Name:

Mrs. Trippy

LA 3 Period _____

Date:

When Grizzlies Walked Upright and The Navajo Origin Legend

1. “Before there were people on earth…” tells us that this origin myth explains the origin or beginning of what? / The myth explains the origin of people. The Modoc ancestors
2. How does this origin myth relate to the region in which the Modoc people lived? / The animals, Mount Shasta and other features of the environment native to the area are mentioned.
3. Identify the elements of nature for which the sky spirit is responsible. / Mount Shasta, trees, rivers, animals (bears, beaver, otter, fish, birds)
4. For what are the Sky Spirit’s daughter and the grizzlies responsible? / They created the people, the Modoc ancestors. They also created Little Mt. Shasta.
5. What human traits (flaws) does the Sky Spirit show? / He is shows boredom, anger, pride, love, longing, and vengeance
6. What lessons should be learned from this myth? / Obey your parents (little spirit girl), think before you act (Grandma Grizzly), do not mix races (spirit girl & grizzly), don’t let your curiosity get the best of you (little spirit girl)
7. What Modoc custom is explained in this myth? / Modoc do not kill bears. If killed by a grizzly, the Indian’s body is burned on the spot. Respect for grizzlies.
8. The origin of what is explained in The Navajo Origin Legend? / The origin of the people, Navajo ancestors.
9. What cultural detail about the Navajo people does the order and ritual of the creation ceremony explain? / It shows that the Navajo valued and relied on order and ritual in their lives. This is necessary for those living off the land.
10. What customs are explained? / Ritual, ceremonies, and marriage are explained.
11. What does the wind represent? / The wind represents the element of magic. It also represents the breath of life.
12. Animals were the main focus of the other two origin myths. What was the focus of the Navajo people’s myths and what does this tell about their values? / Corn was the focus of this myth. It shows that even though animals were important, vegetation (corn) is the key to life in the Navajo culture.