Final Analysis

Question 0

2. What is one symbol that you can identify from the story? Identify and explain this symbol.

Answer 0

 The turtle symbolizes life and the interconnection of all living creatures and gods.
 The Great Tree symbolizes life growth Knowledge Bridge between heaven and earth; roots and ancestors (links all life), wisdom
 Twins symbolize balance; not good and evil but right and left (think about it the left-handed twin makes medicine –not all bad)
 Woman symbolizes mother earth

Question 1

1. Why do you think the world is on a TURTLE’S back instead of some other animal?

Answer 1

The turtle becomes the home for people, lands, and animals who ride on his or her back because the turtle is the only one who can swim in the vast ocean. Turtles were a commonly seen animal in earlier times.

Question 2

3. Remember that myths reveal the expectations and values of a particular society. Based on this myth, what can you say about the Iroquois’ beliefs on the following?

Attitude towards nature

View of their gods

Important foods, rituals, and games

The roles of men

The roles of women

Good
(“the straight mind”)

Evil
(“the crooked mind”)

Answer 2

Attitude towards nature
-Loved nature; appreciated it; honored it; saw the purpose in ALL animals and plants

View of their gods
-They are the creators

Important foods, rituals, and games
-They are all a part of life. Nature for food; games: gambling and competing; hunting, dancing, lacrosses

The roles of men
-Creators; competitive, hunting, fishing, combat

The roles of women
-Mother nature; birthing children; giving life

Good
(“the straight mind”)
-Balance (need both)

Evil
(“the crooked mind”)
-Balance (need both)

Question 3

4. Analyze this creation myth using Joseph Campbell’s four functions of mythology. Fill in the chart below with examples of how this myth fulfills each of his functions. Your responses should be very specific to the text.

Answer 3

To Instill Awe
The Iroquois belief of how earth came to be is somewhat brutal and shocking. I.e.:The man possibly pushing his pregnant wife; the left-handed twin birthing out of his mother’s armpit and killing her.

To Explain World
This story explains how they believe the world came to be

To Support Customs
The dancing; the appreciation of nature; huts; games

To Guide People
To give people a sense of what is right and what is not right; to guide people to appreciate nature