White Wolf Woman: Native American Transformation Myths

American Storytelling

by Teresa Pijoan

With the aid of more than 40 myths from the oral traditions of 30 native American tribes, ranging from the Eskimos to the Indians of Guiana, Pijoan invites readers to take a close look at the common spirit that binds together all forms of life. The native American heroes and heroines in these myths, imbued with the strength of this common spirit, possess the power to transform themselves into snakes, birds, bears, wolves, and occasionally as in the Sikyatki tale, Water Jar Boy into everyday objects.

Genres: Native American, Mythology

168 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[Angraecus Daniels · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needed more background and analysis of the individual myths/stories

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I basically tripped over this book on Ebay while I was looking for another. Being that it was Native American mythoi I was intrigued to give it a read since I had just finished with another book that had been about Coyote stories.

The stories were interesting and include story notes that tell you how Teresa Pijoan came across the stories. There was information also included to explain some parts that may have been confusing (although not always the case) and the Afterword went into details about Native American beliefs for those of us that are looking in.

What I found fascinating with this collection of stories was the fact you could hear the different storytellers in the telling of their stories. There was no individual voice but many, which is a blessing when you are reading about various tales.

Altogether a good introduction and a beautiful collection of various myths showing the "togetherness" of Native American beliefs. Due to the graphic nature of some stories I wouldn't offer it to a child.

[Megalion]

not in ebook format