Native American Myth

Myth

• Traditional stories, often about immortal beings, that are passed down from generation to generation.

• Myths often explain customs, institutions, religious rites, national landmarks, events beyond people’s control

What happens when a society no longer believes its myths?

• Myths become purely literary; however, they can entertain us, inform us of the historical past, teach us of other cultures, help us see into ourselves, etc.

Spirituality

• Among all tribes there is a strong sense that behind all individual spirits and personifications of the divine, there is a single creative life-force which expresses itself throughout the universe, in every human, animal, tree and grain of sand.

The role of animals• An aspect of this outlook is the major role

played in the stories by animals, who often speak to humans and assist them. Most tribes thought of individual members of a species as expressions of the spiritual archetype of that species, which in turn embodied a particular spirit power.

The Four Directions

• Another key feature of the Native American spiritual outlook is found in the powers ascribed to the Four Directions, which occur either literally or in symbolic form throughout the stories. These are often represented by particular colors, or by animals.

Creation MythsA creation myth is one which relates the beginnings

of man and the earth. The earth is formed by different beings bringing up

mud to form the land, Earth-Diver myths.Another type of creation myth is the Emergence

myth. In this type, creation happens when creatures move from below the earth to the surface, or they travel through different “worlds” to get to this one.

Themes and Motifs in Nat. Amer. Myth• Equality between man and animal• Equality between man and earth• High value placed on children and their thoughts

and opinions• Fantastical events combined with the realistic• Cyclical nature of life

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The Ten Commandments of White Cloud (Talataw)- Remain close to the Great Spirit.- Show great respect for your fellow beings.- Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.- Be truthful and honest at all times.- Do what you know to be right.- Look after the well-being of mind and body.- Treat the earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.- Take full responsibility for your actions.- Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.- Work together for the benefit of all mankind.