Iroquois Creation Story

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Questions and Answers

In the Iroquois creation story, how is the initial state of the world described?

  • A fiery expanse constantly embroiled in conflict between gods.
  • A chaotic void filled with menacing creatures.
  • A 'floating island' or 'cloud sea' inhabited by animals. (correct)
  • A well-defined and structured realm with mountains and rivers.

What role did the muskrat play in the Iroquois creation story?

  • The muskrat battled against the Great Ruler to prevent creation.
  • The muskrat carried the earth on its back, creating mountains and valleys.
  • The muskrat dove to the bottom of the waters to retrieve earth. (correct)
  • The muskrat provided light to illuminate the world.

Why is the turtle chosen to bear the earth on its back in the Iroquois creation story?

  • Because turtles are fierce warriors capable of defending the earth from invaders.
  • Because turtles are the fastest creatures in the animal kingdom.
  • Because it makes 'mythological sense'; it is a logical explanation that engages the imagination. (correct)
  • Because turtles are symbols of chaos and disorder.

According to the Iroquois creation myth, where do humans originate from?

<p>Both the sky and the earth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who are Hah-gweh-di-yu and Hah-gweh-da-et-gah in the Iroquois tradition?

<p>Two brothers representing good and bad, creation and destruction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Hah-gweh-di-yu (the good brother) in the world?

<p>To continually create and protect. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Despite being banished, how does Hah-gweh-da-et-gah (the bad brother) continue to influence the world?

<p>He still has operatives in the world. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Iroquois creation story from a scientific explanation of the world's origin?

<p>The Iroquois story engages the imagination and contains some wisdom, offering a mythological sense of explanation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Iroquois creation story explain the concept of duality in the world (e.g., good and bad, light and dark)?

<p>Through the personifications of Hah-gweh-di-yu and Hah-gweh-da-et-gah. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Hah-gweh-di-yu and Hah-gweh-da-et-gah being brothers in the Iroquois creation story?

<p>It suggests that good and evil are inherently linked and cannot exist without each other. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Iroquois World Conception

The Iroquois creation story pictures the world as a 'floating island' or 'cloud sea,' suggesting a lack of fixed form.

Muskrat's Role

In the Iroquois creation story, the muskrat successfully brings muck from the bottom of the waters.

Turtle's Burden

The turtle bears the earth on its back in the Iroquois creation story, chosen for its ability to carry weight over time.

Mythological Sense

Mythological sense engages the imagination and usually contains a degree of wisdom, offering logical explanations, even if not scientific.

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Dual Origin

We come from both the sky (spiritual) and the earth (physical).

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Hah-gweh-di-yu and Hah-gweh-da-et-gah

These two brothers represent the duality of existence, with one creating and protecting and the other causing destruction.

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Good Brother's Role

The good brother is constantly creating and protecting the world.

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Bad Brother's Influence

Though banished, the bad brother still influences the world through his operatives.

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Study Notes

  • The Iroquois creation story, recorded early in the 20th century, envisions the world as a "floating island" or "cloud sea" rather than chaos.
  • Animals already exist in this cloud sea.
  • Animals dive into the waters to retrieve earth, preventing the upper realm's collapse.
  • The muskrat succeeds in bringing back muck.
  • The turtle is chosen to carry the earth on its back due to the expectation of its growth and weight.
  • The inclusion of the turtle represents the "mythological sense" of these stories, offering a logical explanation that engages the imagination and contains wisdom.
  • The creation myth explains that humans originate from both the sky and the earth, stemming from the actions of the Great Ruler.
  • The duality of existence is represented by the brothers Hah-gweh-di-yu (good) and Hah-gweh-da-et-gah (bad).
  • The bad brother, Hah-gweh-da-et-gah, is banished to a pit under the earth but still has influence on the world.
  • The good brother, Hah-gweh-di-yu, is an active and positive god, continually creating and protecting.

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