Function Of Native American Legends

By Tammie Caldwell


Passing traditional customs of a community and offering of solutions to the contemporary problems facing it is achieved through storytelling. Every native setting comprises of their own kind of stories based on their geographical location and the environment they dwell in. All stories have a way that best explains the intended motive. Native American legends are among such stories and have been used so achieve certain functions.

The fact that these legends are told to a line of generations ensure that no member belonging to this community is left out from listening to them. This is an efficient way of bridging the generational gap. Through them, the traditions of communities are passed to each and every member who ensures that the culture is always kept alive.

The modern way of learning is a threat to most cultures. Foreign cultures as well as languages are being embraced and thus eroding the existing ones. The fact that these legends are told through the respective native language greatly help in preserving it. Most narrators are the elderly who have an upper understanding of these languages and are in a position to effectively teach them to all concerned members.

Nature comprises much. It is marked by numerous changes as well as natural occurrences. Giving a clear of explanation on the course of such occurrences proves to be a difficult task. Stories however are in a position to clearly elaborate on such happenings as well as give solutions on what needs to be done to avoid them.

Through legends, the origin myths or believes of a community are made known to the members. Every native setting has a different version of how they came into being. Religion is also passed through them and they offer explanations of the same as well as define the supreme beings and how to relate with them.

Roles such as division of labor are well upheld in native settings. Through stories, members are in a position to learn who is able to carry out a certain task and who should not. They also get to know how they should relate and respect each other. Sharing of responsibilities is put into consideration to ensure that the community is in a position to thrive.

Inclusion of songs, music and dances in stories play a number of roles. They are a source of entertainment when being performed to the community. The wordings carry some meaning with them and are used to pass through some massage. Also members learn the occasions where to sing the songs or dance and the appropriate members to perform them according to the theme of the story.

Existence of superheroes is common in many community legends. They are believed to have different superpowers and are superior to the ordinary members. Such are explained to have done certain services that greatly helped the communities. They act as role models to the young generations who would like to take up their roles or emulate them when they grow. Boundaries for attaining such are set and the interested have to work hard to attain them.




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