Native
American
Origin Myths
Literary Concepts
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Origin Myths:

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
Themes:
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Def: A traditional story that explains features of
the natural world.
Examples:
Def: Comments about the human condition.
Myths often have common themes.
Examples:
Archetypes:


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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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
“First Couple” (Atse Hastin/Estsan)
“Spirit creators” (Mirage people)
“The elements” (wind)
“Sacred food” (corn)
“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 _________
planned by caring gods.
____________________________________
sacred b/c __________
2. Marriage is _______
it was established by gods.
____________________________________
important and _______
sacred to
3. Corn is _________
Navajo people b/c it _______________
(literally) gives life.
____________________________.
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?)
accidental.
1. Creation of life was _____________
2. The Onandaga believe that
respected b/c
animals are to be ___________
___________________________________.
they helped create earth
3. Determination
_____________ makes one a hero,
not just strength or ability.
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)