Myth Elements & Theme
True or False: All myths include real historical figures.
False
What is created on the turtle’s back?
The Earth
What do the animals want from the Thunder Beings?
Fire
How were creation myths passed down?
Orally
What is one element that both myths have in common?
Both myths explain how something in the world began and include supernatural beings or talking animals.
Who falls from the Sky World?
The Sky Woman
Which animals fail before the Water Spider?
Bear, Raven, Snake
What is a creation myth?
A supernatural religious story that describes the beginnings of humanity, earth, life, and the universe.
What shows the Cherokee value cleverness over strength?
The Water Spider succeeds
Why does the grandmother become the moon?
She favors the left-handed twin, so the right-handed twin killed her, and now she shines over the night sky with her favorite grandson.
How does the Water Spider carry the fire?
In a clay bowl on her back
Why should we study creation myths?
They reveal the beliefs and values of a culture.
How does each myth explain something about the natural world?
The World on the Turtle’s Back explains how the Earth was created, and The First Fire explains how fire came to the world.
What do the twins represent?
Good and evil / balance
What happens to the animals who fail?
They are changed by the fire
What is “cultural value”?
A belief or idea important to a society
Which story’s theme is that intelligence can overcome strength?
The First Fire Cherokee
What is one theme/moral this myth teaches us about people or nature?
- Many things in life have opposite sides.
- Everything has a beginning.
- Nature helps explain and support the traditions and values people follow.
- There will always be conflict because of opposite sides or things not being perfect.
- Heritage is the beliefs, traditions, and ways of life that families pass down over time.
What does this myth explain about certain animals?
Why ravens are black and snakes have scales
What was the name of the Native American group that "The World on The Turtle's Back" came from?
The Iroquis