Myths and Legends of the Sioux

by Marie L. McLaughlin

Overview

The timid rabbit who outwits the tyrannical bear, the wonderful turtle who marries the Indian chief's daughter, the pet crane who saves a family--these and many other legendary figures appear in Myths and Legends of the Sioux. Marie L. McLaughlin, born to a white father and a mixed-blood Sioux mother, heard these stories while growing up among the eastern Sioux of Minnesota. When she recorded them for posterity in 1916 she had long been the wife of James McLaughlin, whom she served as interpreter during the years he was head of the Devils Lake and Standing Rock agencies and an inspector for the Indian Bureau. The thirty-eight pieces in this collection are rich in humor, animal lore, otherworldly encounters, and famous legends such as those featuring Unktomi (Spider) and the Stone Boy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780803281714
Publisher:	UNP - Bison Books
Publication date:	09/01/1990
Edition description:	1st Bison book print
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 5.50(d)
Lexile:	1090L (what's this?)

About the Author

Marie L. McLaughlin (1842-1933) was born in Minnesota and lived in a predominantly Native American community. She was educated at Prairie du Chien before marrying Major James McLaughlin in 1864. Her husband worked with an agency that helped to manage tribal affairs and enforce government policy. During his career, Marie was exposed to various indigenous cultures and in 1916, she wrote and published Myths and Legends of the Sioux. It’s considered her most notable work and is comprised of many tales she learned throughout her life.

Editorial Reviews

Discusses the earliest southwest explorers and some of the myths that informed the thought of Coronado and Fray Angelico de Niza. Also reviews the practice of history and the influence on historiography of scholars such as Bannon, Bolton, and Turner. Includes specific case studies viewed in a wide historical context. Thirty-eight stories told by a woman who heard them while growing up among the eastern Sioux of Minnesota. The collection was originally published in 1916 by the Bismarck Tribune Co. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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