The authors tell stories they have known since childhood, learned from elders in their own families. Included are creation legends, tales of their own ancestors, animals and nature, and teaching stories that pass down the lessons of the Creator and the great Iroquois Peacemaker. Passed down over countless generations, these Iroquois legends embody traditional wisdom and spiritual values that are as cherished today as they have ever been. Connecting present experience with a mythic past, the stories offer traditional guidelines for family and community living and for relating to nature and beings of the invisible world.
These nine stories are a significant part of the cultural treasure of the tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy. Indian legends told by Indian storytellers continue to have great appeal for adult readers who seek to enrich their knowledge of Native American storytelling, culture, spirituality, and philosophy. Told in the simple, traditional style that is the hallmark of Native American storytelling, these legends are also appropriate for children age eight and up, as well as educators.
A stunning contribution to this work are original paintings by Mohawk artist John Kahionhes Fadden. Combining a modern style with traditional themes, they express the emotional and spiritual power of Iroquois culture.