The Myths of the North American Indians

by Lewis Spence

Overview

The myths and legends of the Algonquins, Iroquois, Pawnees, Sioux, and northern and northwestern Indians offer rich insights into the character and beliefs of the tribes that once dominated extensive territories of North America. The distinguished British anthropologist and folklorist Lewis Spence has collected many of the most interesting and compelling of these myths and presented them here according to ethnic grouping, prefacing the collection with important historical and ethnological information that will give the reader an accurate view of the conditions under which these fascinating tribal cultures once flourished.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783988268990
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	09/03/2023
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	344
File size:	10 MB

About the Author

Lewis Spence (1874-1955) was a Scottish journalist, folklorist, and prolific author whose works delved into mythology, the occult, and ancient civilizations. Born in Forfar, Scotland, Spence's early career was marked by his contributions to journalism, but he soon found his true calling in the exploration of myths and legends. His fascination with the mystical and the arcane led him to produce an extensive body of work that sought to preserve and interpret the folklore of various cultures.Spence's writings were revolutionary for their time, as they challenged the prevailing academic skepticism towards mythological studies. He was a pioneer in treating myths not merely as fanciful tales but as windows into the collective psyche and historical experiences of ancient peoples. His works often bridged the gap between scholarly research and popular interest, making complex ideas accessible to a broader audience.One of the more intriguing aspects of Spence's career was his involvement with the occult. He was a member of the Theosophical Society and the Scottish Anthropological and Folklore Society, where he mingled with other intellectuals who shared his interest in the esoteric. This association sometimes led to controversies, as critics often questioned the scientific rigor of his work. Nevertheless, his contributions to the study of mythology and folklore have had a lasting impact, influencing contemporary writers and researchers who continue to explore these fields.Spence's legacy is one of curiosity and dedication to uncovering the hidden stories of humanity. His work remains a testament to the enduring power of myth and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Lewis Spence (25 November 1874 – 3 March 1955) was a Scottish historian, folklorist, and prolific author known for his work on mythology, folklore, ancient civilizations, and the occult. He made significant contributions to the understanding of various historical and cultural subjects.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER
I. "DIVISIONS, CUSTOMS, AND HISTORY OF THE RACE"
II. THE MYTHOLOGIES OF THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS
III. ALGONQUIAN MYTHS AND LEGENDS
IV. IROQUOIS MYTHS AND LEGENDS
V. SIOUX MYTHS AND LEGENDS
VI. MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF THE PAWNEE
VII. MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF THE NORTHERN AND NORTHWESTERN INDIANS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
GLOSSARY AND INDEX