Cherokee Mythology: Captivating Myths and Legends of a Native American Tribe

by Matt Clayton

Explore Captivating Cherokee Myths In Cherokee myth—as in other Indigenous American traditions—the whole of creation is alive and able to communicate like humans and with the human beings who share their environment. Cherokee myths explain how the world came to be the way it is, and impart important lessons about Cherokee cultural values. In the collection of stories retold in this volume, you will learn why the opossum has no fur on its tail, how the bat and the flying fox were created, and how medicine and disease came to afflict human beings, while the misfortunes and desires of animals and birds become expressions of important Cherokee cultural values, such as modesty of speech, humility, and gratitude for the earth’s bounty. Like the human beings with whom they share their world, the animals and birds play stickball and hold dances, and they have councils in townhouses—communal spaces that were an important part of Cherokee settlements. These stories are very old—passed down from generation to generation by storytellers who wished to instruct, entertain, and keep their traditions alive. They are part of a living tradition; the cultural fabric of an Indigenous American people who have survived against terrible odds, continue to live according to their traditional values and wish to create a better future for themselves and their children. Within this book, you'll find the following Cherokee Myths and topics Why the Possum’s Tail is BareKanati and SeluThe Tlanuwa and the UktenaTwo Tales of Snake TransformationsThe Daughter of the SunThe Ball Game of the Birds and AnimalsHow Disease and Medicine Came to BeAnd much more!Get the book now and learn more about myths and legends of the Cherokee!

Genres: Mythology, History, Nonfiction

54 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2020

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short compilation of traditional Cherokee stories; it's entertaining, fun and easy to read and share with the kids.

I liked it

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

When this book shared the information that the Cherokee Indians spoke an Iroquoian-related language, it was obvious that the author was correct in saying that the Cherokee originally lived in the northern part of the United States.  When they interacted with the Europeans, they had already moved in a more southeastern direction.  

I would be interested in learning more about something mentioned on page 3: "In the twentieth century, the conversion of the Oklahoma Territory into the state of Oklahoma in 1907 led to a dismantling of much of the infrastructure the Cherokee had built to govern themselves and educate their children,...." I know that the Cherokee Indians are part of the Five Civilized Tribes (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole, and Creek Indians), but was unaware they had an organized system of government and education. 

The stories highlighted here seemed a bit different than myths of other civilizations.  So often, myths give the reason why something is the way it is.  Certainly, some of these stories do that.  However, some stories are just tales shared over the generations, without a particular 'moral to the story' or an explanation of why an animal acts a certain way.  And that is fine; I was just interested that these stories were unique to the Cherokee. 
 
The Cherokee seemed to be particularly disdainful of pride and jealousy.  Their stories show the unfortunate results of prideful and jealous people and creatures.  I really appreciate Captivating History gathering these stories for readers' edification.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intriguing book! I decided to read it because I’m interested in myths and folktales from around the world, and since my grandmother was Cherokee (according to family) I wanted to know more. I’m so glad I read this quick book. It’s very informative with wonderfully descriptive stories. If you like folk tales or myths, I definitely recommend this book.

*I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read mythology from different walks of life and have read many throughout my reading career and I must say I’ve always thought is my good children’s stories. They explain things around us and even teach a lesson from time to time and the Cherokee nation mythology is no different I highly recommend this book.

[Michael Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stores at the origin of things

This book is very interesting story about the origin of diseases and how many of the animals came to be what they are today. It’s very interesting to read the stories and very informative.

[Nicole Wimmler · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting

Interesting to read about their legends. Some were very interesting some seemed weird. Read for a college course book review. Liked it had different reasons why things were the way they were

[George Polansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sampling of Cherokee Mythology.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting. I like this kind of book.

[Dorothea L Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherokee Mythology

This is a very good book with several good Cherokee stories about how things came to be I knew the stories, but enjoyed reading them again.

[Gaylord · Rating 3 out of 5]

Left wanting

I had hoped for more than a few bedtime stories on the topic of Cherokee Mythology. There is little of substance here.

[Morgan Sim-Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories that really make you think about being a good person and have morals.