MAIDU TEXTS - Maidu Folk Tales and LegendsThe Maidu lived in the central Sierra Nevada of California, to the north of Yosemite. The Maidu, who were not particularly numerous to begin with, were decimated by the incursion of Europeans. These texts were collected by linguist, Roland B. Dixon at the begin- ning of the 20th century. In these texts Coyote is the central character. He is first seen in the company of Earth-Maker, giving him advice about how to build the world. The Maidu tales of Coyote are well known for being exceptionally transgressive; he is constantly seducing women by guile and deceit. While these stories are very entertaining, they shouldn't be taken to imply that this was normal behavior for Maidu. The trickster figure is an anti-hero, used as a way of defining the limits of what is acceptable. Of particular interest in Native American folklore is their Creation Myths. The volcano, Mount Lassen (also known as Lassen Peak), erupted often enough in prehistoric times to form the mountain, so it is little wonder the Indians in the northeast corner of California believed the world began there at the desire of a Great Man back when the earth resembled a molten mass. When it cooled, they believed that the deity made a woman to live with him, and from those two came all humans, including the Maidu. Wherever the truth lies, the Maidu Texts are an important part of Native American folklore and culture. So join with us and journey back to a time when these stories were told around campfires, to the delight of young and old alike. 33% of the net sale will be donated to the American Indian Education Fund. |
