Emergence Analysis

Emergence Analysis

            The Native American myth “Emergence” is a myth describing how the way human beings and animals live in the place they live. It has some clear characteristics of the Native American culture. For example, it exemplifies the importance of animal to the culture; a lot of the characters in the myth are animals. Also, it demonstrates the importance of nature to the culture. This short story is clearly a myth, it is certain that Emergence is a myth because it teaches the Native Americans something that, at the time, could not be explain be anyone in their community. The myth explains the creation of the human being as it is known. Also, it explains the creation of some natural resources, as well as the way Native Americans decided to be ruled by more than one leader (a very important feature of the Native American culture). Emergence is a short and easy myth; short and easy is one of the methods used by the Native American people to make their myths stick amongst themselves. “4” was a sacred number for the Native Americans, throughout the story it is possible to observe this number being used: groups of 4 animals, 4 gods, 4 directions; “4” is almost the only number used, and when it is not, another multiple of 4 is seen. Another very significant aspect of the Native American culture is the equality between men and animals. After reading this myth, it is obvious that Native American respected animals greatly.