Comprehension Check

Question 0

How did the animals help the woman who fell from the sky?

Answer 0

The birds broke her fall, the sea turtle gave her a place to rest, and the muskrat brought her soil to make the earth and grow plants.

Question 1

What are your thoughts about the creation myth?

Answer 1

Found the myth interesting or how well they think it explained natural phenomena

Question 2

What are the differences between the twins?

Answer 2

One is devious and crooked (left-handed twin) and the other is honest and upright (right-handed twin).

Question 3

What was the outcome of the duels between the twins?

Answer 3

• The right-handed twin won the final duel and cast his brothers’ body off the earth.
• He now rules the day, and the left-handed twin rules the night.

Question 4

What are the most important things you learned about the values and way of life of the Iroquois from reading this myth?

Answer 4

• Respect for the balance of nature
• Belief in the world’s creation by a higher power
• Ritual dancing and prayer for plentiful harvests

Question 5

Why do you think the Iroquois honor both the left-handed twin and the right-handed twin?

Answer 5

• The Iroquois acknowledge “crooked” and “straight minds” as being necessary to a balanced world.
• They see neither twin as wholly good or wholly evil and give thanks to each for his creations.
• They are the source of opposed forces in the world.