Myths have been defined as the following: \"The dramatic representation of cultu
ID: 3443314 • Letter: M
Question
Myths have been defined as the following: "The dramatic representation of culturally important truths in narrative form." A creation myth conveys a story of beginnings and identity, how the world began and where a people came from. Keep in mind, the term myth does not imply a false story, but one that a culture holds true and that shapes its identity. Myths typically emerge from oral tradition and are later transcribed and translated. With these thoughts in mind, compare and contrast the Iroquois creation story with either the biblical account or the Pima creation myth. You may also discuss a theme, such as relationships (between humans and animals, for instance), the role of women, attitudes toward death, etc. Myths have been defined as the following: "The dramatic representation of culturally important truths in narrative form." A creation myth conveys a story of beginnings and identity, how the world began and where a people came from. Keep in mind, the term myth does not imply a false story, but one that a culture holds true and that shapes its identity. Myths typically emerge from oral tradition and are later transcribed and translated. With these thoughts in mind, compare and contrast the Iroquois creation story with either the biblical account or the Pima creation myth. You may also discuss a theme, such as relationships (between humans and animals, for instance), the role of women, attitudes toward death, etc.Explanation / Answer
Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may add information based on your classwork wherever necessary.
(Answer) The Iroquois people were tribes that were indigenous to the continent of North America. They consisted of five tribes that were the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk. They are best known for building “longhouses” that housed many members of the family. They were also known as the Haudenosaunee people and lived until around the 1700’s.
Their gods and deities were prominent however, they believed in a certain “spirit god” that was responsible for the creation of the universe, the people, animals, plants and all the good forces of nature. This is somewhat similar to god or Yahweh or “I am” from the bible that was the central and only god in the Hebrew, Mosaic, Jewish and now Christian law. Although, the Christian law is centered upon God being three persons that are the father, the son and the holy spirit all in one.
The basic difference between the Iroquois and biblical god is that Jews and Christians believe that there is only one god. The Iroquois had several deities which would go against the first commandment of the Mosaic Law.
Animals in the Christian Law are below humans by nevertheless the creation of the same god. Considering that the Iroquois people had several deities, it is possible that their myth surrounded a pantheon that was responsible for “overseeing” several aspects of creation. Just like Zeus and Thor are the gods of lightning in Greek and Norse mythology respectively, the Iroquois god of Lightning and thunder is Guatauva.
Unlike the historical accounts in the Bible, a child’s lineage in Iroquois culture was traced through the mother and not the father. It was the women who ran the houses and owned everyday items in the house.
Iroquois believed that after death, a soul would embark on a journey full of impediments and would eventually end up in the land of the dead or the sky world. This is similar to the Christian idea of purgatory and paradise that would eventually lead to heaven or hell based on the soul’s contrition and faith in Christ.
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