1. Indian Trickster Tales The Inuit

2. Lesson Contents Tricksters & Archetypes in Indian mythology Who are the Inuit? Review of ‘Raven brings the Daylight’ Discussion

3. The Trickster

4. Tricksters God, Spirit, Man and/or Animal foolish and unconventional but cultural hero & transformer – breaking rules, changing form Tricksters – different forms in world myths Native American Tricksters – Animals such as Coyote, Raven, Rabbit – no distinction animal, trickster and human in age of the myth Instructing, funny, sacred – most important

5. Archetypes & Myths Archetype – symbol or character that is same in many different cultures and literatures with specific type of behaviour – examples in Spirit, Creators and Tricksters or Fools Coyote, Raven, Rabbit, Great Spirit, Conjurer as examples of Archetypes in NA mythology Often 1 good & 1 evil archetype from same Any examples from China?

6. The Inuit

7. Inuit Culture Inuit or Eskimos – Nomadic peoples living in Arctic region of the world and hunting for seals, whales, etc. with small boats (kayaks) Speak Inuit languages but with similar world view to Indians – strong connection to nature with oral traditions and literature – raiding No set laws but practises to be followed with Shaman as spiritual leader and healer

8. Inuit Mythology Inuit mythology still believed in by many with strong connections to Animals, Light, Aurora Borealis and the surrounding Ocean with Gods of Sun, Moon, Animals, Air and the Sea But also no clear religion – no ruler of cosmos and no punishments for adults and children – spiritual connection via Shamans and Ancestors –unclear but Trickster explains

9. Inuit Images

10. Crow Brings the Daylight Focus on when the events told take place and why there is no clear time period for this Focus on the role of daylight in the lives of the Inuit people – why is it important? Focus on the role of the Trickster (the Crow) in the story – what makes him important? Focus on how the story is used to explain something important in the Inuit world

11. Discussion Questions What is the importance of the Trickster in ‘Crow Brings the Daylight’? Why the Trickster? What can the Trickster say about the Native American relationship to Animals? Why is the coming of the Daylight important for the lives of the Inuit people? What differences are there between the Inuit and the British view of the Natural world?

12. More Information http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/pol ar/inuit_culture.html http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/pol ar/inuit_culture.html http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/pol ar/inuit_image_gallery.html http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/pol ar/inuit_image_gallery.html http://www.native- languages.org/inuit_culture.htm http://www.native- languages.org/inuit_culture.htm

13. Next Time The American Spirit of Independence and Equality from the late 18 th century Read Benjamin Franklin’s ‘Autobiography’ and focus on the spirit of Independence and equality among peoples in Extract 1. Then focus on what is seen as important virtues in Extract 2.