Essay On Native American Myths

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Native American myths Native American tales are not just meant to be told generation to generation. The tales, The World on the Turtle’s Back and Fox and Coyote and Whale, are exclusive examples on how tales are meant to explain the fundamental elements of the world and our place in it. The Iroquois creation myth, The World on the Turtle’s Back, entertains the reader with supernatural elements as well as a lesson on the importance of balance in the Universe. Supernatural elements as a woman is tossed from the sky world she finds herself saved by birds, set down on a turtle’s back, and planting roots to grow food. From her womb, her twin babies argued deciding how they would be born. “The right-handed twin wanted to be born in the normal way, as all children are born”(28). But the left-handed twin “saw light in another direction”(28), so he was born through his mother’s armpit. If these awe inspiring event had not of occurred, we would not have our world today. The right-handed twin represents all that is pure and kind in the world. And the left-handed twin represents all that is impure and evil. Both twins know that the universe has to be balanced; not all can be pure and not all can be evil. As a result, the right-handed twin kills his brother to create balance in the world. For killing her grandson, the grandmother of the…show more content…
Myths show us supernatural events that lead us to understand why we have our world today. They teach us essential lessons about life, and honor the customs and traditions of many Native Americans. Both these tales serve the purpose of helping their Native American communities, and help their people to grow their faith in what they believe. We can all learn the importance of having balance in the world, and fighting for what we want in our lives. They are not just supernatural events, but are the reasons why we have our world

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