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Values and Morals through Native American Myths and Tales

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Values and Morals through Native American Myths and Tales
Values in Native American Tales Throughout all forms of Native American tales and myths we see many values and aspects portrayed by the Native American people. In the myths that are read, the reader can easily pick off and single off values that the Native American people truly saw were thoroughly important in their time and society. The Native American people believed in many aspects which were usually considered important values for people to possess. The thing about Native American myths and tales that is found astonishing is the fact that these stories are most likely improbable but regardless of that, these stories still depict great human qualities that everyone should have. Native American myths capture the culture and values of the society in which it was produced with the morals involving love and friendship, the relationship between humans and animals and trust and loyalty. Firstly, in opinion one of the biggest values told by the Native Americans has indeed have to be love and friendship. There are several appearances of these two morals throughout the myths, this indicates that the Native Americans did in fact see these values as quite important. Right off the bat, we see in the first story “The Earth on Turtle’s Back” the animals in the story see the women and instantly try to care for and make sure the women is safe, “We must do something to help her” this shows somewhat of a base for the love the animals radiate toward the women. As the story progresses we also see quotes such as, “Look, she doesn’t have webbed feet. I don’t think she can live in the water.” This is also another form showing love and friendship because Native Americans are extremely caring toward one another, even if that life form isn’t even of the same species. Also in the myth “Iroquois Constitution” we see quotes such as, “Your heart shall be filled with peace and good will and your mind filled with yearning for the welfare of the people of the confederacy.” If Native

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