About book American Indian Myths And Legends (Pantheon Fairy Tale And Folklore Library) (1985)
Stories and legends often represent the heart and soul of a culture. They tell tale of creation of life, the supernatural, higher beings, and even explain such miniscule things as why the crow is black and why a beaver’s tale is flat.Perhaps the greatest storytelling culture is that of the American Indian…a culture so committed and dedicated to oral history, myths, and legends. In Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz’s colorful collection, American Indian Myths and Legends, nearly 200 stories help give reason to creation, life and death, spirits, love, human and animal relations, and thoughts on war and warrior code. People familiar with traditional Native American stories might recognize some of these stories, and will definitely remember familiar faces like Iktome, Glooskap, and the ever so clever Coyote.As is the case with most myths and legends, these stories are meant to teach a lesson; therefore, many of the tales in this collection deal with more adult themes, such as sexual intercourse, rape, incest, and murder. While those tales are few and far between, the remainder of the book is filled with comical and meaningful tales meant to teach children and adults how to be good people. Even those with no knowledge of the Native American culture will find it easy to take something away from one, if not all, of these stories. You may even recognize themes from your own cultural history, such as mass floods, mystical saviors, and the creation of man and beast.American Indian Myths and Legends is a great read for any story lover. It is easily organized into major themes and each story is no more than 2-3 pages. Since these are the tales of a culture solely based on oral history, many believe that one cannot get the full effect of a Native American legend without reading it out loud…so gather friends and family around the campfire and pass the book around. You might be surprised at what you learn…Read more at http://thehobbeehive.wordpress.com
This is an excellant collection of the oral myths and legends of the Native American people. It is well organized with the various legends having common elements. The only way I found to truly enjoy the book was to get out of the Western Thinking mode as it applies to myths and legends. These stories do not necessarily have a moral behind it, and quite often no real begining or end. They often are just a partial episode that could centuries into a tribes traditions.It is interesting to note the similarities of tales from peoples on opposite sides of the continent. It seems that life itself becomes legend, as chance encounters with new animals or tribes from distant lands give rise to the creation of a story.All in all, a great book which should be in everyone's library.
Do You like book American Indian Myths And Legends (Pantheon Fairy Tale And Folklore Library) (1985)?
Magdalena (Maggie or Magtail) wrote: "Umm, that's really how a lot of Native American tales are."Yeah I found out. I like them, and totally interested in them, yet find myself somewhat unsatisfied in the end. This is history I know.
—Robin
I read this book years ago for a Native American literature course. Being part Native American I have always been interested in stories from the indigenous people that were here first, and I think this is a good introductory volume for most North American to read, to realize we were not here first. There were others here first, and they had a diverse and rich cultures that we can learn more about. This is by no means a scholarly or anthropological volume, but I think most American and Canadian high school and college kids should at least read a few stories in this volume. It will give you a better appreciation and perspective for Native American cultures.
—Julia
I'm on a serious Native American kick and this book was the fix I needed. The book is nicely organized into sections by major theme—life, death, birth, love, etc..., with a variety of myths from different tribes, giving a novice reader a good overview of Indian belief systems. Not sure if all the myths are intended for children though. Case in point; a censor might be in order for some of the surprisingly graphic ball-grabbing, frog vulva myths (Coyote and the two Frog Women), however, I have to admire the creativity involved with coming up with these stories.
—Stefani
