1. The World on the Turtles Back
Author: Iroquis

2. Background Information
An Iroquois creation story is filled with conflict and compelling characters
The term Iroquois refers to six separate native American groups – the Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Motiawk and Tuscarora
Myth – a traditional story, usually involving supernatural beings or events, that explains how some aspect of human nature or natural world came to be

3. Background Info Cont..
Creation Myth – describes how the universe, the earth and life began, explains the workings of the natural world, supports and validates social customs and values
Folk Literature – includes folk tales, myths, fables, and legends passed orally from one generation to the next

4. BIG QUESTION:
How do we make sense of our world? Answer this questions in a short paragraph. You have 5 minutes.

5. READ STORY

6. Importance: To learn how the Iroquois believe the earth was formed.
Purpose for Reading:
Importance:
To learn how the Iroquois believe the earth was formed.
The right and left handed twin were important to create balance in nature.

7. Summary
The Iroquois creation myth describes how the earth is formed. Before the earth's creation, a vast ocean lies beneath the sky-world of the gods. When a woman falls through the floor of the sky-world, birds set her down upon the great sea turtle. A muskrat brings her soil from the ocean bottom, which the woman uses to make the land. She gives birth to a daughter who, in turn, bears twin boys. The boys – one honest, the other devious – struggle against each other, each playing a part in creating and ruling the world.

8. Grandmother: Mother: Left Handed Twin: Right Handed Twin:
Know the Characters
Grandmother:
Mother:
Left Handed Twin:
Right Handed Twin:

9. Answer the following questions:
What examples in nature can you think of that suggest “a balance and orderly world”
How do the opposing efforts of the twins create balance in the world?
How well did the selection accomplish the goal of telling how the world was created?

10. Creation Myth
Partner Activity
(sheet attached to your story)