Native American Myths and Legends How oral tradition has affected our culture today

Who told the stories? Under old traditional law, the tales or stories were only told to fellow Cherokee or other Indian People. Even if an individual was a Cherokee or other type of Indian, they would have to be invited by the myth keeper or tale teller to hear the stories. They would first have to go the medicine man for preparation. The Medicine man would then perform a scratching ceremony on them. He would scratch their arms from shoulder to elbow and elbow to wrist from a comb, usually made from the teeth of a rattle snake. A healing red powder was blown over the red marks that the comb made on their arms. Finally, they were able to hear the stories of the myth keeper, in a small dome shaped earthen covered hut. The stories would last all night and into the morning, until Grandmother Sun appeared in the East. Then they would go to the water. Each person would dip themselves seven times under the water while a priest would recite prayers from the bank of the water.

Types of stories ◦Sacred – told how important things came to be ◦Animal stories – more for entertainment and told why an animal might look a certain way

Major Themes Creation Weather Animals Love/family relationships Peace Spiritual emphasis

What did it teach? How things are made Why people act a certain way Explained weather patterns Described cultural norms – women/men/children Recorded tribal ties/battle victories Explained how names came to be

What are some common traits? Animals and plants personified Childlike and simple Supernatural element Always teach a lesson