1. Indian Creation Myths The Cherokee

2. Contents American Indian History and Cultures Cherokee Culture and Mythology How the World Was Made Review Discussion: Connections between Cherokee and Nature/ World around them Next time: Continuing

3. Indian Oral Literature

4. Power of the Myth Many Indian nations in America before the arrival of Europeans with traditional oral literature – from generation to generation Earth and Nature Sacred and part of natural circle – religion and myths of man’s place in this circle – no ownership of land possible Every family or clan connected to animal or natural object – myths connecting to this

5. American Indian History Great differences between Nations with many different languages and cultures in America and both hunter-gatherer and advanced civilizations before arrival of Europeans In common – oral cultures based on songs, chants, memorised narratives and rituals for seasons, condolence, curing and medicine, etc Spirit between Man – Nature – Creator

6. Short History of Indians No written records of history but came to America thousands of years ago – meeting with Europeans in 15 th century onwards Some advanced civilizations such as Azteks, Iroquois and Cherokee with thousands people Some Nomad civilizations like Inuit, Plains Indians creating images of Indians today Mutual exchange of goods, languages and diseases after arrival of Europeans

7. The Cherokee

8. Cherokee History Largest Indian nation until 17 th century in southeast of US – towns of hundreds people and technically and socially very advanced with peace chief and war chief to 7 clans Great loss of land after American War of Independence – lost to British before Wars Adapting in 19 th century with adapting and language set in writing until Trail of Tears

9. Trail of Tears

10. Cherokee Myths and Culture Creation Myth connected to the forces of Nature and the 7 Clans of the Cherokee tribe – 7 representing purity and sacredness, 4 directions and 3 worlds – below, above, here Everyday life including connection to spiritual beings around and in Nature – Little People Expressions in Songs, Chants, Myths, Tales Medicine that can be used for good or bad

11. How the World Was Made Focus on Roles of the Different Animals in the beginning and the characteristics of them Focus on the meaning of the numbers 4 and 7 in How the World was Made – Why? Focus on the order in which things are happening and why this is Think of how it explains things that are unclear to the Cherokee

12. Discussion Questions How do you think that the Cherokee see the Animals around them (Buzzard, Panther, etc)? What similarities and differences are there between the Cherokee Creation and others? Do you think that People or Animals are more Important to the Cherokee? Why? What is the Moral Lesson of the Animals and Plants keeping awake for 7 nights?

13. More Information http://www.cherokee.org/AboutTheNation/In formation/Default.aspx http://www.cherokee.org/AboutTheNation/In formation/Default.aspx http://www.cherokee-nc.com/index.php Norton Anthology of American Literature, pp. 19-21 Glencoe Guide to American Literature, pp. 20- 26

14. Next Time Read ‘Crow Brings the Daylight’ and think about the Inuit relationship to the coming of the Daylight, what their reactions are and why?