Week 9 Reading Diary continued: Heroes

Heroes: Lodge-Boy and Thrown-Away

Story source from Tales of the North American Indians by Stith Thompson (1929)

Throughout the beginning there are several questions not answered. Who is the Red-Women and how does the father know she killed his wife? Are the boys that appear in complete human form or are they ghosts come back to life? The father does not question where they come from or who they are. 

The father uses his first son, Thrown-behind-the-curtain, to trick his second son, Thrown-in-Spring, to come onto land. This is where we figure out Thrown-behind-the-curtain is human and Thrown-in-Spring turns into a human. 

Crow Tribe 1840

(Source: Wikipedia)

The boys disobeyed their father multiple times. Usually in the act of disobeying, children end up getting hurt or in trouble. By disobeying their father they are actually doing heroic actions and saving others from harm. Sometimes bravery overpowers fear. 

Week 9 Reading Diary: Native American Hero Tales

The Jealous Uncle

Story Source: Tales of the North American Indians by Stith Thompson (1929) 

This was definitely a different style of telling a hero style. The beginning involves incredible heartache for the nephew's family. After the first two sons are born, the family continues to find strength when they conceal the identity of the third son. 

The main characteristic was the nephew's cunningness. It saved his life multiple times and protected him from his uncle. It was also his strength that helped him begin a new life on Eagle land. 

Such was his passion and love for his family, that he returned to save his parents from his uncle. He also protects his previous village by getting rid of his uncle. Hence the reason he is deemed a hero.

Eagle Land in Kodiak, Alaska

Source: Wikipedia

Bluejay and His Companions

Story Source: Tales of the North American Indians by Stith Thompson (1929)

So many times we are put in situations where it's easier to not say anything. This can prevent a situation from getting out of hand but it could also hinder the situation from ever being solved. The grouse is put in this situation at the beginning. I think it happens more than we realize.

Often times we are at a point where actions speak louder than words. The grouse puts his skills to the test to get back at the five men. In doing so, one drowns at sea. Another has to compete with a village to survive and protect the other three that are left. 

The group of four that is left are challenged a few more times and have to fight for their survival. They eventually make their way back home. I think in a way they realize not to treat others badly because ... hello, karma!