Examines the myths and beliefs of Native Americans.

DIVDrawn from the legends of the Algonquins, Iroquois, Sioux, Pawnee, and Northern and Northwestern Indians, these enchanting tales offer rich insights into tribal character and beliefs. /div

This fascinating and informative compendium of Native American lore recounts the continent's myths chronologically and region-by-region, offering a wide range of nomadic sagas, animist myths, cosmogonies and creation myths, end-time prophecies, and other traditional tales. Legends include stories of sun worship, trickster pranks, the ghost world, and secret societies.

Passed down from generation to generation, the myths and rituals of Native Americans form a rich religious and cultural base from which all members of each society can create and maintain a sense of community, physical and emotional health, identity, family, and self. Such traditions, handed down through stories and rites, stand as the lifeblood of every Native American culture. This thoroughly illustrated and carefully researched guide explores the amazing array of mythical beasts, heroic humans, and nurturing spirits that make up the fascinating spectrum of Native American mythology. With over one thousand alphabetically arranged entries, representing over one hundred different Native American cultures, readers can quickly explore the meaning of hundreds of elements of Native lore--from names, phrases, and symbols, to images, motifs, and themes. Accompanying essays take a closer look at other issues related to the origin, development, and perpetuation of Native American mythology, such as the Christian influence on myth, varying mythology between tribes, storytelling, and more. We learn about such mythical creatures as Apotamkin of the Maliseet-Passamaquoddy tribe of the Southeast (a bogey monster with long hair and huge teeth who, through the fear he generates, keeps small children from straying onto thin, newly frozen ice in the winter and unguarded beaches in the summer), ritual healing ceremonials such as the Southwestern Navajo's Uglyway ceremony (a ceremony to remove and protect against the forces of chaos and disorder that give rise to illness), and the Marau ceremony of the Hopi Indians of the Southeast (a complex ceremony concerned with rain, the ripening of corn, and the fertility of women, as well as rites of initiating new members into the society). This compelling volume honors the richness of the beliefs and values of the many peoples of native North America, from northern Mexico to the Artic Circle. In addition, a complete bibliography of primary sources and secondary sources points the way to further research, making this the perfect reference for anyone interested in the mythical history of America's original inhabitants.

The myths and legends are divided by geographical region and then further divided into six categories: origin myths; all-powerful spirits; hero creatures and monsters; holy places, sacred sites; revered animals; and rituals and ceremonies.

Who is Kokyanwuuti? What is a shaman? Why are myths so important in our lives? Myths are a rich source of history. People use them to make sense of our world. Even before myths were written down, people told and retold the stories of the gods and goddesses of their homeland. Readers of American Indian Mythology will learn the history of myths, as well as their deeper meaning. From the Southeast tribes stories of how people got fire to the plains tribes stories of the Buffalo Woman, this book helps kids understand the myths that shape and direct people's lives. Abdo & Daughters is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Continuing the series The Best Native American Myths, Legends, and Folklore, Volume 3 offers an enjoyable look into the history of the Native American Indian. Before the time of books, computers, tablets and recording devices, the history of many cultures was passed down, from person to person, by word of mouth. The rich histories of so many people were told in songs, chants, poems and stories. This was and still is the way of Native American tribes. Each in its own way enriching their stories with their own experiences. By reliving these stories and songs, we have the opportunity to bring life back to the ancient spirits that created them. We have a chance to walk with the spirits of the past. Being there were so many different tribes with countless beliefs and customs, the only way to understand their ways is through understanding their stories. In this book I have endeavored to show a wide landscape of different tribes and hopefully present a true look at their beliefs. Among the stories included in this collection are: The Alligator and The Hunter, Mistakes of Old Man, The Badger and the Bear, The Bird Tribes, The Spider Woman and the Twins, The Woman and Her Bear, Creation Story, Yaponcha - The Wind God, How Fire Came To the Six Nations, The Origin of the Prairie Rose, The Bird Whose Wings Made the Wind, A Widow's Revenge, The Story of a Poor Man, Heavy Collar and the Ghost Woman, Bluejay Finds a Wife, The Medicine Grizzly Bear, A Little Brave and the Medicine Woman, The Man Who Was Afraid of Nothing, The Simpleton's Wisdom, Crossing the Red Sea, Wakiash and the First Totem Pole, and many more.

First Published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Before the time of books, computers, tablets and recording devices, the history of many cultures was passed down, from person to person, by word of mouth. The rich histories of so many people were told in songs, chants, poems and stories. This was and still is the way of Native American tribes. Each in its own way enriching their stories with their own experiences. By reliving these stories and songs, we have the opportunity to bring life back to the ancient spirits that created them. We have a chance to walk with the spirits of the past. Being there were so many different tribes with countless beliefs and customs, the only way to understand their ways is through understanding their stories. In this book there is a wide landscape of different tribes, stories  and their beliefs. By exploring these stories, you are offered a glimpse into an often forgotten past. Among the stories included in this collection are: The Origin of the Bird’s Feathers, The Magic Windpipe, Forsaken Brother, The Legend of Manitous Springs, The Origin of the Doll Being, A Widow’s Revenge, Godasiyo the Woman Chief, Origin of the Sacred Arrow, Eskimo Story of the Northern Lights, Falling Star, Story of Manabush, The Four Directions, The Long Journey, The Origin of the Big House Ceremonies, Ghost of the White Deer, The Resuscitation of the only Daughter, The Origin of the Dream Dance, Porcupine's Revenge, The Magic Pots, The Origin of the Wolf Clan, The Wild Rose and many, many more.