Native American Literature The Sky Tree Huron piece

Native American Literature

“The Sky Tree” § Huron piece of literature § Creation myth – The beginning of the earth – How people, and land came to be § The Earth Diviner Myth – – Common among Native American cultures Earth is covered by water An animal dives down in to the water and brings up soil Many Native Americans call North America Turtle Island

“The Sky Tree” § Archetype – The Tree § Symbolism – Rooting of Tree

“The Earth Only” § § § Teton Sioux Poem Composed by Used-as-a-Shield Translated in 1918 Archetype – Wise old man § Profound philosophical truth – The earth endures, but people (& all living things) do not.

“Coyote Finishes His Work” § § § Nez Perce tale Retold by Barry Lopez Creation myth – Explains creation of the Indians – Explains the creation of Indian culture § Archetypes – Coyote is the archetypal trickster – Earth-woman – Old Man

“Coyote Finishes His Work” § Coyote plays tricks on Indians. § Coyote helps the Indians – Rids the earth of evil spirits – Teaches important skills § Old Man tells Coyote his work is done, and he sends Coyote to a resting place. § The Old Man leaves, too. § One day, Coyote and the Old Man will return. § Meanwhile, the Old Man will send messages by the spirits of those with near death experiences. § Indians are awaiting the return of Coyote.

“Coyote Finishes His Work” § The return of Old Man and Coyote – Coyote will return first. – Earth will require a change. – Old Man will bring spirits of the dead with him. – There will be no more “other side camp. ” – All people will live together. – Earthmother will be restored.