Native American Origin Myths

Literary Concepts Origin Myths:

Def: A traditional story that explains features of the natural world.

Examples: Themes:

Def: Comments about the human condition. Myths often have common themes.

Examples: Archetypes:

Def: Symbols, patterns or characters that repeat across cultures.

Help express the theme. Examples:

Navajo Origin Legend (Navajo)

Origin myth: a. How do you know it’s an origin

myth? What things does it explain?

It explains natural features/customs: 1. Origin of human kind 2. Origin of marriage (social custom)3. Origin of religious ritual/why corn is sacred (used in Navajo prayers) 4. Origin of fingerprints

Navajo Origin Legend (Navajo)

Archetypes What archetypes

(symbols/characters you’ve seen in other stories) are used?

1. “First Couple” (Atse Hastin/Estsan)

2. “Spirit creators” (Mirage people)3. “The elements” (wind) 4. “Sacred food” (corn) 5. “Animal charms” (feathers,

skins)

Navajo Origin Legend (Navajo)Theme:

What morals, messages, or beliefs can be inferred? (What is being said about the topics?)

1. Creation of life was _____________________________________________2. Marriage is _______ b/c ______________________________________________3. Corn is _________ and _______ to Navajo people b/c it ___________________________________________. (literally) gives life.

planned by caring gods. sacred

it was established by gods. important sacred

Earth on Turtle’s Back (Onandaga)

Origin myth: a. How do you know it’s an origin

myth? What things does it explain?

It (again) explains natural features/customs: 1. Origin of earth 2. Origin of marks on turtles’ backs 3. Origin of plant life

Earth on Turtle’s Back (Onandaga Tribe)Theme:

What morals, messages, or beliefs can be inferred? (What is being said about the topics?)

1. Creation of life was _____________

2. The Onandaga believe that animals are to be ___________ b/c ___________________________________.

3. _____________ makes one a hero, not just strength or ability.

accidental.

respectedthey helped create earth

Determination

Earth on Turtle’s Back (Onandaga tribe)

Archetypes What archetypes (cliché

symbols/characters you’ve seen in other stories) are used? 1. “Spirit creators” (Young wife)2. “Friendly Beasts” (Animal

helpers)3. “Watery world”/ “Submerged

earth” 4. “Important Tree” 5. “Important Dream” 6. “Overly Curious Woman” (Wife)