Turtle Island Native Network. This is just one story about Turtle Island. Perhaps you have others you wish to share with us. The following presents an educational opportunity to relate First Nations concepts about our existence and the world around us, especially our deteriorating environment. Long ago, before the Earth was here, all was water. Many creatures lived in the water, swimming about. Far above the clouds, there was, however, a land where lived a powerful chief. His wife was going to have a baby. In that Sky land was a great tree with four large roots, stretching out to each of the four sacred directions, and bearing many kinds of fruits and flowers. "I have heard," said one, "that there is earth far below the waters. Deeper and deeper she dove until her little lungs almost burst. Turtle said, "Put it on my back. And so they did. Native American Wisdom. Indian Legends. Native American Indian Legends A-B. Native American, Legends. Through the years stories have served to provide man with a way of passing on their heritage, their values, and can tell the story of the development of whole cultures.
These were particularly important before man had written language. The history of a civilization was passed down from generation to generation by such stories. Much can be learned about a people from their folklore and legends. Below is a small sampling of Native American stories, excerpted from StoneE's Weblodge. Many more fascinating tales and information can be found at his site on the links page. "Earth Making" Earth is floating on the waters like a big island, hanging from four rawhide ropes fastened at the top of the Sacred four directions. Well, in the beginning also, water covered everything. In the beginning the earth was flat, soft, and moist.
Then the animals sent Grandfather Buzzard down. At last the earth was hard and dry enough, and the animals descended. "Lets grab Sun from up there behind the rainbow! Native American Myths at Americanfolklore.