Introduction%20to%20Native%20American%20Literature

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Introduction to Native American Literature
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The First Americans

• 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?

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1492

• 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.

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Universal Origin Myths

• Characteristics

• Often Explain

• Recount origins of Earthly Life (Creation
  Stories)
• Passed Down in Oral Traditions
• Exist across cultures

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

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

• 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

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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.

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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

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Reading Assignment

• Read Earth on Turtles Back Onondaga
• Part of the Five Nations, or Iroqois Confederacy
• Location What is now upstate New York

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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?)

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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

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When Grizzlies Walked Upright

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

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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

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The Navajo Origin Legend

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

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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?