Native American Ethnic Group and the Legend of the Ant People
For this assignment, you have to bring in a myth. Mention the name of the myth, provide a brief summary, explain how it relates to the theme we have studied, such as the representation of nature and climate change in 300 words.
You have complete freedom to interpret 'myth' as you wish but make sure to show in one or two sentences how the myth you have selected corresponds to any of the features we have discussed in class. You may select a myth from any time period, mythic tradition, and medium (oral storytelling, published as a book, cinema, TV show, video game etc). Please include a representative image of the myth.
The assignment will be graded on two criteria:
a) Originality: the ability to select a myth that illuminates our class discussions or extends and diversifies our understanding of myth.
b) Analysis: Close reading of the myth and adequate reasoning that shows how the myth you have selected is important for considering contemporary issues like climate change.
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Myth Response
The Hopi, a Native American ethnic group living in Arizona, have different versions of the creation story although the legend of the Ant People is the most interesting. There is a story among the Hopi that the Ant People saved them twice from two global cataclysms. According to the Hopi, the “First World” was destroyed by fire, likely from a coronal mass ejection from the sun, an asteroid strike, or a volcanic eruption. The “Second World” was destroyed by ice, likely from a pole shift or Ice Age glaciers. During both cataclysmic events, the pious members of the Hopi tribe were led by an odd-shaped cloud during the day as well as a moving star during the night to a sky god called Sotuknang (Christo). The deity led them to the Ant People who lived in subterranean caves: the Hopi survived the global cataclysms happening above by seeking sustenance from the Ant People. The legend praises the Ant People for being generous and hardworking since they not only gave the Hopi food but also taught them how to store food.
The interesting t...