The Dawn of the World: Myths and Tales of the Miwok Indians of California

by Clinton Hart Merriam, Lowell J. Bean (Introduction)

The stories collected in The Dawn of the World were related by the Miwok elders "after the first rains of the winter season, usually in the ceremonial roundhouse and always at night by the dim light of a flickering fire. They constitute the religious history of the tribe, and from time immemorial have been handed down by word of mouth," writes C. Hart Merriam. Included are creation myths and accounts of the First People, beings who antedated humans, as well as tales about animals, death and ghosts, witches and giants, and natural phenomena.

273 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1993

About the author

Clinton Hart Merriam was an American zoologist, mammalogist, ornithologist, entomologist, ethnographer, and naturalist.

Reviews

[Emily M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't expect a polished, "Grimm's fairytales"-style collection here. These tales instead appear to be written down exactly as they were told to Merriam, which means there are often multiple overlapping but slightly contradictory versions of the same stories. But that is how living folklore sounds! A really fascinating collections that is particularly recommended for anyone who lives in California.
Full review: https://ajungleoftales.blogspot.com/2...