ENH251 - Mythology

North American Native Myths are a rich tapestry of narratives deeply rooted in nature and the symbolism of seasons, weather, plants, animals, earth, water, fire, sky, and the heavenly bodies ¹. These myths often revolve around themes of nature and the relationship between humans and animals ². They feature common elements such as the principle of an all-embracing, universal and omniscient Great Spirit, a connection to the Earth and its landscapes, a belief in a parallel world in the sky (sometimes also underground and/or below the water), diverse creation narratives, visits to the ‘land of the dead’, and collective memories of ancient sacred ancestors ¹. A characteristic of many of the myths is the close relationship between human beings and animals (including birds and reptiles). They often feature shape-shifting between animal and human form ¹. Marriage between people and different species (particularly bears) is a common theme¹. In some stories, animals foster human children¹. Although most Native North American myths are profound and serious, some use light-hearted humor – often in the form of tricksters – to entertain, as they subtly convey important spiritual and moral messages ¹. The use of allegory is common, exploring issues ranging from love and friendship to domestic violence and mental illness ¹. Some myths are connected to traditional religious rituals involving dance, music, songs, and trance (e.g. the sun dance) ¹.

Learn more:   1. en.wikipedia.org   2. mythbank.com   3. loc.gov   4. godchecker.com

Map of southwestern Ancestral Pueblo area. Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Hopi room at Desert View Watchtower. Grand Canyon, Desert Point, South Rim

The Hopi Tribe is a sovereign nation located in northeastern Arizona. The most distinct images, painted by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie depict various aspects of Hopi mythology and religious ceremonies. The other murals done by Fred Greer are more subtle in color and purposefully softer in detail and are copies of prehistoric pictographs and petroglyphs. Photo By Olga Katrychenko.

HOPI  MYTHS VIDEOS

HOPI  MYTHS BOOKS

Navajo Myths and Legends are deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo people. These narratives encompass diverse elements, from the creation story to the heroic adventures of the Navajo Hero Twins ¹. The Navajo Creation Story holds deep spiritual significance within the Navajo culture, encompassing the origins and journey of their people ¹. According to Navajo belief, the Holy People created the Navajo people within the First World, bestowing upon them divine knowledge, wisdom, and resilience ¹. The Navajo people are said to have emerged from the underworld through a reed, traversing four different worlds in search of their rightful place on earth ¹. In Navajo mythology, the Holy People play a fundamental role in the creation and guidance of the universe ¹. They are revered as divine beings with immense power and wisdom ¹. The Navajo Creation Story serves as a poignant reminder of the Navajo people’s resilience, connection to the divine, and the importance of maintaining harmony with the natural world ¹. Navajo Mythology plays a significant role in shaping the cultural beliefs and practices of the Navajo people ¹. Within this rich tapestry of stories, several key themes emerge, highlighting the adventures of heroic figures, the importance of animal spirits, and the deep connection to sacred rituals ¹.

Learn more 1. oldworldgods.com    2. oldworldgods.com   3.en.wikipedia.org

NAVAJO CREATION MYTH 

NAVAJO MYTHS ARTICLES

1. The Hero Twins: A Story of the Navajo People
2. The Coyote Transformation Story in Navajo Mythology
3. Navajo Changing Woman Goddess: A Sacred Symbol of Transformation and Power in Navajo Culture

4. White Shell Woman (Yoolgai asdzáá)

NAVAJO MYTHS BOOKS

NAVAJO MYTHS VIDEOS

Apache mythology is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Apache people, who inhabit the southwestern United States ¹. Central to their mythology is the concept of “diyin,” or power, which is inherent in all things and can be obtained or transferred through rituals, visions, or the aid of spiritual beings ¹. The most significant deities in Apache mythology include Usen, the Creator or “Life Giver,” who is responsible for the creation of the world, the people, and all living things ¹, and White Painted Woman, who embodies the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature ¹. Apache mythology also features various heroes and mythological creatures, such as Child of Water, a hero and culture-bringer who battles various mythological creatures, including the Owl Man Giant ¹. These myths and fables have survived through untold generations because the truth contained in them is eternal and the moral lessons that they teach are still valid ².

Learn more:    1. folklore.earth   2. uapress.arizona.edu   3. en.wikipedia.org

Pima mythology, originating from the Pima people who traditionally lived along the Gila and Salt rivers in Arizona, is rich with spiritual and cultural narratives ¹. The Pima creation story recounts the god Jeoss creating the Pima god named Jewed Ma:kai or “Earth Doctor” who then fashions the Earth from his own skin, and creates and sets into motion the sun, moon, stars, humans and Vulture, an important being ². Another significant myth is the Myth of Suha and the Superstition Mountain Flood, where the Earth Maker, displeased with man’s behavior, decides to drown them but warns them through voices in the wind and calls out to Suha, a Pima Shaman ³. These myths, deeply rooted in the Pima culture, emphasize the importance of harmony with nature, moral behavior, and respect for divine beings ^{2 3}.

Learn more   1. britannica.com   2. sfgate.com   3. folklore.usc.edu