw is a symbol of direction and power. Beaver: The beaver is best known as a hunter and gatherer. Buffalo: The buffalo provides the good things for those living as well as sacredness. Butterfly: The butterfly is a transformer and a symbol of metamorphosis. Cougar: The cougar stands for power, leadership, and swiftness. Coyote: Sometimes considered an omen that bad things could happen. Is also considered a trickster. Crane: The crane is a symbol of solitude and independence. Deer: Symbolizes speed and family protection. Dolphin: The dolphin is a symbol of kindness, but has the nature to be playful. Dragonfly: He is often considered a messenger. Eagle: Often considered the protector, carrier of prayers, visions & spirits. Elk: The elk is an animal of nobility, power, freedom, and great strength and agility. Fox: The fox is very a cunning, intelligent, and providing animal. Frog: Symbolizes renewal, fertility & springtime.

Sources McDougal Littell Literature: Grade 11, Literature of the Americas ewom