Origin MythsCreation Myths Native American Literature Myth A

Myth A traditional story, passed down through generations, that explains why the world is

Myths Contain supernatural elements Often explain the unexplainable Have also been told in order

Oral tradition Native American myths originated as oral tradition: stories passed down verbally

Oral Tradition. . . Native American creation myths were not written down until just

1. To awaken us to the mystery and wonder of creation

2. To explain the workings of the natural world: every corner, every rock, hill,

3. To pass down the moral and ethical codes that support and validate social

4. To teach: to guide the people through the trials of living This Photo

Creation myths Explain how the universe, the earth, and life on earth began.

Essentials of Creation Myths To instill awe Explain the workings of the natural world

Common themes Movement from a sky world to a water world Fortunate fall –creation

More About Native American Literature Oral Traditions Integration of the natural world with the

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Origin Myths/Creation Myths Native American Literature

Myth A traditional story, passed down through generations, that explains why the world is the way it is. Events usually result from the actions of supernatural beings.

Myths Contain supernatural elements Often explain the unexplainable Have also been told in order to teach a moral lesson. All cultures have myths, though often their stories are not seen as myth but as fact.

Oral tradition Native American myths originated as oral tradition: stories passed down verbally

Oral Tradition. . . Native American creation myths were not written down until just a few hundred years ago. They were passed down by storytelling and performances. Examples: lullabies, bedtime stories.

Four functions of myth:

1. To awaken us to the mystery and wonder of creation

2. To explain the workings of the natural world: every corner, every rock, hill, stone, and flower has its place and its meaning.

3. To pass down the moral and ethical codes that support and validate social customs.

4. To teach: to guide the people through the trials of living This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

Creation myths Explain how the universe, the earth, and life on earth began.

Essentials of Creation Myths To instill awe Explain the workings of the natural world To support customs Guide people through the trials of living

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

More About Native American Literature Oral Traditions Integration of the natural world with the human world No separation of spiritual and physical Importance of ancestors Trickster figure – often a coyote, raven, or a rabbit Repetition of special elements, symbols, numbers, etc. Rich literary tradition – developed mythology Extremely diverse