Native American mythology

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Coyote and Opossum appear in the stories of a number of tribes.

Native American mythology is the body of traditional narratives associated with Native American religion from a mythographical perspective. Native American belief systems include many sacred narratives. Such spiritual stories are deeply based in Nature and are rich with the symbolism of seasons, weather, plants, animals, earth, water, sky & fire. The principle of an all embracing, universal and omniscient Great Spirit, a connection to the Earth, diverse creation narratives and collective memories of ancient ancestors are common. Traditional worship practices are often a part of tribal gatherings with dance, rhythm, songs and trance e.g. the sun dance

Tribal/National Mythology

Algonquian (northeastern US, Great Lakes)
Plains Indians
Muskogean (southern US) and Iroquois (Eastern US)
Alaska and Arctic Canada
Pacific Northwest
Uto-Aztecan (Great Basin to Mexico)
other southwestern US
Central and South America
  • Aztec. - A Mesoamerican empire centered in the valley of Mexico.
  • Guarani - A South American people of the south-central part of South America, especially the native peoples of Paraguay and parts of the surrounding areas of Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia.
  • Incan - A South American empire based in the central Andes mountain range.
  • Mapuche, - A South American culture of Chile and some regions of Argentina.
  • Maya, - A Mesoamerican people of southern Mexico and Northern Central America.

See also [edit]

External links [edit]