Week 10 Reading Notes: American Indian Fairy Tales Part A

It is quite obvious that the north wind was disliked by Native Americans because of its tendency to hinder nature's ability to provide for people. The cold winter wind causes plants to die and animals to flee. This forced Native Americans to migrate south in order to survive. The wise storyteller Iagoo encourages children not to fear the wind because it is no match for a strong fire. In the story of Shin-ge-bis Fools the North Wind, Shin-ge-bis is not afraid of the North Wind because he is prepared and confident. I think it is a good story that teaches children not to fear nature, but to respect that there is a balance in nature.
I really enjoy the colorful description of nature and the animals. The environment is described vividly to set the tone. I think it is neat to tell a story in which all of the animals and humans are kind to each other and live in harmony. In the story of the Little Boy and Girl in the Clouds, the coyote is eager to help the humans. He also gives wise advice in looking for a solution, instead of asking how a problem came to be. The coyote is unable to retrieve the lost children, and none of the other animals are successful in that endeavor either. This story then becomes one of not judging a book by its cover and even the smallest animals can be helpful. The wee little worm is the unsuspecting hero of the story, and he returns the children home safely. Perhaps I will write a story about an unexpected hero that does not get the credit he deserves at first.
The story of the Child of the Evening Star just warms my soul in many ways. I love that the youngest, fairest daughter chooses to marry Osseo despite his appearance, but because he is pure of heart. Then he turns out to be the son of the Evening Star! Though his good fortune becomes his wife's dismay, all ends well when her beauty is restored, and they go to live among the stars. The continuing theme seems to be that good things will happen to people who are pure and good. I'd like to write about that.


The Historian by E. Irving Couse. I chose this photo to represent the importance of storytellers in Native American culture. Found on Wikimedia, here.

Bibliography: American Indian Fairy Tales by W.T. Larned, unit A, found here.