Many of us think of the American Indians in November as we celebrate Thanksgiving. And during that time, we are reminded of the great contributions they have provided our country.
Did you know that Iroquois chiefs were invited to speak at the constitutional convention? They shared the Iroquois model of government with Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and George Washington which our founding fathers incorporated into our own system.
American Indians were also the first to discover popcorn. It's true! After building piping hot fire on the beach, they would move the wood and embers away and place the corn kernels on the hot sand until it popped! Bet you never heard that in Social Studies class.
One of the most important contributions that American Indians continue to provide to the entire world is their stories. If you've haven't had the chance to read any Native American literature yet check out The Shadow Brothers by A.E. Cannon or The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich. Native American literature is rich with culture and traditions of people who perfected living off the land by communing with nature. Almost all of their stories stem from the ancient myths that have been passed down through generations.
What is a myth?
A myth is story that attempts to explain something about the world and that expresses an important belief or value of a culture. Some myths reveal how the universe was created while others explain things like why it is important to value your family. Myths can be very interesting because they often include supernatural beings like gods, goddesses, or trees and animals that can talk. Myths aren't about history or facts... they express inner truths—what we feel inside our hearts.
Deer Hunter and White Corn Maiden is a
Tewa myth about the most beautiful and talented youths in the village who fell so deeply in love with each other that they refused do anything but be together. Deer Hunter no longer hunted even though the tribe needed food and White Corn Maiden no longer worked her pottery. On top of that, they ignored the tribe's traditions and avoided special ceremonies to protect the tribe from angry gods. Because they wouldn't listen, the gods turned them into stars in the night sky; one chasing the other, forever together and forever apart.
My favorite part of the Deer Hunter myth is the image of the dead White Corn Maiden chasing her husband around the village because he didn't want to be near her smelly, decaying body anymore! I also like how the spirits have such an interest in the tribe's everyday life; so much so that they come down and talk to them.
The very best thing about Native American myths is that they are a great source of inspiration. Writing your own myth can be a lot of fun because you can be as creative as you want to.
Check back in a few days to learn how to write your own modern myth!
