Native American Oral Tradition

A fictional tale that explains the action of gods

or heroes or the causes of natural phenomena Often explain the origins of life Express the central values of the people who

created them

Origin myth: explain how life beganWhat are some examples of myths?

Myth

Passing of songs, stories, and poems from

generation to generation by word of mouth Oral tradition in America has preserved Native

American myths and legends, spirituals, folk ballads, and other stories or songs that were heard and memorized rather than written down

What happens to stories that are passed by word of mouth?

Why do we pass along stories orally?

Oral Tradition

1. Explains the origin of human

existence.2. Describes the purposes of people and

their relationship with the Earth. 3. Articulates religious beliefs and

spiritual philosophies.4. Teaches morals and lessons.

Elements of NA Oral Tradition

Read the creation myth from the Onandaga

Tribe

Watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOxrvbA_KCE

Why are there some differences between the two?

The Earth on Turtle’s Back

How does this myth…

…explain the origin of human existence? …describe the purposes of people and their

relationship to the earth? …articulate religious and spiritual beliefs? …teach a moral or lesson?

The Earth on Turtle’s Back