Dive into the enchanting world of Jóhonaaʼéí, a captivating collection of First Nations folk tales and legends from the California Basin and Southwestern nations!
This extraordinary anthology showcases a rich tapestry of cultures, revealing the diverse myths, traditions, and narratives that shape the Indigenous North American experience. With no single mythology to define them, these stories are steeped in nature and filled with profound symbolism, exploring themes of the seasons, weather, plants, animals, and the elements-earth, water, fire, and sky.
At the heart of these tales is the powerful connection between humans and the natural world, a relationship enriched by the omnipresent Great Spirit and the belief in parallel worlds both above and below us. Journey through captivating narratives featuring shape-shifters, marriages between humans and animals-particularly bears-and the enduring wisdom of sacred ancestors.
Transcribed by ethnologists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries from Native American elders deeply rooted in their traditions, these myths are among the most authentic records of ancient storytelling. Meet unforgettable characters like the sacred creator and trickster, Coyote, alongside the Sun People, the Star Women, and the forces of Darkness.
Discover how the first human beings emerged from an underworld, guided by goddesses like Huruing Wuhti and Spider Woman, who created life as we know it. Explore themes of creation, the origins of tobacco and corn, and the legendary journeys of horses.
Jóhonaaʼéí is not just a collection of stories; it’s a celebration of the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of First Nations cultures. Perfect for readers of all ages, this anthology invites you to immerse yourself in the timeless wisdom and wonder of these unforgettable tales.
Table des matières
Preface
Naiyenezgani
The Beginning Of Newness
The Story Of The Creation
The Men Of The Early Times
Sedit And The Two Brothers Hus
The Story Of The Flood
Creation And Longevity
An Ancient Feud
Kol Tibichi
Old Mole’s Creation
The Story Of Vandaih, The Man-Eagle
The Creation Of The World
Vinimūlya-Hapātša
Spider’s Creation
The Hakas And The Tennas
How Old Man Above Created The World
The Story Of The Turquoises And The Red Bird
The Search For The Middle And The Hardening Of The World
The Migration Of The Gans
Origin Of Light
Tirukala
Pokoh, The Old Man
The Story Of Wayhohm, Toehahvs And Tottai
Creation Of Man
The Coyote And The Water Plume Snake
The First Man And Woman
Haka Kaina
Old Man Above And The Grizzlies
The Story Of Hawawk
Coyote And Sun
A Bear Story
Legend Of The Flood
The Birds And The Flood
The Great Flood
The Flood And The Theft Of Fire
Legend Of The Flood In Sacramento Valley
The Dream Of Juiwaiyu And His Journey To Damhauja’s Country
The Fable Of The Animals
The Story Of Tawquahdahmawks And Her Canal
The Course Of The Sun
Releasing The Deer
The First Battle In The World And The Making Of The Yana
The Theft Of Fire (I)
The Theft Of Fire (Ii)
Traditions Of Wanderings
The Raven Story
The Migration Of The Water People
How Nooee Killed Ee-Ee-Toy
Ee-Ee-Toy’s Resurrection And Speech To Juhwerta Mahkai
The Story Of Ee-Ee-Toy’s Army
The Destruction Of The Vahahkkees
The Story Of Sohahnee Mahkai And Kawkoinpuh
Coyote And The Mesquite Beans
Deer Woman
Origin Of The Sierra Nevadas And Coast Range
Legend Of Tu-Tok-A-Nu’-La (El Capitan)
The Giant And The Twin War Gods
Legend Of Tis-Se’-Yak
The Corn Maidens
The Search For The Corn Maidens
The Song Hunter
The Man Who Visited The Sky With The Eagles
The Guiding Duck And The Lake Of Death
The Story Of Paht-Ahn-Kum
The Boy Who Became A God
The Deer Story
The Great Fire
The Story Of Nahvahchoo
How The Bluebird Got Its Colour
He Who Became A Snake
Origin Of The Raven And The Macaw
The Story Of The Children Of Cloud
The Boy And The Beast
The Coyote And The Turtle
How The Rattlesnake Learned To Bite
Coyote And Rattlesnake
The Hunter Who Secured The Bear Ceremony
Why The Apaches Are Fierce
Origin Of The Saguaro And Palo Verde Cacti
Ta-Vwots’ Has A Fight With The Sun
The Thirsty Quails
The Doings Of Coyote
The Frog And The Locust
The Foxes And The Sun
The Cloud People
Coyote And The Hare
Coyote And The Quails
Coyote And The Fawns
Coyote’s Eyes
Coyote And The Tortillas
Coyote As A Hunter
The Spirit Land
Historical Notes
About The Editor
A propos de l’auteur
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