Native American Folktales History American tribal societies had

Native American Folktales

History �American tribal societies had an oral literary tradition �Dance, flute playing, and chants were popular ways to share stories �Characters are usually animals (it’s easier to attribute faults to beasts) �Storytellers were the entertainers, the teachers, and the historians of the tribe

Elements: � � � � � Most tribal languages use sentences that build on one another to produce a cadence and rhythm Tricksters- coyote, raven, rattlesnake Humor The Stolen Woman (the importance of women to the tribematriarchal) The Brave and Superhuman Warrior (emphasis on human accomplishment) The tales taught moral and tribal values to the people The tales were created in an attempt to explain the “unknown” Reliance on spirituality and the animate and inanimate power existing in everything (living in balance with all of nature’s rhythms) Repetition- main plots, refrains, main ideas

Purpose �Created cultural identity �Education �Entertainment �Explanation �Increases analytic abilities �Enhances the art of listening and patience

The How and Why? ? �The “How” story gives an explanation for how movements got started, how nations were created, how relationships worked, and how spirit impacts their everyday lives �The “Why” story explains unknown questions: why animals and people look the way they do, natural phenomena (wind, rain, lightning, etc. ), why we (humans) exist and what is our purpose here on earth

Your Task… �Silently read “The Earth on Turtle’s Back” �In your journal respond to the “Reader’s Response” and Thematic Focus. ” (One paragraph apiece) �Be prepared to share your responses with the class

Creating your own myth � Find and sit next to your 3 o’clock Clock Buddy � Each group will choose one animal card and one phenomena card � Together read “The Dogs Hold an Election” � Note how the author uses anthropomorphism as well as the elements of Native American storytelling to create a short and satisfying story � Together begin writing a short story that has your animal as the protagonist and explains your phenomena � You will have the rest of class to finish this � Be prepared to share your story during the next class