Creation MythsIntroduction -

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Do Now-Journal

After watching the film trailer for “2012” please thoughtfully respond to the following questions:

Do you feel that there is any merit to the belief that the earth will end in the near future? If not, do you feel the earth will eventually end? What will cause the ultimate demise of our planet?

Where does …

The sky come from?

The earth?

The sun?

The stars?

What is a myth?

A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people

or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving

supernatural beings or events.

Characteristics of Myths

Main characters are usually gods, animals, or supernatural heroes

Endorsed by rulers and priests and closley linked to religion

Explain how the world gained its current form and how customs, institutions, and taboos were established.

Functions of myths

Establish a religious experience

Explain the unexplainable

Provide people with a model of behavior

What is a Native American Creation

Myth? The basic characteristics of the Native American creation

myth are: a belief in the Great Mystery, Creator or Great Spirit. an interplay between the sacred and the natural world. the assistance of animals such as turtle, loon and

raven. the key role that women play in the myths — Earth

Woman; Spider-Woman; Fair Weather Woman. explanation of the universe that often depicts the

bending or breaking of the laws of nature.

The attributes of Native myths paint tales that instruct, inform and warn the listener.

Where do creation myths come from?

Oral tradition- Stories passed verbally through generations.

Native Americans idolize nature, animals, and earth in general.

Symbolism and Personification

Symbolism-the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Personification-the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.