1. Native American Origin Myths

2. Literary Concepts Origin Myths: Themes: Archetypes:
Def: A traditional story that explains features of the natural world.
Examples:
Themes:
Def: Comments about the human condition. Myths often have common themes.
Archetypes:
Def: Symbols, patterns or characters that repeat across cultures.
Help express the theme.

3. Navajo Origin Legend (Navajo)
Origin myth:
a. How do you know it’s an origin myth? What things does it explain?
It explains natural features/customs:
1. Origin of human kind
2. Origin of marriage (social custom)
3. Origin of religious ritual/why corn is sacred (used in Navajo prayers)
4. Origin of fingerprints

4. Navajo Origin Legend (Navajo)
Archetypes
What archetypes (symbols/characters you’ve seen in other stories) are used?
“First Couple” (Atse Hastin/Estsan)
“Spirit creators” (Mirage people)
“The elements” (wind)
“Sacred food” (corn)
“Animal charms” (feathers, skins)

5. Navajo Origin Legend (Navajo)
Theme:
What morals, messages, or beliefs can be inferred? (What is being said about the topics?)
Creation of life was _________
____________________________________2. Marriage is _______ b/c __________
____________________________________3. Corn is _________ and _______ to Navajo people b/c it _______________
____________________________.
planned by caring gods.
sacred
it was established by gods.
important
sacred
(literally) gives life.

6. Earth on Turtle’s Back (Onandaga)
Origin myth:
a. How do you know it’s an origin myth? What things does it explain?
It (again) explains natural features/customs:
1. Origin of earth
2. Origin of marks on turtles’ backs
3. Origin of plant life

7. Earth on Turtle’s Back (Onandaga Tribe)
Theme:
What morals, messages, or beliefs can be inferred? (What is being said about the topics?)
Creation of life was _____________
accidental.
2. The Onandaga believe that animals are to be ___________ b/c ___________________________________.
respected
they helped create earth
_____________ makes one a hero, not just strength or ability.
Determination

8. Earth on Turtle’s Back (Onandaga tribe)
Archetypes
What archetypes (cliché symbols/characters you’ve seen in other stories) are used?
“Spirit creators” (Young wife)
“Friendly Beasts” (Animal helpers)
“Watery world”/ “Submerged earth”
“Important Tree”
“Important Dream”
“Overly Curious Woman” (Wife)