Stories the Iroquois Tell Their Children

by Mabel Powers

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, Folklore, Native Americans, Childrens

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1917

Reviews

[Gavin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories are well told, though they seem to combine English and Seneca stories, or the Seneca and Haudenosaunee stories have little English twists.

At one point, the author recalls an old Haudenosaunee man asking her why she was culturally appropriating his culture's stories and reprimanded her not to be a pretendian, but she seems to have not understood his meaning.

I also wonder at the image of an anglophone who can't speak any Haudenosaunee languages supposedly walking tent to tent telling Haudenosaunee stories to Haudenosaunee speakers.

Edward Cornplanter, who is briefly credited in this work, also composed his own collection of Seneca Myths and Folktales, and as I recall, he cautioned against listening to the versions of the stories by outsiders.

[Pedro López · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, beautiful, and lovely. I have an interest in folklore and decided on a whim to read this and it was so interesting. The book is written I think for children but that doesn't exactly matter when you're trying to spread stories from generation to generation. And I love these little stories! If you like folklore, give it a try. Very good for a site into some native American stories on how things came to be.

[Talea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great way to introduce children to Native American folklore. The stories are short and yet pull even adults in. They are great reminders to treat the land with respect and to appreciate the gifts we have been given.

[Xochiquetzalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a nice little book. I particularly liked the one about the Robin and why he's red-breasted, and the one about Corn, Bean and Squash and why they're planted next to each other.

[Vivek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection of nice little stories of Iroquois fables.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful!

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the stories were very different than the creation story I love

[Lewis Lacook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is thoroughly charming. Like a North American Brother's Grimm...

[PC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, short stories

Delightful little tales, though some don't quite live up to their titles, imo. Good for those who have little time, as most are probably just a page at most

[Mary Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read to Beau - mostly indifferent