Myths of the Cherokee

Myths of the Cherokee by James Mooney is a comprehensive collection of Cherokee myths legends and folklore providing insight into the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the Cherokee people. Mooney an ethnologist and scholar gathered these stories during his fieldwork with the Cherokee tribe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book is divided into various sections each focusing on different aspects of Cherokee mythology including creation stories animal tales and supernatural beings as well as stories that explain natural phenomena and the origins of specific customs and practices.In addition to the myths themselves Mooney's work offers valuable anthropological analysis examining the role of these myths in Cherokee society and their influence on cultural identity. Myths of the Cherokee not only preserves these traditional stories but also provides a deeper understanding of the spiritual and moral values embedded in Cherokee culture offering readers a glimpse into the worldview of one of the most prominent Native American tribes. The book remains an important resource for those interested in Native American literature folklore and cultural studies.