IC
Title

Iroquoian Cosmology

Author
J. N. B. Hewitt
The Iroquois / Public domain
Details
7 chapters English Public domain
About this book

This is a set of literal translations of three Iroquois creation myths, from the Onondaga, Seneca and Mohawk tribes respectively. The interlinear translations in the original have been omitted for technical reasons. These myths of great interest for several reasons. The Iroquois Confederation was the dominant culture group in the northeastern region at the time of European contact, and as such has maintained its traditions in a fairly intact state. There are minor infiltrations of Biblical elements in the narrative, which are, however, easy to recognize.

The Iroquois had a matrilinear culture in which men and women shared power, which is reflected in this myth by the strong participation of female demi-gods in the creation. The translation is by an experienced anthropologist writing for an academic audience and so it is almost completely free of the sentimentality and prudishness that infected other contemporary books about Native American mythology and folklore.

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IC
Title

Iroquoian Cosmology

Author
J. N. B. Hewitt
The Iroquois / Public domain
Details
7 chapters English Public domain
About this book

This is a set of literal translations of three Iroquois creation myths, from the Onondaga, Seneca and Mohawk tribes respectively. The interlinear translations in the original have been omitted for technical reasons. These myths of great interest for several reasons. The Iroquois Confederation was the dominant culture group in the northeastern region at the time of European contact, and as such has maintained its traditions in a fairly intact state. There are minor infiltrations of Biblical elements in the narrative, which are, however, easy to recognize.

The Iroquois had a matrilinear culture in which men and women shared power, which is reflected in this myth by the strong participation of female demi-gods in the creation. The translation is by an experienced anthropologist writing for an academic audience and so it is almost completely free of the sentimentality and prudishness that infected other contemporary books about Native American mythology and folklore.

Audiobook

Listen to this edition

Audiobooks are coming soon

Narrated editions will appear here when they are ready to listen.

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Support the archive

$10 / month
Ad-free reading experience
1,000 Points monthly for Search usage
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Discussion

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Join conversations around this text and its interpretations.

IC
Title

Iroquoian Cosmology

Author
J. N. B. Hewitt
The Iroquois / Public domain
Details
7 chapters English Public domain
About this book

This is a set of literal translations of three Iroquois creation myths, from the Onondaga, Seneca and Mohawk tribes respectively. The interlinear translations in the original have been omitted for technical reasons. These myths of great interest for several reasons. The Iroquois Confederation was the dominant culture group in the northeastern region at the time of European contact, and as such has maintained its traditions in a fairly intact state. There are minor infiltrations of Biblical elements in the narrative, which are, however, easy to recognize.

The Iroquois had a matrilinear culture in which men and women shared power, which is reflected in this myth by the strong participation of female demi-gods in the creation. The translation is by an experienced anthropologist writing for an academic audience and so it is almost completely free of the sentimentality and prudishness that infected other contemporary books about Native American mythology and folklore.

Audiobook

Listen to this edition

Audiobooks are coming soon

Narrated editions will appear here when they are ready to listen.

Membership

Support the archive

$10 / month
Ad-free reading experience
1,000 Points monthly for Search usage
Unlimited bookmarks
Unlimited highlights & annotations
Helps fund new texts & growth
Become a Member

Cancel anytime. Helps us pay the bills.

Discussion

Community conversation

Discussions are coming soon

Join conversations around this text and its interpretations.