1. Anticipatory Set:
What events that defy explanation occur in the world?
Are there natural phenomena, such as black holes, that you find mysterious?
What are some events or phenomena that are not fully understandable?

2. Native American Literature
Oral literature:
No story really exists-no fixed version.
Archeologists used artifacts.
Passed down from generation to generation.
Poetic, moving, nature, folklore, pictographs.
Beginning of American literary heritage.

3. Myth *The need to explain how life began gave birth to Myths.
* A myth is a fictional tale that explains the actions of gods or heroes or the causes of natural phenomena.

4. Myth Myths explain phenomena such as: ● the beginning of human life
● the customs and religious rites of a people
● the creation of natural landmarks
● events beyond a people’s control

5. Origin Myths
*Traditional stories that recount the origins of earthly life.
*Can be seen as a
mixture of science and religion—they explain how the world and the
things in it came to be.

6. Origin Myths “The Earth on Turtle’s Back”
explains the origin of the earth.
“When Grizzlies Walked Upright”
explains the origin of human beings.

7. Origin Myths
The excerpt from The Navajo Origin Legend shows the origin of First Man, First Woman, and marriage.
The Iroquois Constitution shows the origin of a government.

8. Cultural Details Literature reflects the culture that produces it.
While you read a piece of literature, pay attention to cultural details to gain cultural insight.
Let’s Read the myths!
Today: “Earth on Turtle’s Back”
Homework: “When Grizzlies Walked Upright”

9. “The Earth on Turtle’s Back” Review
Explains the origin of the earth.
Shows the importance the Onondaga placed on dreams.
Dreams are powerful, influential messages that must be obeyed.
Shows the importance of animals and nature too!

10. Closure:
1. How did this piece demonstrate characteristics of an origin myth?
2. What is the phenomena explained in this piece?
3. What are some cultural values we see in this piece?
4. Why might the characters (animals) have generic names?
TICKET:
Pick two of the above questions. Please answer the questions (one answer on each side of the ticket).