Myths and Legends of the Mississippi Valley and the Great Lakes

In Short

Myths and Legends of the Mississippi Valley and the Great Lakes is a compilation of stories from various Native American tribes, including the Ojibwa, Mandan, Chitimacha, Menomini, Cherokee, and Biloxi, among others. The book, edited by Katharine B. Judson, presents creation myths, animal tales, and explanations for natural phenomena, providing insight into the cultural and spiritual beliefs of these indigenous peoples. The stories are diverse, ranging from the origins of fire and wild rice to the adventures of trickster figures like Manabush and Rabbit. The book serves as a valuable record of oral traditions that were at risk of being lost, preserving them for future generations.

The Story

The book opens with creation myths, such as the Chitimacha story of the Creator of All Things, a Great Mystery that understands all without eyes or ears. Another tale describes how the Mandans, the People of the Pheasants, were the first people in the world, originally living underground until a young man climbed a vine to the Earth-plain, where they established their village. The Chitimacha flood story tells of two people and two rattlesnakes surviving in an earthen pot, with a red-headed woodpecker and a dove playing roles in the rediscovery of land.

Other stories explain the origins of fire, wild rice, and the Winnebago tribe. The Thunderers, for instance, are depicted as war chiefs who obtained fire from an old man on an island and distributed it to the people. Manabush, a central figure in many Menomini tales, is born as a tiny white rabbit and grows into a young man, often helping his people and teaching them valuable lessons.

Trickster tales feature prominently, with Rabbit and Manabush frequently outwitting others. In one story, Rabbit tricks a Frenchman by pretending to fear a brier patch, only to escape into it. Another tale explains why the opossum plays dead, attributing it to a lie told by the Ancient of Opossums. The book also includes stories about animals, such as why deer never eat men and why birds have sharp tails.

The book concludes with various legends, including the story of a warrior who saves his grandmother from enemies by transforming her into a gourd and himself into a swamp woodcock. The final tale describes the arrival of the white man, as seen through the eyes of the Wyandots, who initially welcomed the strangers but soon realized their encroachment on the land.

How It Unfolds

Creation and Origins: The book begins with creation myths and stories explaining the origins of tribes, such as the Mandans and Chitimacha. Natural Phenomena: Tales like "The Flood" and "The Great Flood" explain catastrophic events and the role of animals in restoring order. The Gifts of the Sky God: Stories describe how humans and animals received gifts from celestial beings, such as fire and wild rice. Trickster Tales: Rabbit and Manabush feature in stories where they outwit others, often with humorous consequences. Animal Legends: Explanations for animal behaviors, such as why the opossum plays dead and why deer never eat men. Heroic Tales: Stories of warriors and heroes, like the one who saves his grandmother from enemies using his medicine. The Arrival of the White Man: The book concludes with a legend about the first encounters between Native Americans and Europeans, foreshadowing colonization.

The People

Manabush: A central figure in Menomini tales, Manabush is a trickster and hero who helps his people, teaches them valuable lessons, and occasionally faces adversity. He is born as a tiny white rabbit and grows into a young man, often appearing to his people in times of need. Rabbit: A trickster figure in many stories, Rabbit is clever and mischievous, often outwitting others for his own benefit. He plays a key role in tales like "Rabbit and the Tar Baby" and "Why the 'Possum's Tail is Bare." The Thunderers: These war chiefs are responsible for obtaining and distributing fire to the people. They are also associated with lightning and the rainbow, symbolizing their power and connection to the sky. O-na-wut-a-qui-o: A handsome Ojibwa boy who refuses to follow his tribe's fasting traditions. He is taken to the Sky-land by a beautiful woman, where he receives magical arrows and faces evil manitoes. The Ancient of Opossums: A cunning figure who lies about catching crawfish, leading to the opossum's habit of playing dead when threatened. The Warrior: A heroic figure who uses his medicine to transform a mussel shell into a canoe and his grandmother into a gourd to escape enemies, showcasing the power of indigenous knowledge and resourcefulness.

In Its Own Voice

"The evil spirits are abroad to destroy all I have just created. Tortoise, I shall send you to bring order into the world." Then Earth-maker gave him a knife. — From the creation story of the Chitimacha, highlighting the role of Tortoise in maintaining order.

"Now, Grandson, stand up. The two-legged walkers shall follow me always. I shall follow you always. Therefore try to do what I tell you. Remember you are a man. Do not look back after you have started." — Grandmother's instructions to Hare, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the consequences of looking back.

"I am going away now. I have been badly treated by other people who live in the land about you. I shall go across a great water towards the rising sun, where there is a land of rocks. There I shall set up my wigwam." — Manabush's farewell to his people, promising to hear their prayers and help them from afar.

What It's Really About

The book delves into the themes of creation, order, and the relationship between humans, animals, and the natural world. Many stories emphasize the importance of balance and the consequences of disrupting it, as seen in the flood myths and the tale of Hare's failure to follow instructions. Trickster figures like Rabbit and Manabush highlight the complexities of human nature, blending cunning, humor, and moral lessons. The arrival of the white man serves as a stark reminder of the impact of colonization on indigenous cultures, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of Native American traditions.

Why Read It Today

This collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich oral traditions of Native American tribes, preserving stories that might otherwise have been lost. Readers will appreciate the diversity of tales, from creation myths to trickster stories, each revealing unique cultural perspectives. The book is a valuable resource for those interested in indigenous folklore, anthropology, or the history of the Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes regions. While some stories reflect period attitudes and stereotypes, they provide an authentic snapshot of the time in which they were recorded. The narratives are engaging and often humorous, making them accessible to a wide audience. Reading these legends today not only entertains but also fosters a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Native American peoples.