In this section are descriptions of Native American Mythologies and mythological beings described in the encyclopedia. This new section is being constructed.
Concepts, ideas, definitions and beliefs about the native american mythology myths and stories.
The term Eskimo was used to describe a member of the artic nomadic race, which appears to be the Algonquin Indian. The term means “raw-meat eater,” which was adopted by the early French explorers, being first recorded in 1611, and then by the English. Today most Eskimos regard the name pejorative and prefer to … Read more
Wakan Tanka is the Sioux name for the Great Spirit or Great Mystery in Native American Mythology. Another name for wakan tanka is “the divine” and “the sacred”. Its pronunciation is “wack-in tink-ah”. Wakan Tanka is the creator of the world or universe according to some myths. Believed to be the All-Providing One. This Spirit … Read more
Through Shamanistic communication according to some traditions the dead live in an underworld, which is not too happy, resembling this word, but darker. There is much hunger because descendants failed to give offering from their good hunting. The life of the Inuits was like that, and they expected it to continue in similar manner … Read more
Tungrangayak, in Alaska, is a spirit or divinity know as the wisest of the wise; as is depicted with his body covered by circles or eyes with which he can see everything: “my whole body is nothing but eyes…I look in every direction.” A.G.H. Source: Grimal, Pierre, Larousse World Mythology, Secaucus, New Jersey, Chartwell Books, 1965, … Read more
Tulungusaq, in one Inuit (Eskimo) creation myth, is the creature who came alive in the dead, silvery sky. He met the Swallow who came prior to him that showed him the deep abyss with hardening clay at the bottom. Afterwards he disguised himself as a crow with artificial feathers, wings, and beak, a disguise … Read more
The character of the trickster is prominent in Native American mythology even though it has a far reaching history in that it is considered to be a general god archetype. Joseph Campbell called the trickster “the chief mythological character of the Paleolithic world.” Carl Jung referred to the trickster as the expression of a … Read more
