Creation Myths of Primitive America / In relation to the Religious History and Mental Development of Mankind

A scholarly compilation of Indigenous origin stories that recount a primordial era of self-existent personages who lived in harmony before discord transformed many into animals, plants, and landscape features. Collected narratives from various tribes are organized into individual myths and accompanied by introductory commentary and notes; recurring motifs include dual periods of harmony and strife, combative contests that determine the forms of beings, the special status of human beings, and explanations for natural phenomena and cultural practices such as the discovery of fire. The volume preserves variant traditions and linguistic notes while tracing thematic parallels across accounts.