Native American Mythology Terms

A broad category of myth that explains how something came to exist

referencing something famous, or that the reader is expected to recognize

The idea that there is a female creative force (rather than male) that shows up in mythologies from all over the world

the quality of being holy, worthy of respect and reverence

An idea, image, or character type that you see in literature and myths from all over the world.

You can find examples of trickster characters in modern TV shows, books, and movies.

learning something new and surprising, usually in a dramatic way

Why an author chooses to write

A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art

a person thought of as an inspired teacher or voice of the will of God.

A character in mythology who is sneaky and usually causes trouble for the gods or mankind.

stories and explanations which describe the beginnings of humanity (mankind), earth life, and the universe

The moral of a story and the theme are the same thing

Stories and traditions that are NOT written down and pass by word of mouth from one generation to the next.

a distant relative, someone who came before