Choctaw Mythology: Captivating Myths from the Choctaw and Other Indigenous Peoples from the Southeastern United States

by Matt Clayton

Explore Captivating Choctaw Myths Many southeast peoples speak languages in the Muskogean language family, and many myths and tales also have versions that are shared among tribes. Rabbit is a trickster hero in all of these cultures, while other animals common to the region, such as turkeys and alligators, make appearances as well. Thunder beings appear in tales from both the Choctaw and Natchez peoples—only the Choctaw story is presented in this volume—while the owl acts as a villain in stories from both the Choctaw and the Caddo. The first part of this book contains Choctaw myths and legends. In this section are stories that explain Choctaw beliefs about the origin and structure of the universe and the origin of corn, an important staple food. The alligator appears here not as a villain but as a grateful recipient of human aid, while the owl is a murderous old woman. Adventurers seek new places in the Choctaw migration legend and in the story of Tashka and Walo, two boys who journey to the home of the Sun. The second half of the book comprises stories from six other southeastern the Seminole, Natchez, Alabama, Creek, Caddo, and Chitimacha. Animal characters such as Alligator, Rabbit, and Owl play roles here, too, the first in a just-so story about the shape of the alligator’s snout, the second in his usual guise as a wily trickster, and the third as a devious man who dupes two ambitious girls into becoming his wives. Journeys to the sky country are represented by the tale of the sky maidens who come down to Earth to play ball, and in the story of the gifts of Kutnahin, a solar deity of the Chitimacha people. Within this book, you'll find the following topics Choctaw Myths and LegendsLegends from Other Southern TribesGet the book now and learn more about Choctaw myths!

Genres: Mythology, History, Indigenous, Nonfiction, Religion

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2020

Reviews

[Meade Thornton-Madugula · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a member of the Choctaw tribe it was exciting to learn about my culture’s mythology that was previously unknown to me. I love learning more about my culture and this book did just that.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a regular reader of Captivating History books, I've been fortunate enough to review a number of mythology stories by different ethnic groups.  Today's subjects are the Choctaw Indians and their similar Southeastern American tribes, including the Alabama, Caddo, Chitimacha, Creek, Natchez, and Seminoles.  One thing I've learned is that each culture fills a need to provide their people with a story to explain their creation in this world.  The 'creation story' is the first story in this book.  

Then, there are stories from other groups of these Southeastern Indian tribes.  Animals (rabbits, alligators, turkeys, etc.,) take on human speech and teach us important lessons about life.  These stories were shared between tribes by oral tradition until they were finally written down.  Now, everyone can learn about the traditions, attitudes, and living principles that various tribes chose to live by through the centuries of their existence.  Those lessons teach us that we are far more alike than different.

[Dorothea L Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Choctaw Mythology

This is a good book with some very good renditions of Choctaw myths, and stories from the old times, This is the way our history, and hairitage are passed to the next generation.

[Kdcontorno · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️

I so enjoy and love these books! History, culture, beliefs... entertaining and educational. And the pique interest that leaves you searching for more!!

[George Polansky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting collection of Native American myths