Native American Mythology

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Normally, when we hear something about mythology, we think about monsters or massive animals but it was not the same for native americans.

It is known that native americans had a lot of stories, beliefs and legends and it is true but they were not the same in every tribe. Each one had its own "mythology" or deities. Most of their stories and myhts were related with the nature and, specially, with animals. But, unfortunately, after the white man came into their lives, it all disappeared due to the struggles, wars, starvation, etc.

For these tribes, everything around them had a special meaning but there was something above all, called the Great Spirit and it was considered as the great creator of life and the universe. Its power could be found in everything, such as rocks, sky, rivers, etc.

"Appeal to the Great Spirit"
Created by Cyrus Dallin 1909.
One of the American's most recognizable works of art. As seen in front of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

As you have read before, each tribe had its own belief but they shared some of them. For example, the Animism. This mean that, not only humans have soul, also animals, plants, rocks or even the rain had it and it is said that, probably, it is one of the oldest beliefs of man.

Secondary deities were personifications of animals and natural forces. There were a lot of them so, obviously, we will only talk about the most famous. 
Two of the most known would be, for example:

• Coyote: it is known in the Great Plains and it is mostly represented as male, characterized as an irresponsible and trouble-making but very clever character, with powers over the rain. It is important in Navajo mythology. There is, in my opinion, a very interesting video which I would like to share with all of you about the legend of how the Coyote got his cunning.
• Raven: also like the Coyote, it is clever. It can be considered as a hero and, sometimes, it can be good or evil. Mainly known in Pacific Nortwest and Alaska.

Others were a combination of two or more animals and, in this case, they were considered as bad or evil creatures:

• Piasa bird: as we have found in a specialized web, this symbol "was believed to be a supernatural deity, similar to a dragon or mythical bird, who resided in the Underworld with the spirits associated with death and destruction.". You can find more information about it in the links below or cliking here.

• Avanyu: it was "one of the many snake-like deities that figure in the mythology of some Native American tribes, notably the Pueblo. The Avanyu symbol represented a benevolent but fearful creature. The meaning of the Avanyu symbol is the storm bringer and connected with lightning, thunderstorms and the guardian of water.". (Link)

As you may know and have noticed, mythology is a very wide topic in every culture but I tried to make a summary with all the most important things so, I hope you all like it and enjoy it. 

Also, if you would like to know more or have some questions, you can leave a comment!




Bibliography:

Bastian, D. E., & Mitchell, J. K. (s.f.). Handbook of Native American Mythology. 

http://www.godchecker.com/pantheon/native-american-mythology.php

http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-culture/mythical-creatures.htm
http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-symbols/avanyu-symbol.htm
http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-symbols/piasa.htm
http://www.native-languages.org/
http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-culture/native-american-mythology.htm
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-legends.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d2Zh318kRY