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 second half of the book comprises stories from six other southeastern tribes: 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.
If you want to learn more about the myths and legends of the Choctaw myths, get this book now!
