World on the Turtle’s Back

1. “World on the Turtle’s Back” an Iroquois Creation Myth

2. DO NOW: Read pg. 32 and 33. What did you learn about the Iroquois? In your own words, what is a creation myth? Creation Myth: story of origin, explains how the natural world works, reflects social customs and traditions, serves as a guide/teaches lessons, involves supernatural beings or events

3. Why are people so eager to understand the origin of their world?

4. Cause and Effect Relationships Cause Pregnant woman wants forbidden roots Falling, she clutches at roots Muskrat gets dirt from the ocean bottom Woman walked as the sun moves Arrows – one sharp, one blunt Unnatural birth Animals molded out of clay Duels Grandma is killed Effect Husband makes a hole, she falls S eeds in her fingernails Woman plants seeds and grows plants Earth grew (origin of ritual dances) Birth of twins – truth and lies Mother dead Competition – prey and predators Ruler of the Sky (victor) and Ruler of Night and Shadows Her head becomes the moon

5. Balance Meat eaters and vegetarians Medicine and disease Population control World needs “good” and “evil” to function properly Why did the “evil” twin create medicine? Why did the “good” twin kill his brother and grandmother? Nothing is ALL “good” or ALL “evil”; people are a mix of good and bad.

6. Re-read the first three paragraphs. How is this myth similar to and different from other myths you’ve heard.? Details.

7. Lines 46-62. Consider the role that “all creatures” play in this myth. What does this suggest about the Iroquois’ attitude toward nature? Nature helps and supports the woman Animals are wise and resourceful Nature is revered and respected Woman takes care of nature and ensures that plants grow

8. Symbolism The Great Tree – tree of life/growth and knowledge, roots/ancestry, they reach in the earth and toward the sky (links all life), bridge between heaven and earth, wisdom Twins – balance; NOT good and evil, but right and left Woman – Mother Earth Do you know of any important mythological trees or twins from other cultures?

9. What did you learn about Iroquois beliefs and culture? World needs balance Respect for nature See themselves as part of nature, not superior to it ( circle of life ) Nature is sacred The ocean – always existed; eternal and godlike; unknown Why do you think the grandmother preferred the left handed twin?

10. Is this an effective creation myth? Does it explain everything? Which parts were interesting? Why?