Native American Oral Tradition

“The Four Elements”

On the final, you will be asked to read a Native American tale and analyze it via MC questions for the four elements. Review

this Ppt for the “Four Elements”

Storytelling in the Oral Tradition

Definition: Stories which are handed down, from generation to

generation, which define a people and their beliefs

• Why would a group of people have to hand down stories verbally at first?

• To save and preserve their stories if there is no written language.

• Earth, Wind, Fire and Water – common areas of focus along with

colors red, yellow, white and black

• Many of these stories have one, if not more, “jobs” that they fulfill:

Key ELEMENT - Job#1

#1 Explains a group’s ORIGINS

An “ORIGIN” story will answer

questions such as…

Where did I/we come from?

Is there a god or goddess, several gods/ goddesses? Are their animal or “Earth” spirits?

Also may involve mysterious forces, powers of creation

Key ELEMENT - Job #2

#2 Explains a person’s or group’s

PURPOSE

A story like this will give an individual and/or group their identity and

reason for existing.

Look for a part of the story which answers this question:

“Why am I

here –what am I meant to do?”

Key ELEMENT - Job #3:States/Explains religious

beliefs and life philosophiesThe story may

include an explanation of

specific thing/s a group of people believe in… or

explain an important “life”

philosophy.

Key Element – Job #4 #4 Teaches

moral behavior and / or a lesson

Watch for a part of the story, especially at the end, where a main character or group of

people has learned about what the people

consider “moral” behavior.

A “lesson” may be learned from poor

choices made during the story.

1. Explains the origins of a people2. Explains the purpose of an individual or group 3. Explains the religious beliefs and/or philosophies4. Explains moral behavior expectations and/or teaches a lessonREVIEW: What are the four

elements we look for to see if a story meets the criteria of

“oral tradition” tales in Native American Literature?

Thoughts to

ponder….

•When people move about, resettle, what do they bring with them?

• Stories! Verbally first, before written language, to save them. Then, written versions.

• What may begin to happen to these tales over time. Why?