Native American Literature

Myths—These are stories that are almost always connected with religious rituals that explain the world the people live in and their traditions. Myths also comfort people and give them a sense of cultural identity.

Archetype—An archetype is an old imaginative pattern that has appeared in literature throughout the ages.

Most myths contain archetypes. Archetypes cross cultural and national boundaries. Archetypes can be plots (the death of the hero, boy wins girl, the quest), characters (the trickster, the savior, the rescued maiden), or images (a place where people never die, a

golden cup, hoarded treasure).

Archetype Examples: Battle between Good and Evil – The Avengers vs. Loki The Hero – Superman/Batman/Captain America/Wonder Woman The Evil Figure with Ultimately Good Heart – The Beast from Beauty and the Beast Star-Crossed Lovers – Romeo and Juliet

Archetype Practice: Choose three of the following archetypes and write down an example of each. Your example can come from literature, movies, videogames, etc.

Archetypes: The Battle between Good vs. Evil The Task (a superhuman deed that must be performed to save the kingdom, win the fair lady, or identify the hero so that

he may assume his rightful position.) The Ritual (ceremonies that mark the rite of passage into another state. These include: sacrificial, initiation, and coming

of age rites.) Loner or Outcast (a character who is separated from society due to an impairment or an advantage that sets him apart

from others.) The Villain The Stepmother (a surrogate mother who represents the evil side of motherhood) The Woman as a Temptress (a woman to whom the protagonist is attracted and who ultimately brings about his

downfall.) Jester/Fool/Trickster (trick others to get them to do what s/he wants.

Archetype Example

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Read “The Sun Still Rises in the Same Sky: Native American Literature” as a class. Answer the below questions while reading.

1. According to Bruchac, what is one important thing that Native American Literature has in common with European classics? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Consider what Bruchac says about the authors whom he names. What have these writers done for Native American Literature? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What three generalizations does Bruchac make about American Indian oral traditions? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Write down two comparisons Bruchac makes between American Indians and Western views of the world. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

**In reading works by members of different cultures, it is important to recognize differences in literary traditions. Since American Indian Literature was handed down orally by storytellers, these pieces lose some of their power in written form. As you read, try to

imagine each piece being spoken by a skilled storyteller to an eager audience. **

“Coyote Finished His Work” has been handed down through the tradition of the Nez Perce, a Native American people of the Plateau culture who lived in what is now Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The French coined the name nez perce, meaning

“pierced nose,” because some of the people wore nose pendants.

It is considered a “creation myth” which explains the creation of the Indians, and more specifically the creation of Indian culture.

Read “Coyote Finishes His Work” as a class. While reading, answer the questions below. 1. Archetype. The Trickster often takes the form of an animal. What traits of Coyote help him to be a trickster?

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2. What aspects of life on earth are explained in this myth? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Metamorphoses, or shape changes, are common in myths of all cultures. What metamorphoses take place in this myth? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. What does this myth promise for the future? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Old Man says that when he returns, earth “will require a change.” What do you think he means? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“The Sky Tree” is a creation myth of the Huron—a Native American people of the eastern woodlands, the region around the Great Lakes and toward the Atlantic Ocean.

It is considered a “creation myth” which portrays their belief of how people and land came to be. It is also considered “the Earth Diviner Myth” which was common among Native American cultures. In this myth, earth is covered by water, and an animal dives

down in to the water and brings up soil. Many Native Americans call North America Turtle Island.

Symbolism = when something represents something larger and more significant. Example: Winter sometimes represents death (Game of Thrones and The Day After Tomorrow for instance)

Read “The Sky Tree” independently. When finished reading, answer the questions below. 1. According to this myth, what was the world like in the beginning? __________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. What happens when Aataentsic cuts the tree? __________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. How does this myth explain the origin of the earth as we know it today? _____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. The life-giving tree is considered an archetype in this story. What other stories have used this same archetype?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________5. What does the rooting of the tree represent (in other words, what is it symbolic for)? __________________________________

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Create Your Own MythNative Americans of long ago did not have a written alphabet as we do today. Instead, they used symbols to communicate. Sample symbols can be found in the Picture Dictionary on the back of this paper.

In the space below, write out your own myth that explains the world, a tradition, people, etc.—be creative with your topic. You must have at least 4-5 sentences in your myth.

Once written, you will then rewrite your myth using symbols—aka no words!—on a provided piece of construction paper. You may use the symbols provided and you may also make your own; however, any created symbols must make sense. This will count as TWO POWERSCHOOL GRADES! ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________