1. Introduction to Native American Literature

2. Historical Background
Native Americans: 12,000-70,000 years ago
European Settlers:
16th and 17th centuries
St. Augustine, Florida- 1565
Jamestown, Virginia- 1607

3. Historical Background Cont.
Although presently appreciated, Native Americans/American Indians are often misrepresented.
The vast body of literature was not even recognized by Western Scholars until the late 1800s. Until then, it was assumed that Native American had no literature.

4. Oral Story-Telling Traditions
First and foremost, traditional N.A. literature has an oral history.
Because of this, being a good speaker was valued in many tribes.
Stories were handed down through the oral tradition. This is how cultures kept their stories alive.

5. Lost in Translation
The European invasion brought linguistic tools for written records; however, much of the meaning of stories, poems, chants was lost in translation:
Literally no English words for the native terms
The uninitiated Caucasians rarely were given full tales and/or they may have shaped their translations to fit their audiences’ prejudices

6. Myths
A myth relies on the supernatural to explain a natural phenomenon, human behavior, or mystery
Myths are created to explain the unexplainable.

7. Origin Myth
An origin myth is a myth that purports to describe the origin of some feature of the natural or social world.

8. Origin Myths Recount origins of Earthly Life (Creation Stories)
Often Explain:
Characteristics:
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

9. 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

10. More Characteristics of Native American Literature
Repetition and Rhythm of terms
Anthropomorphism: giving human form or attributes to a being or thing not human, especially to a deity.
Character Archetypes: a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology.