Introduction to Native American Literature

• Native Americans: 12,000-70,000 years ago• European

Settlers: • 16th and 17th

centuries • St. Augustine, Florida-

1565• Jamestown,

Virginia- 1607

• Exchange of culture and more: What do you already know?

The First Americans: The First Americans:

• Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue• But, there were already several hundred Native American Tribes • The Great Land

Bridge• Each tribe had their own myths passed down through oral tradition and ceremonial storytelling.

14921492

UniversalUniversal Origin Myths Origin Myths

Characteristics:

• Recount origins of Earthly Life (Creation Stories)• Passed Down in Oral

Traditions• Exist across cultures

Often Explain:

• Beginning of Human Life• Religious Rites• Natural Landmarks• Animals• Events outside of

human controlMyth: anonymous, oral story, which relies Myth: anonymous, oral story, which relies on the supernatural to explain natural on the supernatural to explain natural phenomenon, human behavior, or phenomenon, human behavior, or mysterious events. They help make sense mysterious events. They help make sense of the world. of the world.

ArchetypesArchetypes

Model or ideal character, universally recognized and repeated in pattern

• Hero• Loner• Trickster• Angel/Devil• Mentor

• Small Determined Character• Mother• Disobedient/Very

Obedient Child• Being made up of two

races• Source of nutrition/life

Purposes of Origin Myths and Creation Stories

• Support and validate social customs: familial and gender roles, spiritual rites, etc.•Give people order and identity. • Help people through difficult times in life: sickness, famine, etc. • Explain the workings of the natural world: earthquakes, tornadoes, drought, etc.• Understand the mystery of the world.

Native American Origin Myths

• Emphasize a strong spiritual bond between the creator, humanity, and nature. • Maintaining balance between these forces is very

important. • Drums were used to keep rhythm: • Memory device• Way to commune with nature.

• Common Conflict: Ancient customs vs. modern life• Common Theme: Circle of Life• Common Symbols: Fire, Water, Land, Wind

Reading Assignment:

• Read “Earth on Turtle’s Back” Onondaga• Part of the Five Nations, or Iroqois Confederacy• Location: What is now upstate New York

“Earth on Turtle's Back”

• What does this myth reveal about Onondaga beliefs? Explain, citing evidence to support analysis. • Which archetype is introduced? Analyze

the development and impact of this archetype. (Under what circumstance does the archetype come about? How does the archetypal character impact the plot?)

reading assignment

•Read: “When Grizzlies Walked Upright” •Modoc• From what is now southern Oregon/northern California• Famous for their weaving• Forced to relocate to a reservation in Oklahoma

“When Grizzlies Walked Upright”

•Which archetype is developed in this myth? Analyze the impact this archetype has on the conflict and resolution.

Reading Assignment:

• Read: “The Navajo Origin Legend” • Navajo• Largest Native American nation• Settled in the Southwest• Reservation now: 24,000 square miles in AZ, UT, NM

The Navajo Origin Legend

•Use textual evidence to analyze the importance of the wind in Navajo culture.

For all 3 Myths:

•With a partner, create a simple chart that shows the following for all 3 myths: • 1. How do humans impact creation? Are they active or passive? What are their roles? • 2. How are the gods portrayed? Benevolent? Vengeful? Other?