Pre-colonization Native American Literature

Pictographs

Myths Traditional stories passed down from generation to generation, usually involving immortal beings Traditional stories passed down from generation to generation, usually involving immortal beings Types of Myths Types of Myths Attempt to explain natural phenomena Attempt to explain natural phenomena Origins of humans Origins of humans Customs, rites, institutions, values Customs, rites, institutions, values Events beyond people’s control Events beyond people’s control

The Walam Olum pg. 14 What type of myth is this? What type of myth is this? How do you know? How do you know?

The Wolf and the Terrapin (handout) Summarize the myth. Summarize the myth. What lesson is being taught? What lesson is being taught? How do you know? How do you know? In what way does the myth emphasize key elements of Native American culture? In what way does the myth emphasize key elements of Native American culture?

Oral Tradition Native Americans did not have formal written language Native Americans did not have formal written language Pictographs were often memorized and passed down orally Pictographs were often memorized and passed down orally Person with the best memory became the “keeper” of the tribe’s history, songs, and myths Person with the best memory became the “keeper” of the tribe’s history, songs, and myths

Native American Poetry Began as songs chanted to a regular beat. Began as songs chanted to a regular beat. How did they remember all of those tales? How did they remember all of those tales? How do you remember songs? How do you remember songs? Repeated lines, phrases Repeated lines, phrases Similar line/beat structure Similar line/beat structure Images and comparisons Images and comparisons

Prose vs. Poetry Prose stories tell of adventures of humans, animals, or supernatural beings; recount ancient times. Prose stories tell of adventures of humans, animals, or supernatural beings; recount ancient times. Allows them to pass on information, beliefs, and values Allows them to pass on information, beliefs, and values Poems were used only on special occasions and usually dealt with mystical experiences or the symbolic meaning of things or events. Poems were used only on special occasions and usually dealt with mystical experiences or the symbolic meaning of things or events. Sung, chanted, and usually accompanied with drums or other instruments Sung, chanted, and usually accompanied with drums or other instruments

Native American Myth Project See Handout See Handout Due 8/29 Due 8/29