Pawnee Hero Stories and Folk-Tales With notes on the origin, customs and character of the Pawnee people

by George Bird Grinnell

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Native Americans, Folklore

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 1976

About the author

George Bird Grinnell was an American anthropologist, historian, naturalist, and writer. Grinnell was born in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from Yale University with a B.A. in 1870 and a Ph.D. in 1880. Originally specializing in zoology, he became a prominent early conservationist and student of Native American life. Grinnell has been recognized for his influence on public opinion and work on legislation to preserve the American bison. Mount Grinnell is named after Grinnell.

Reviews

[Robert Frecer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not another normal collection of American folk tales - no Coyote, no Fox, no anthropomorphic animals - but a fascinating group of hero stories that testify to a living historical tradition of Pawnee exploits that were so memorable as to inspire worship. More than one involve being left for dead on the warpath, cut into pieces and being resurrected.

A good look at Plains Indian life that is slightly less tragic and fatalistic than most depictions.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Los nativos americanos forman parte de mis debilidades, y estos cuentos (relatados a su autor durante su larga estancia en las Praderas) han sido enriquecedores y reveladores en cuanto a su vida y costumbres. Los he disfrutado mucho y quedan recomendadísimos.

[Gabriel Galletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A diligent and important book. Very interesting, and will keep your attention, specifically at the "Notes on the Pawnees" half of the book.

[Sherrie Dux-Ideus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful book.

[Alan Bach · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first hundred pages or so are the hero tales. These stories are structured like an elder spontaneously telling a story or anecdote of their former heroic youth, and are a bit of a mixed bag, with some not having a satisfying conclusion. The folk tales that follow are more interesting with supernatural happenings, although the stories ar never clear how all these supernatural beings grant great success on the war path or in the hunt or as a doctor; it sort of just happens, and that makes the stories a bit repetitive. The historical descriptions of the Pawnee people's way of life actually makes up the largest section of the book, and was surprisingly the most interesting.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. It really helped to understand how the Pawnee lived before the 1870s. It would have been nice to have a section on language and more in depth sections on medicine and such but this book is a great start at learning about the Pawnee religion, culture, and practices.