1. Junior English 2014 Mrs. Wells
Native American Myths
Junior English
2014
Mrs. Wells

2. The First Americans
Native Americans, also known as American Indians, did not distinguish between animate and inanimate objects. Plants, animals, water, and all other aspects of nature were regarded as life forms.
To them, everything co-existed, and nothing was owned by anyone.

3. Different Beliefs
The early settlers were from Europe, and they turned to the Christian Bible to answer their questions about how the world was formed and how human beings came into existence.

4. Different Beliefs
Native Americans couldn’t read, and their culture had never produced a written account of the beginnings of the world and the beings within it. Instead, they passed down stories, or myths, to make sense of the world.

5. The Purpose of Myths
A myth is a traditional story that uses the supernatural to explain:
a natural phenomenon
an aspect of human behavior, or
a mystery of the universe

6. Two Types of Myths Creation Myth Origin Myth
Tells how the world and humans came to exist
EX: The world was made of mud that other animals piled on a turtle’s back, and humans then flourished. (Onondaga)
Explains how natural phenomena came to be or why things are the way they are
EX: Fire was spread around the world by burning bark tied to a fox’s tail. (Apache)

7. What religions can you name?
Myth vs. Religion
Religion is a set of beliefs and practices that are usually held by a community. These people are required that to hold specific beliefs and follow certain rituals.
What religions can you name?

8. Myth vs. Religion
Myth is different from religion because myths are usually based on the ancestors, heroes, deities, history, and origin of a group of people. People of varying religious beliefs and practices can believe in the same myth.

9. Oral Tradition
Native Americans told and retold stories through families and tribal ceremonies
What problems would this present now?
Hint: Think “telephone” activity…

10. Myths
Can you think of another culture that created myths to explain the world?
Here’s a hint: Zeus was a powerful figure.

11. Myths
Here is an example of a myth that we sometimes tell our children today:
Thunder is actually the sound of angels bowling in heaven.

12. Pictographs
Native Americans often illustrated their myths on cave walls through pictographs, or symbols that represented the subjects of their myths, such as birds, trees, and the sun.

13. Creation Myths
Remember, creation myths were among the most common forms of myths. Each tribe was likely to have its own myth to account for the beginnings of the earth and its people.

14. Anthropomorphism
We might assume that the animals in “The Sky Tree” are an example of personification, but they actually represent anthropomorphism.
With anthropomorphism, animals behave like humans. They think, move, speak, or dress like humans.
How is anthropomorphism different from personification?

15. Anthropomorphism Giving animals human characteristics or attributes
Kind of like personification, but more specific
EX: Coyote coming up with a tricky plan and talking others into falling for it.

16. Common Characteristics
As we read the myths, make sure you pay attention to the common characteristics, such as:
the narrative voice
the characters
the subject
the tone
the pictographs

17. Group Assignment
Now, you’re going to work in groups to read some myths and briefly present your analysis to the class.