Similar to the California and Southwest unit of the Native American stories I read last week, the Great Plain stories were a collection of stories from Native American tribes commonly found in the Great Plains. The story I singled out was The Eagle's Revenge. This was notable to me as it referenced the Cherokee tribe which is quite well known from East Texas where I am from. There is even a lake called Lake Cherokee near by! Reading The Eagle's Revenge was quick but it was interesting, and there is plenty to unpack. I wonder first what the significance of the animals used in the story are, as they are crucial to the development of the plot. My research into the significance of the bald eagle in Cherokee Culture led me to find that it is held in the highest regard by the Cherokee people. It was believed that the Creator made the eagle the master of the sky, and its symbolism is os significant that Cherokee boys were given eagle feathers to symbolize their transition to manhood. It was also mentioned how the men of the Cherokee would try to never bring harm to the eagle. Having this context now helps me to better understand the story as it highlights the true severity of the killing of the eagle by the hunter. Thus, the ending of the eagle receiving revenge through his brother is perhaps just highlighting the importance of the eagle to the Cherokee tribe. I am kind of confused by what the story meant by rattles and the men. What exactly are rattles and how did they contribute to the death of the men? Originally, I was thinking that this referring to a rattlesnake, but there is little elucidation. Although a short read, this was definitely a story I might retell later this week.
Bibliography: Myths and Legends of the Great Plains by Katharine Berry Judson (1913).
Wikimedia: Cherokee Flag
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