Creation myths are one of the most important works of literature in a variety of culture. In the foundation of every culture, there is a creation myth, or theory, that gives an elucidation of the formation of the Earth and its inhabitants. The phenomenon of the universe’s existence greatly impacts cultures in the world. Some believe that they have to worship a certain god (or gods) to reach a heavenly state while others believe in logic. While some creation myths are very similar, others are very different. For example, one Chinese creation myth tells of their creator, Pangu, being born of a cosmic egg. Pangu stood up and split the egg in half. This created Heaven and Earth. The Iroquois’ “The World on the Turtle’s Back” and N. Scott Momaday’s
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The animals in “The World on the Turtle’s Back” are serene and loyal creatures. Before the left-handed twin created animals to balance out the right-handed twin’s animals, the animals lived in a peaceful state. The animals, like the birds, muskrat, and turtle, all understand the importance of the woman. They recognize the importance of the god-like, Sky World human falling from the hole. The other Sky-People saw the woman fall through the hole and did nothing to help her. The animals were the ones to save the woman and supply her with the dirt needed to survive. The muskrat knew the consequences of diving and was willing to give his life to convey a handful of dirt from the ocean floor (36). In contrary, the animals referred to in The Way to Rainy Mountain, were violent and aggressive. For example, the bear, as mentioned in the Kiowa’s creation myth, was also violent and aggressive. The bear (once a boy) chases his sisters up a tree, in a determined effort to kill them. Without stopping, the bear attempts to claw his way up the tree (55). Another example to support that animals were violent and aggressive is that the animals were sacrificed in Kiowa rituals. During the Sun Dance ritual, select individuals would ride out to slay a powerful bull. Bulls are tranquil creatures, but when they are disturbed, they can become very hostile. Many animals used in rituals are animals that represent power and strength. If a man can take down the animal, then they are considered worthy of their tribe. This shows how different the roles of animals were in the Iroquois’ creation myth when compared to N. Scott Momaday’s
The animals in “The World on the Turtle’s Back” are serene and loyal creatures. Before the left-handed twin created animals to balance out the right-handed twin’s animals, the animals lived in a peaceful state. The animals, like the birds, muskrat, and turtle, all understand the importance of the woman. They recognize the importance of the god-like, Sky World human falling from the hole. The other Sky-People saw the woman fall through the hole and did nothing to help her. The animals were the ones to save the woman and supply her with the dirt needed to survive. The muskrat knew the consequences of diving and was willing to give his life to convey a handful of dirt from the ocean floor (36). In contrary, the animals referred to in The Way to Rainy Mountain, were violent and aggressive. For example, the bear, as mentioned in the Kiowa’s creation myth, was also violent and aggressive. The bear (once a boy) chases his sisters up a tree, in a determined effort to kill them. Without stopping, the bear attempts to claw his way up the tree (55). Another example to support that animals were violent and aggressive is that the animals were sacrificed in Kiowa rituals. During the Sun Dance ritual, select individuals would ride out to slay a powerful bull. Bulls are tranquil creatures, but when they are disturbed, they can become very hostile. Many animals used in rituals are animals that represent power and strength. If a man can take down the animal, then they are considered worthy of their tribe. This shows how different the roles of animals were in the Iroquois’ creation myth when compared to N. Scott Momaday’s