Native American Stories of the Sacred: Annotated & Explained

by Evan T. Pritchard (Commentary)

The wisdom from these stories can become a companion on your own spiritual journey. Native American Stories of the Sacred are intended for more than entertainment: they are teaching tales containing elegantly simple illustrations of time-honored truths. From tales of Creation to "Why?" stories that help explain the natural world around us, these stories highlight the sacredness of all life and affirm that we are each an integral part of all that is holy. Drawn from tribes across North America, these are careful retellings of traditional stories such as Son of Light's quest to win back his captured wife from the monstrous Man-Eagle; humble Muskrat’s noble self-sacrifice to establish solid land so other beings might live; Water Spider’s creative solution for retrieving fire for all the animals; and White Buffalo Calf Woman’s profound gift of the sacred pipe to the people. Each of the compelling stories in this collection illustrates principles that can guide you on your own spiritual quest. Now you can experience the wisdom of these teaching tales even if you have no previous knowledge of Native American traditions. SkyLight Illuminations provides insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that explains the cultural and spiritual significance of the seemingly mundane objects found in these stories―tobacco, gambling, even the exploits of mischievous tricksters such as Coyote and Weasel―while gracefully drawing comparisons to Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu religious traditions, among others. Whatever your spiritual heritage, these Native American stories of the sacred are sure to delight and inspire you with the sacredness of all Creation, and remind you that the earth does not belong to us―we belong to the earth.

Genres: Folklore

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Resmiranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone seeking to expand their mystical library, this book is an excellent addition. The author is well-versed in many faiths and draws parallels and connections to the faiths of the First Peoples in easily understood terms. Good for anyone seeking an introduction to scholarly insight of the myths of the First Peoples.

[Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want knowledge, look to science. If you want wisdom, look to myth. Great book.

[Andy Fraenkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories from tribes across North America. Each tale comes with numerous points that enhance our understanding of the story and often drawing parallels to other spiritual traditions. Well done.