1. Introduction to Native American Literature

2. Native Americans: 12,000-70,000 years ago
The First Americans:
Native Americans: 12,000-70,000 years ago
European Settlers:
16th and 17th centuries
St. Augustine, Florida- 1565
Jamestown, Virginia- 1607

3. 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
But, there were already several hundred Native American Tribes
The Great Land Bridge
Each tribe had its own myths, passed down through oral tradition and ceremonial storytelling.
1492

4. Universal Origin Myths
Characteristics:
Often Explain:
Recount origins of Earthly Life (Creation Stories)
Passed Down in Oral Traditions
Exist across cultures
Beginning of Human Life
Religious Rites
Natural Landmarks
Animals
Events outside of human control
Myth: anonymous, oral story, which relies on the supernatural to explain natural phenomenon, human behavior, or mysterious events. They help make sense of the world.

5. Archetypes
Model or ideal character, universally recognized and repeated in pattern
Hero
Loner
Trickster
Angel/Devil
Mentor
Small Determined Character
Mother
Disobedient/Very Obedient Child
Being made up of two races
Source of nutrition/life

6. Purposes of Origin Myths and Creation Stories
Support and validate social customs: familial and gender roles, spiritual rites, etc.
Give people order and identity.
Help people through difficult times in life: sickness, famine, war, etc.
Explain the workings of the natural world: earthquakes, tornadoes, drought, etc.
Understand the mystery of the world.

7. Native American Origin Myths
Emphasize a strong spiritual bond between the creator, humanity, and nature.
Animals usually talk.
Dreams are important.
Repetition of actions or events, usually in threes.
Drums were used to keep rhythm:
Memory device
Way to commune with nature.
Common Conflict: Ancient customs vs. modern life
Common Theme: Circle of Life
Common Symbols: Fire, Water, Land, Wind
Female archetypes play a much more powerful role in Native American stories than in Western culture.

8. Annotate the myth for characteristics we just discussed.
Reading Assignment:
Read “The Sky Tree”
Creation myth of the Huron
Around the Great Lakes, toward the Atlantic
Annotate the myth for characteristics we just discussed.