7.3 Native American Myths

Question 1

theme

Answer 1

a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation

Question 2

plot

Answer 2

the plan or main story (as of a movie or literary work)

Question 3

character

Answer 3

: the personality or part which an actor recreates

Question 4

story

Answer 4

a fictional narrative shorter than a novel

Question 5

fiction

Answer 5

something invented by the imagination or feigned

Question 6

explanation of events

Answer 6

things that happen in a story

Question 7

gods

Answer 7

the supreme or ultimate reality

Question 8

superheroes

Answer 8

a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers

Question 9

magic

Answer 9

the use of means (such as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces

Question 10

sacred story

Answer 10

stories that people turn to, to glimpse the transcendent, to conserve a faith tradition, to be authoritatively guided, or to address life’s big questions.

also called sacred scripture, the revered texts, or Holy Writ, of the world’s religions.

Question 11

characteristics of a heroes and heroines.

Answer 11

12 Characteristics of Heroism
Bravery.
Conviction.
Courage.
Determination.
Helpful.
Honesty.
Inspirational.
Moral integrity.

Question 12

Why did the Native American people explained occurrences in the natural and supernatural world to each other through stories?

Answer 12

These stories were an attempt to make sense of the world. We can say that they contain elements of myth, as the stories are passed down from many generations, and are closely tied to people’s beliefs and customs. The characters and themes contained within these stories reflected what was important to the Native American people

Question 13

What magic occurs in each folktale: “The Storytelling Stone”, “Pelican Girl”, “The Boy who Loved Bears” and “The Turkey Girl”?

Answer 13

Storytelling Stone”: A large rock tells the orphan boy creation stories.

“Pelican Girl”: People change into animal forms.

“The Boy Who Loved Bears” Bears talk.

“Pelican Girl”: A girl who communicates with turkeys.

Question 14

Compare the curse from Greek myth “Pandora’s Box” to the curse in the Native American myth “Godasiyo the Woman Chief” that you just read in this lesson.

Answer 14

“Pandora’s Box” explains how all the evils escaped into the world because of Pandora’s disobedience.

In “Godasiyo the Woman Chief” because everyone fought amongst themselves they accidentally drowned Godasiyo and were unable to speak the same language.