Reading Notes: Tales of the North American Indians, Part B

Why do these start off with murder of children? Ah, so frazzled. A killer came into a home and killed a pregnant woman and found twin boys. One was put hidden in curtains, another in a spring. This is slightly demonic. The boys found their way home to the father, went to revive the mother, and she rose from the dead.

The boys constantly did not obey their father’s commands.

There was a woman that had many husbands. This story is more descriptive of the Native American culture.

Walrus by NOAA's Ark

Aioswe had two wives. There is some sort of incest happening, and I’m uncomfortable. The father left his son, and a walrus is taking him back. The walrus had to go under if there was thunder, but the boy lied and caused the death of the walrus. He also caused the death of two older women. They elbowed each other to death.

Aw, the brother and sister’s name are Sun and Star. The title of these stories are usually named after a character in the story, such as Dirty Boy.


Bibliography: Tales of the North American Indians by Stith Thompson