Instructions
Read through the information and questions in each section. The legends and oral traditions of Indigenous peoples are rich with history, values, and explanations of the world. Answer the questions thoughtfully and completely in the spaces provided.
Part 1: The Emergence - A Creation Story
Many tribes in the Southwest, including the Hopi and the Diné (Navajo), share a type of creation story known as an Emergence story. These legends describe a journey of the "First People" upward through a series of underworlds before finally emerging into the current world, often called the "Glittering World." Each world below was flawed in some way—filled with darkness, conflict, or floods—prompting the people's ascent.
For the Hopi, the place of emergence is called the sipapu, a sacred hole in the ground which is symbolically represented in their kivas (underground ceremonial chambers). In the Diné tradition, the journey through the lower worlds is guided and sometimes complicated by the Holy People (Diyin Dinéʼ) and the mischievous actions of Coyote, the trickster. These stories establish the people's relationship with the land, their social order, and their spiritual beliefs.
Part 2: Key Figures and Concepts
Match the figure or concept from Column A with the best description in Column B. Write the letter of your answer in the "Your Answer" column.
| Column A: Figure/Concept | Your Answer | Column B: Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Coyote | A. A revered being in many Hopi stories who helped people and taught them skills like weaving. Often seen as a helper to the Creator. | |
| 2. I'itoi (The Man in the Maze) | B. Benevolent supernatural beings in Apache traditions, represented by masked dancers in ceremonies, who are believed to hold healing powers. | |
| 3. Gaan (Mountain Spirits) | C. A central figure in Akimel O'odham (Pima) legends who created the people. His journey represents the path of life, with its choices and challenges. | |
| 4. Spider Grandmother | D. An important character in many tribal legends, known for being a clever trickster. He often causes trouble but can sometimes accidentally help humanity through his schemes. |
Part 3: Critical Thinking and Reflection
The role of a "trickster" (like Coyote) is complex. They are not purely good or evil. They often break rules, act selfishly, and create chaos. However, their actions sometimes lead to positive, unintended outcomes, such as bringing fire to humans or scattering the stars in the sky.
In the space below, explain why a culture might find it valuable to have a character like the trickster in their oral traditions. What lessons could this character teach?
Answer Key
Part 1: The Emergence - A Creation Story
1. What is the central idea behind an "Emergence story"?
The central idea is the journey of the First People upwards through a series of flawed underworlds until they emerge into the current, or "Glittering," world.
2. According to the text, what is a sipapu and which culture holds it as their place of emergence?
A sipapu is the sacred hole in the ground from which people emerged. It is central to the Hopi tradition.
3. What is the purpose of these Emergence stories beyond simply explaining creation? What do they establish for the people?
They establish the people's relationship with the land, their social and moral order, and their core spiritual beliefs.
Part 2: Key Figures and Concepts
1. Coyote → D
2. I'itoi (The Man in the Maze) → C
3. Gaan (Mountain Spirits) → B
4. Spider Grandmother → A
Part 3: Critical Thinking and Reflection
(Answers will vary but should include some of the following points):
A trickster character is valuable because it can teach several important lessons. It can serve as a cautionary tale, demonstrating the negative consequences of selfishness, arrogance, and breaking rules. It explains how chaos and disorder are part of the world, not just order and good. The trickster also represents the idea that creativity and positive change can sometimes come from unexpected or disruptive events. By embodying both positive and negative traits, the character teaches about balance, human fallibility, and the complex nature of life.