Myth-Folklore Unit: Alaskan Legends
(Myths and Legends of Alaska)
I chose this unit because we just finished learning about
the Haida and Inuit people in my Native American Music class. I really enjoy
origin and creation stories. These stories are always fun and interesting. It
is cool to read about the different beliefs that people have. I noticed that the
number 4 is used a lot in these stories (4 days, 4 years, Raven waves his wings
4 times). In class, we learned that the number 4 is sacred to a lot of tribes
because it is connected to nature through the 4 seasons, connected to the 4
directions, and connected to the 4 elements. I also really enjoyed the polar bear and mosquito
origins within these stories. I thought it was funny how the mosquitoes were
told to bite people instead of bite/eat animals. In hindsight, I don’t think
that was the best thing to tell the mosquitoes. I thought the story of how the
reindeer lost their sharp teeth was interesting as well. Who would have known
that the sweet little animals that we associate with Christmas and Santa Clause
used to be vicious little creatures that terrorized and ate people.
(Reindeer)
I've noticed a lot of your notes this week focus on the Alaskan myths and legends and that it seems to coincide with your Native American Music class. I think if you could find some Native music from that region and incorporate it into the story as either a music video or an embedded media player it would add an extra element to the readings for those of us who haven't read it yet. Personally, I really enjoy experiencing the music from different cultures because it almost gives me a better 'feel' for that culture and immerses me more in their stories. I think I'm going to choose the Alaskan myths for next week's unit because the notes you've been taking about them are fascinating? Carnivorous reindeer and splitting women apart? Sounds intriguing!
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