The Origin of the Milky Way and Other Living Stories of the Cherokee

by Barbara R. Duncan (Editor), Shan Goshorn (Illustrator)

Cherokee people have lived in the Great Smoky Mountains for thousands of years. During all this time, they have told stories to each other to explain how things came to be, to pass on lessons about life, and to describe the mountains, animals, plants, and spirits around them. The Origin of the Milky Way and Other Living Stories of the Cherokee collects 27 stories that are great for kids and are still being told by storytellers today.

Presented by members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in their own words, the stories appear in free-verse form, like poems on the page, so that if you read them aloud, you can hear the rhythm of the stories as they were originally told. Barbara R. Duncan provides a helpful introduction that describes Cherokee people's past and present ways of life and their storytelling traditions. The book also includes a glossary of key words from the stories, suggestions for further reading, and notes on the storytellers. For young readers, for parents to read aloud to young listeners, and for teachers and libraries, The Origin of the Milky Way provides an excellent introduction to Cherokee culture. (For readers age 9 and up.)

Storytellers:
Davy Arch
Robert Bushyhead
Edna Chekelelee
Marie Junaluska
Kathi Littlejohn
Freeman Owle

Genres: Native American, History

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2008

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adapted for children from Duncan's earlier (1998) adult collection, Living Stories of the Cherokee , this collection of twenty-seven traditional tales is divided into seven thematic sections, and includes an introduction that explains some basics of Cherokee culture and history. Duncan, education director at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in North Carolina, has taken great care to reproduce these tales in the same colloquial language and form in which they were told, giving credit to the original storytellers: Davy Arch, Robert Bushyhead, Edna Chekelelee, Marie Junaluska, Kathi Littlejohn, and Freeman Owle.

Here the reader/hearer will learn some important lessons about how the Cherokee, both young and old, are meant to interact with one another, with the animals, and with the environment. The importance of respect, and consideration for the feelings of others, is continually emphasized. Here too the reader will encounter tales of the supernatural, from horrible monsters such as Spearfinger, to the Spirit Warriors of the Nikwasi Mound.

Both entertaining and educational, The Origin of the Milky Way is enhanced by Cherokee artist Shan Goshorn's illustrations, and should prove popular with young folktale enthusiasts. I myself was charmed by the inclusion of the tale of the "first strawberries," which I had already encountered through Joseph Bruchac's lovely picture book.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audible book and it was excellent.

[Jessie Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish more of the stories were in Cherokee. Only the titular story is available in both languages.

[Ina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet book. A bit of context and facts are given amongst the stories which was really helpful in understanding them. Some stories I liked more than others, but reading them all was interesting and informative.

[Melissa Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice illustrations and the stories are conversational, as they would be in an oral tradition. Each section has a topic introduction that gives the stories some context. It can act as a springboard for YA and adults alike to want to learn/read/research more.

[Norman Styers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some nice myths and moral fables. The book is a compilation from several storytellers, some of whom (of course) are better than others, but the tales are memorable.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I find most fascinating about legends are the similarities between cultures. Every culture that I have read about has a story of "little people" who help and sometimes cause mischief. As you read these legends, you may find similarities with legends from your own culture. Point those out and draw comparisons with your children so that they will better relate to the story.