1. The sun still rises in the same sky
Write about what you think this phrase means

2. NATIVE AMERICAN LITERATURE
Oral Literature: Myths and legends

3. Functions of the Myths The purpose was to show:
Beliefs about the nature of physical world
Beliefs about social order and appropriate behavior
Beliefs about human nature and the problem of good and evil
Preservation and communication spiritual beliefs

4. Origin Myths:
-They explain how life began to gave birth to myths and traditional stories passed down (orally) from generation to generation.
-Origin myths explain natural or social phenomena: o    Customs, institutions, religious rites o    Natural landmarks o    Events beyond peoples control like seasons, earthquakes, natural processes

5. Characteristics of N.A. Myths
Major role in the stories is often played by animals
Ordinary people, animals and places
The early myths led into native legends
All were originally oral stories passed down for many generations

6. Features (cont.)
The stories and legends often have ritual beginnings and endings
Progress and change are shown as cyclical, not linear as many western thinking normally follows
Many of the stories have a “trickster” character (often a raven or spider)
Often uses repetition of elements

7. Creation Myth Tells how the world and human life came to exist
Emphasize a strong spiritual bond between the Creator, humanity, and the entire natural world.

8. Common themes Movement from a sky world to a water world
Fortunate fall –creation story
Earth-diver myth usually involving an earth made from mud or a flood after the universe is created
Theft of fire
Emergence myth– movement of beings from under the surface to the surface of the earth

9. Reading Turn to page 48 in the textbook
Answer: Both selections tell how life on Earth came to be. Write a paragraph that compares and contrasts one of the following aspects of the myths: what life was like before Earth was created; how the sky and Earth are described; significant roles played by plants, animals, or humans. 

10. Closing 3-2-1
3 reasons for the significance of myths in Native American culture.
2 examples of the influence of nature or animals in Native American culture.
1 way the creation myth differs from the origin myth.

11. H.W
On Canvas, you will have to find an example of either a creation myth or a origin myth. Can be a pdf of the story, or a youtube video. 
Post the link, and answer the following questions:
Animal present:
Lesson to be learned:
Creation of what?: