1. Native American Mythology

2. Oral Tradition Before the arrival of Europeans and the spread of European influence, Native Americans did not use written languages. Before the arrival of Europeans and the spread of European influence, Native Americans did not use written languages. As a result, their myths and legends were passed from generation to generation in oral form. As a result, their myths and legends were passed from generation to generation in oral form.

3. There is not one unified body of mythology for the Native American culture. There is not one unified body of mythology for the Native American culture. Each tribal group develops their own stories. Each tribal group develops their own stories.

4. According to the mythologies of most Native American cultures, their people originated in the places where their ancestors traditionally lived. According to the mythologies of most Native American cultures, their people originated in the places where their ancestors traditionally lived.

5. The idea that spiritual forces can be sensed through the natural world is an underlying theme in Native American myths. The idea that spiritual forces can be sensed through the natural world is an underlying theme in Native American myths. Examples: clouds, winds, plants, and animals Examples: clouds, winds, plants, and animals

6. Native American myths could not be told lightly. Native American myths could not be told lightly. These myths formed the basis of sacred rituals and ceremonies in which participants acted out traditional sacred stories. These myths formed the basis of sacred rituals and ceremonies in which participants acted out traditional sacred stories. Myths could only be told during certain times. (winter nights) Myths could only be told during certain times. (winter nights)

7. The Four Directions Another key feature of the Native American spiritual outlook is found in the powers ascribed to the Four Directions. Another key feature of the Native American spiritual outlook is found in the powers ascribed to the Four Directions. These occur either literally or in symbolic form throughout the stories. These are often represented by particular colors, or by animals. These occur either literally or in symbolic form throughout the stories. These are often represented by particular colors, or by animals. The Four Directions have to be in balance for all to be well with the world, and often a central point of balance is identified as a fifth direction; for example, four brothers represent the outer directions, and their sister the centre. The Four Directions have to be in balance for all to be well with the world, and often a central point of balance is identified as a fifth direction; for example, four brothers represent the outer directions, and their sister the centre.