How did the world begin? Myths (or sacred stories) seek to answer this fundamental human question. We’ll explore the Earth Diver myth as an example of an orally told form of Native American verbal folklore.

 

First, we’ll uncover what myths are and hear several variations of the Earth Diver myth. Next, we’ll assess Earth Diver’s place amongst various Native American creation myths, trace back its spatial and historical origins, and uncover its essential elements (or conservative features). Finally, we’ll probe various interpretations of the meaning of the Earth Diver myth and its ongoing significance and relevance to Native American culture.