Step into the enchanting world of Okaraxta, a captivating collection of First Nations folk tales and legends that will transport you to the heart of the Great Plains!
Drawing from the rich tapestry of Native American storytelling, this anthology features a selection of profound and playful tales passed down through generations by the tribes of the Great Plains. Each story celebrates the deep connection between humans and the natural world, illustrating the importance of the seasons, weather, animals, and the elements-earth, water, fire, and sky.
Discover the powerful Great Spirit that weaves through these narratives, guiding the journeys of both humans and the creatures they encounter. Marvel at the shape-shifting characters that embody the magic of the natural world, from the wise buffalo, central to the lives of these peoples, to the mischievous trickster, Iktomi, who brings laughter and teaches vital spiritual lessons through his antics.
In Okaraxta, you’ll experience the thrill of adventure as characters embark on transformative journeys, often reaching supernatural realms that illuminate the mysteries of existence. With its roots in the expansive and diverse cultures of the Great Plains, this collection highlights the vibrant folklore that has thrived in the communal fireside storytelling traditions.
Immerse yourself in these delightful tales that blend humor, wisdom, and a deep reverence for nature. Let the imaginative skill of the narrator guide you through worlds where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where every story is a journey waiting to be explored.
Okaraxta is not just a book; it’s an invitation to connect with the timeless wisdom and rich heritage of First Nations storytelling. Join us in this celebration of cultural legacy, and embark on a journey that will awaken your spirit and ignite your imagination!
قائمة المحتويات
PREFACE
THE FORGOTTEN EAR OF CORN
MOCK-PE-EN-DAG-A-WIN
IKTOMI AND THE BAD SONGS
A GHOST STORY
KWASIND
THE DUN HORSE
IKTOMI’S BLANKET
A BOG MYTH
THE JEEBI
MANABOZHO IN THE FISH’S STOMACH.
IKTOMI AND THE MUSKRAT
COYOTE AND GRAY FOX
PUCK WUDJ ININEES
A STORY OF FAITH
IKTOMI AND THE COYOTE
PEZHIU AND WABOSE
IKTOMI AND THE SNOWSTORM
THE LITTLE MICE
IKTOMI AND THE FAWN
PEBOAN AND SEEGWUN
THE BEAR MAN
IKTOMI AND THE THUNDERS
NEZHIK-E-WA-WA-SUN
THE BADGER AND THE BEAR
THE PET DONKEY
LEGEND OF THE CORN
IKTOMI AND THE TURTLE
OPEECHEE
THE STAR FAMILY
THE GHOST WIFE
DANCE IN A BUFFALO SKULL
ORIGIN OF THE BUFFALO
OJEEG ANNUNG
THE FAITHFUL LOVERS
THE WAKANDA, OR WATER GOD
THE TOAD AND THE BOY
SHEEM
TI-KE-WA-KUSH
THE SPIRIT LAND
TAU-WAU-CHEE-HEZKAW
IYA, THE CAMP-EATER
LEGEND OF STANDING ROCK
OLD-WOMAN-WHO-NEVER-DIES
IËNA, THE WANDERER
STORY OF THE PEACE PIPE
MANSTIN, THE RABBIT
THE FALLEN STAR
PAH-HAH-UNDOOTAH
PA-HU-KA´-TAWA
THE BUFFALO BEING
THE WARLIKE SEVEN
THE WHITE STONE CANOE
THE BOUND CHILDREN
THE GHOST AND THE TRAVELER
THE SUN-CATCHER
THE SNAKE BROTHER
THE GHOST’S RESENTMENT
WA-WA-BE-ZO-WIN
IKTOMI AND THE ARROWHEADS
THE WARRIOR WHO WRESTLED WITH A GHOST
MUKAKEE MINDEMOEA
O´RE-KA-RAHR
THE HERMIT, OR THE GIFT OF CORN
THE SIX HAWKS
THE MAN AND THE OAK
ADDIK KUM MAIG
WAZIYA, THE WEATHER SPIRIT
THE BOY WHO SAW A-TI´-US
AGGODAGAUDA AND HIS DAUGHTER
WHY THE WOLVES HELP IN WAR
THE “WASNA” MAN AND THE IKTOMI
THE ENCHANTED MOCCASINS
THE MAN WHO SHOT A GHOST
HOW THE DEER LOST HIS GALL
LEELINAU
WHITE PLUME
INYANHOKSILA
BOKWEWA
KIWUK-U LAH’-KAHTA
HISTORICAL NOTES
ABOUT THE EDITOR
عن المؤلف
I am a seasoned writer, editor and occasional contributor to magazines and periodicals. You can find out more about my work and contact me at clivegilson.com