Myths and Tales of the Southeastern Indians (Forgotten Books)

This collection of stories from the Southeastern Native American region covers mythology and folklore from the Creek, Hitchiti, Alabama, Kosati, and Natchez. The Creek (including the Alabama, Hitichi and Kosati) originally lived in northern Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. The Natchez resided in Louisiana.

The Southeast tribes once had a sophisticated culture, including a stable federal form of government. They built huge earthworks, the largest indigenous buildings north of Mexico. Decimated by smallpox and contact with the Europeans, the inhabitants of this region were forcibly relocated to the Oklahoma area in the 19th century, alongside the better-known Cherokee.

These stories were collected from survivors in the early twentieth century. At this time, their folklore had been influenced for centuries by both European and (particularly) African sources. The tales included here include such 'modern' elements as guns and dry-goods stores, and obvious post-relocation wildlife such as Buffalo. However, the original stories are visible in strong relief, including the trickster (in this area, a very rascally Rabbit), the Corn-mother, and many tales that are similar to the Cherokee and other tribes farther afield. (Quote from sacred-texts.com)

About the Author

John Reed Swanton (1873 - 1958)
John Reed Swanton (19 February 1873 - 2 May 1958) was an American anthropologist who worked with Native American peoples throughout the United States.

Born in Gardiner, Maine, Swanton's work in the fields of ethnology and ethnohistory is well recognized. He is particularly noted for his work with indigenous peoples of the Southeast and Pacific Northwest. He attended Harvard University from which he earned a Masters in 1897 and a doctorate in 190