Salish Myths and Legends: One People's Stories

Salish Myths and Legends: One People's StoriesThe rich storytelling traditions of Salish speaking peoples in the Pacific Northwest of North America are showcased in this anthology of story, legend, song, and oratory. From the Bitterroot Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, Salish speaking communities such as the Bella Coola, Shuswap, Tillamook, Quinault, Colville Okanagan, Coeur d'Alene, and Flathead have always been guided and inspired by the stories of previous generations. Many of the most

The rich storytelling traditions of Salish-speaking peoples in the Pacific Northwest of North America are showcased in this anthology of story, legend, song, and oratory. From the Bitterroot Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, Salish-speaking communities such as the Bella Coola, Shuswap, Tillamook, Quinault, Colville-Okanagan, Coeur d'Alene, and Flathead have always been guided and inspired by the stories of previous generations. Many of the most influential and powerful of those tales appear in this volume. Salish Myths and Legends features an array of Trickster stories centered on Coyote, Mink, and other memorable characters, as well as stories of the frightening Basket Ogress, accounts of otherworldly journeys, classic epic cycles such as South Wind's Journeys and the Bluejay Cycle, tales of such legendary animals as Beaver and Lady Louse from the beginning of time, and stories that explain why things are the way they are. The anthology also includes humorous traditional tales, speeches, and fascinating stories of encounters with whites, including "Circling Raven and the Jesuits." Translated by leading scholars working in close collaboration with Salish storytellers, these stories are certain to entertain and provoke, vividly testifying to the enduring power of storytelling in Native communities.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
Published: 07/01/2008
ISBN: 9780803210899
Pages: 445
Weight: 1.48lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 1.25d

Review Citations: Chronicle of Higher Education 09/05/2008 pg. 19
Choice 03/01/2009