Myths and Tales of the Jicarilla Apache Indians

by Morris Edward Opler

Classic study of myths relating to creation, agriculture and rain, hunting rituals, coyote cycle, monstrous enemy stories, many more.

Genres: Mythology, Short Stories, Nonfiction

406 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1974

Reviews

[Mesoscope · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb and fascinating collection of Jicarilla myths and legends by a prominent ethnographer and folklorist, superbly collected and presented in clear, easy-to-follow language that remains close to the oral sources. This is an indispensable reference for anyone interested in the Apache, or, more generally, in the cultures of the desert southwest.

Many parallels will be found by neighboring Pueblo cultures, and with the Athapascan cousins of the Apache, the Navajo. The Apache share important features of cosmology, such as belief in a human origin from underneath the ground. The principle culture heroes, Slayer-of-Monsters and Child-of-the-Waters, are also common to the region.

Very excellent volume.