Posts: oral traditions
4/22/2019 4:31 PM by sylvia.paul
Native Studies 120 – The Oral Tradition
o
Oral
Tradition
is the first way people had of communicating
knowledge and beliefs from one generation to the next
o The
storyteller presents a story and listeners take from it the ideas and lessons
that they can use
o In
written language, it is very important to acknowledge the
author
; this
is not the case with oral works; it is not important who first told them.
o It
is also accepted that the details of the story will change in some regard over
time; the lesson, or theme, however, remains.
o
Creation Story
o
Legend
– a
sacred story set in historical times. Tells about encounters between humans and
other beings – monsters, spirits and Kluscap. Can take place in the spirit
world or in the ordinary world we know.
Read
“Kluscap and It-Is-Windy”
Q:
What lesson might be learned from the story about people’s relationship with
the environment? What might be learned, for example, from the water becoming
stagnant?
Q:
What lesson might Kluscap be teaching by untying just one of Wocawson’s wings?
***Creation Stories and Legends are considered to be
true; the yare sacred and used to teach truths about the world.
o
Tale
– tells about ordinary people or about animals who behave like people. Many are
humorous and point out human follies and weaknesses.
Read
“The Tale of Eniqs – The Ant”
o The
“
tone
” of storytellers is soft, evenly paced, steady and gently
rhythmic.
Kluscap:
o A
powerful being who once lived in the Maritime region who now lives in a faraway
place
o A
relative to all Wabanaki people; he has always been warm and generous to them
o Defeated
powerful forces of chaos and brought order to the world, making it a fit place
to live
o Changed
the geography of the land to make it more habitable:
-
tamed the wind (Wocawson)
-
drained a lake to dry out the Annapolis Valley
-
created the Reversing Falls in St. John
Would geologists agree??
o
Category:
Paul, S.
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