Week 2 Reading Notes: Part A_ Origins and the Way of the World

Origins and the Way of the World
*The Maidu (California Indian) creation myth*

The myth begins with at least 3 characters: the Earthmaker, Coyote, Meadowlark

The Coyote appears to play the part of creator and creature. He works with the Earthmaker to create the land and seas.

Blood is a thing of beauty. When referencing making the earth beautiful, Coyote states,  "I shall paint it with blood" (pg. 26)... "Then the world will be beautiful to look at" (pg. 27).

Other things to note:
The Earthmaker created two of each creature
black and white
It was important to the Earthmaker for them all to have names
It was also important to have names for the land
The Earthmaker created human beings to live in a small country and be happy about it; "in a country that is little, not big, you will be content" (pg.31). All except one went in groups to small countries. The one who remained was sent to a big country with anything he could ever want.
Human beings were creatures that after several winters were born. I am unsure if born means die or if it is a new or continuation phase of life
Songs are important.
The Meadowlark was the "first being created, He was the being who saw the dry land very beautiful;" (pg. 34).

Works Cited

Hicks, Jack. The Literature of California. University of California Press, 2000.