Native American Native American MythologyMythology

Oral TraditionOral Tradition

Before the arrival of Europeans and Before the arrival of Europeans and the spread of European influence, the spread of European influence, Native Americans did not use written Native Americans did not use written languages. languages.

As a result, their myths and legends As a result, their myths and legends were passed from generation to were passed from generation to generation in oral form. generation in oral form.

There is not one unified body of There is not one unified body of mythology for the Native American mythology for the Native American culture. culture.

Each tribal group develops their own Each tribal group develops their own stories. stories.

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

The idea that spiritual forces can be The idea that spiritual forces can be sensed through the natural world is sensed through the natural world is an underlying theme in Native an underlying theme in Native American myths. American myths.

Examples: clouds, winds, plants, and Examples: clouds, winds, plants, and animalsanimals

Native American myths could not be Native American myths could not be told lightly. told lightly.

These myths formed the basis of These myths formed the basis of sacred rituals and ceremonies in sacred rituals and ceremonies in which participants acted out which participants acted out traditional sacred stories. traditional sacred stories.

Myths could only be told during Myths could only be told during certain times. (winter nights) certain times. (winter nights)

The Four DirectionsThe Four Directions

Another key feature of the Native American Another key feature of the Native American spiritual outlook is found in the powers ascribed spiritual outlook is found in the powers ascribed to the Four Directions. to the Four Directions.

These occur either literally or in symbolic form These occur either literally or in symbolic form throughout the stories. These are often throughout the stories. These are often represented by particular colors, or by animals.represented by particular colors, or by animals.

The Four Directions have to be in balance for all The Four Directions have to be in balance for all to be well with the world, and often a central to be well with the world, and often a central point of balance is identified as a fifth direction; point of balance is identified as a fifth direction; for example, four brothers represent the outer for example, four brothers represent the outer directions, and their sister the centre.directions, and their sister the centre.