When hearing the words trickster tales, one may assume it to be a fictional story. But the narrative that is about to unfold before you is veracious. The Native American trickster tale “Ikto Conquers Iya, the Eater” is an unusual, enthralling piece of literature. A trickster is known by definition as a “a deceiver; cheat; fraud” (Dictionary), but this tale is more about using wit in a comical way. There’s a deeper message within the text.
“Ikto Conquers Iya, the Eater” seems silly throughout it, but if you look for a meaning within any piece of this text it is there. As Iktomi was wandering around he ran into Iya on the hill top, and they begin arguing about who is eldest. “Ikto said Well, well, well my younger brother, - or is he my elder brother? - Has! [damn it!] which of us is the elder anyway?” (Baym 2007) The dispute seemed frivolous at first, but this argument was initiated to state dominance. Whomever was oldest was in charge. It determined how people behaved towards you. “There isn’t any doubt now I am the elder said Ikto.” (Baym 2007) As it was decided that Ikto was the eldest, Iya and him began their journey to a tribal camp.
Iya being the “younger brother” he could not pull …show more content…
I will select the center tipi, and mark it with a cross, and then I shall return. Then we two can go together, and, starting at either end, we shall progress towards the center tipi, eating the people as we go. And he who arrives first at that center tipi shall have the right to eat his opponent, as his reward for winning.” (Baym 2007) The quote about “marking the center tipi with a cross”, shows the oppressiveness of white religion on the Native Americans. Most of the Christian people tried to justify their actions by saying “its to save their souls”. But in reality they were trying to change the Native Americans whole way of life. They didn’t ask if they wanted the Christian religion but was forcing them to learn
“Ikto Conquers Iya, the Eater” seems silly throughout it, but if you look for a meaning within any piece of this text it is there. As Iktomi was wandering around he ran into Iya on the hill top, and they begin arguing about who is eldest. “Ikto said Well, well, well my younger brother, - or is he my elder brother? - Has! [damn it!] which of us is the elder anyway?” (Baym 2007) The dispute seemed frivolous at first, but this argument was initiated to state dominance. Whomever was oldest was in charge. It determined how people behaved towards you. “There isn’t any doubt now I am the elder said Ikto.” (Baym 2007) As it was decided that Ikto was the eldest, Iya and him began their journey to a tribal camp.
Iya being the “younger brother” he could not pull …show more content…
I will select the center tipi, and mark it with a cross, and then I shall return. Then we two can go together, and, starting at either end, we shall progress towards the center tipi, eating the people as we go. And he who arrives first at that center tipi shall have the right to eat his opponent, as his reward for winning.” (Baym 2007) The quote about “marking the center tipi with a cross”, shows the oppressiveness of white religion on the Native Americans. Most of the Christian people tried to justify their actions by saying “its to save their souls”. But in reality they were trying to change the Native Americans whole way of life. They didn’t ask if they wanted the Christian religion but was forcing them to learn