Navajo Myth

“The Earth on Turtle's Back" and The Navajo Origin Legend are origin myths. What are origin myths?

• Stories about talking animals

• Stories about ancient people

• Stories that explain how life began

• Stories about present day

Is this story fiction or non-fiction?

• Fiction

• Non-Fiction

At the beginning of the story, what did the people of Navajo dry themselves with?

• Buckskins

• The wind

• Cornmeal

• Eagle feathers

Protrude means to

• Stick out

• Move forward

• Exit

• Move

A mirage is

• Something that looks real but is not

• A hallucination

• An optical illusion

• All of the above

The Navajo Origin Legend details the beginning of what?

• Corn

• The first man and woman of the Navajo Tribe

• The wind

• The gods

What might the corn symbolize in the story? (Think: what did the corn turn into?)

• Foundation of Life

• Foundation of Trust

• Family

• Thankfulness

In The Navajo Origin Legend, the ears of corn are laid out facing east and west. What part of the natural world does this arrangement represent?

• The phases of the moon

• Desert mirages

• The West Wind

• The rising and setting sun

Which of the following is a true statement about a myth?

• Myths are usually about everyday people and their daily lives.

• All myths attempt to explain the origin of earthly life.

• Myths often feature immortal beings.

• Myths rarely convey cultural values.

Which of the following would be a good title for the excerpt from The Navajo Origin Legend?

• The Feather of Life

• The Wind Brings Life

• Corn and Buckskin

• Gods of Corn