Myths and Legends of the Mississippi Valley and the Great Lakes

by Katharine Berry Judson

The book is a collection of early Indian myths and legends that originated in the Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes regions.

Mystery, magic, and manitoes abound in the land of Hiawatha, in the land of the Ojibwas, among the green islands, graceful and beautiful, lying amidst the dancing blue waters when the sun shines over Gitche Gomee, the Great Water (Lake Superior). Manitoes, great and mighty, lived in the cool depths of the mighty forests, in the rivers and lakes, and even in the snows of winter. And adventures there were in those early days amongst these islands of the North, when manitoes directed the affairs of men.

But quite different are the tales of the Southland –of the Cherokees, Biloxis, and Chitimachas. They are stories of wild turkeys, of persimmons and raccoons, and of the spirits which dwell in the mountain places where none dare go. Stories also are they of Brer Rabbit and the tar wolf, which came from Indian slaves working in the fields in early days, through the negro slaves working beside them, to the children of the white men.

252 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[April · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had so much potential. Native American Heritage is rich and beautiful, but the narrator for this book was terrible. The writing style also made this myth retelling boring. It was 'He walked there, she said this, that happened, next.' The whole book was robotic and unfeeling. I hope I can find a better written book on this heritage.

[Veronika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection.