Wednesday, 13 May 2015

Function Of Native American Legends

By Tammie Caldwell


Story telling is a common feature in most cultural settings. They only differ due to the geographical locations but most of them tend to have similar morals. It was used as a tool to carry lessons through generational lines. The intention of a narrator is to pass traditional customs of the concerned culture and offer a solution to most contemporary problems by confronting them. Native American legends are among the stories and had the following roles to fulfill.

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.

Language is what distinguishes people from different regions in most cases. Preserving a language is essential in determining how long a native language will be in existence. Modern education poises a lot of danger in the attempt to erode these languages. Since stories are told using native languages, they have greatly help in the fight for it been preserved.

Again, every community has a different explanation of natural occurrences such as weather changes and natural calamities. Legends tell of possible activities that are likely to result in such and also explain an immediate solutions of how to avoid them or what to do in case of their occurrences. This ensures that the community members are well behaved to avoid such happenings.

Every community believes to have their own origin and explanations of how they came into existence. Communities also comprise of their supreme being who is believed to be the creator. Native legends are in a position to give a proper explanation and paint the picture of what the communities believe in a great way. They also explain the relation between the community members and their creator.

Native legends also help in defining the obligation of every member in the community, how they should relate and the family set up. They define the powers bestowed to the appointed rulers and how to elect or appoint them. Boundaries are also set between the members allowing for the upholding of respect on each member. Relations between the present beings and the ancestor are also explained and how to keep the family line growing.

Narrations of stories take different turns. It allows for the inclusion of music, songs and dances. This keeps the community entertained at the same time conveying a certain massage. It defined the occasions in which a song or dance should take place and who should take part in performing it.

Legends are a source of motivation. Existences of stories that talk of superheroes who did marvelous deeds to the communities pose a challenge to the community members. Some take such as their role model and work hard in the future to attain such recognition or glory. This works in creation of future leaders for the said communities. They also outline what to avoid in order not to be a source of shame like some of the fallen heroes.




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