From a local legend that tells you why a lake is named after a mythical creature, to a widely-spread myth that explains the origin of a species, folklore tales are part of our culture and history in North America. This article takes you on a journey through the diverse and captivating folklore of North America!
1. Exploring North America’s Legendary Lore
Many people dream of exploring North America and discovering all its wonders, but many may not be aware of the legendary lore they’ll find as part of their travels. From Sasquatch in the northwest to the Lost City of Atlantis off the coast of Florida, the stories are as diverse as the land itself.
One of the most renowned and mysterious legends of America is that of the ever elusive yeti. This legendary creature is said to occupy much of the northwest United States, while some contradictory accounts suggest he can also be found in the northeast. Whatever the case, many have claimed to have seen the yeti in their lifetime – as evidenced by numerous photographs.
On the east coast, the tale of the Jersey Devil persists in American folklore. People living in and around the Jersey shore claim to have seen the creature, said to be a half-man, half-goat beast, around their cities and woods for centuries. The Jersey Devil is just one of many critters and cryptids lurking in the shadows of the east.
Further south, an infamous legend dwells off of the Florida coast – The Lost City of Atlantis. As one of the oldest and most famous legends around, much of the speculation surrounding this fabled city revolves around its possible existence below sea level. Reports of a sunken city have been around for centuries and many explorers seek to discover if it’s real. Divers and adventurers alike are still looking for answers.
Heading west, the towering Rocky Mountains are home to some of the most famous tales in North America, such as that of Bigfoot. This hairy humanoid-like creature has been spotted in multiple states across the continental United States, including Washington, Oregon, and California. People love to speculate about his existence or origins and many go on yearly ‘expeditions’ in hopes of uncovering evidence.
North America is full of legendary lore waiting to be discovered by travelers. Folklore passes down from generation to generation, with stories of monsters, creatures, and lost civilizations to be uncovered and explored. Whether it’s the yeti in the northwest, the Jersey Devil on the east coast, the Lost City of Atlantis off the Florida coast, or Bigfoot in the Rocky Mountains, North America’s unexplored secrets are waiting to be discovered.
2. A History of Mythology in the USA & Canada
- Native American Tribes – The mythology of Indigenous tribes of North America is incredibly varied and complex, with many unique mythologies spanning thousands of years of history. The Cree, Cherokee, Hopi, and Navajo tribes all had their own traditional stories and cultures that exist to this day, with some stories even extending far back into pre-Colonial times. These stories usually served to explain natural phenomena, or to teach about morality and the afterlife.
- European Influences – The introduction of European settlers in North America in the 1800s brought a number of foreign folktales and beliefs which were quickly adopted by the Natives. European stories of dragons and fairies were often mixed in with native tales, and influenced by the particular cultures and beliefs of their new home. This blend of mythology became the basis for a uniquely American version of traditional mythology.
- Supernatural Figures – Within this unique American mythology, there emerged a number of supernatural figures that came to embody many of the traditional values and beliefs of the region. The figure of the wise old woman, or the “Grandmother,” is often used to symbolize a source of moral wisdom and guidance. Other figures like the shape-shifting trickster, the fool, and the ghostly “bogeyman” haunt the folklore of many Native American and European-influenced stories.
- Modern American Myths – Even in the modern era, the mythology of the North American continent is alive and well. Many urban legends, especially those centred around local haunted places or unusual phenomena, are still popular stories among local spook-lovers. Movies, television shows, and comics often feature their own interpretations of classic figures such as the ghostly spectre or the noble witch-doctor.
- Evolution – North American mythology has continued to evolve over the last few centuries to reflect the ever-changing values and beliefs of the populace. Ancient stories still live on, but new tales and interpretations of old favourites are often interwoven together to form an entirely new fabric of storytelling. As time passes, these mythologies will continue to evolve and take on a unique life of their own.
3. From European Roots to Indigenous Influences
Every culture has its roots, and the culture of Canada is no exception. Early Canadian settlers originated from Europe, bringing their own influences and customs to their new home. From these beginnings, a unique culture emerged on Canadian soil, distinct from the European countries from which the settlers hailed.
The presence of Indigenous peoples in Canada had an integral role in forming the culture. As early settlers interacted with Indigenous communities, they adopted aspects of culture from the First Nations, creating hybrid customs true to Canadian culture. Native artifacts, words, and patterns of speech became intertwined with the lifestyles of those who came from overseas.
As the two cultures mixed, a range of activities influenced by both Canadians and Indigenous people arose. The popular sport lacrosse, for example, was a combination of the stick ball games found amongst Indigenous groups and the field hockey from Europe. Multiple regions of Canada also began to celebrate traditional Indigenous festivals, such as the pow wow in British Columbia.
The culture of Canada has been heavily shaped and molded by the influence of its settlers. Through the blending of both European and Indigenous peoples, new customs and activities arose, forming the Canada of today. The culture of the country continues to change and evolve as it grows, developing new influences and adapting to the ever-changing world.
Some of the more obvious effects of European and Indigenous associations can be found in the culture, including:
- Folk Songs: A mix of traditional ballads and Indigenous music has led to the development of unique Canadian folk songs.
- Cuisine: Influences from both the settlers and the Indigenous peoples have created a deliciously unique cuisine.
- Language: Multiple dialects reflect the heavy influence of both Europeans and Aboriginal peoples.
The blend of these two cultures has come together to form the Canada we know today. The combination of both European and Indigenous traditions has led to the creation of a unique and vibrant culture.
4. Keeping Traditional Myths Alive
Myths are the backbone of many cultures today, and each culture has its own set of myths. For centuries, these myths were passed down orally from one generation to the next, and were expressed in folk stories, songs, art, and dance. Despite the invention of the printing press and increased access to the written word, many traditional myths have survived to the present day.
While modern technology and the age of the internet have changed how myths and stories are shared, traditional methods are still the most reliable way of preserving these stories. After all, storytelling has been a part of human life since the dawn of time! It is believed that stories such as those told in Homer’s Odyssey and the Bible have survived so long because they were told and retold for centuries.
means actively engaging in cultural practices. This can range from attending traditional ceremonies to teaching a new generation the stories of one’s ancestors. One example is the practice of oral storytelling. In Mongolia, this includes the art of the khöömei, where stories are told through song, and the yagaan, which is an oral narrative in the form of riddles. These practices help to keep traditional stories from being forgotten.
Preserving traditional myths is not only about keeping traditions alive, it’s also about understanding the cultural heritage of the past. It allows us to appreciate our ancestors’ worldview and educate our future generations on the importance of valuing all cultures. Through learning and appreciating cultural stories, we can better understand one another, and create lasting connections.
By engaging in these activities, we are preserving the culture and wisdom of our ancestors, and investing in our future. Here are some of the ways you can get involved in :
- Attend traditional ceremonies or events.
- Share traditional stories with friends or family.
- Find out what stories are important to your community.
- Volunteer with local organizations that promote cultural awareness.
- Teach your children traditional stories and songs.
Making the effort to keep traditional myths alive is an investment in keeping our cultural heritage alive for generations to come!
These lively and captivating tales of North American folklore bring color to our continent’s cultural history. They are stories that have been passed down through generations and carry the diverse heritage of our great land. From the idea of gentle giants to tales of magical creatures, each of these legends and myths provide insight into what is and has been so loved and revered about our country for centuries. So take a moment to sit back and take in the stories of old and open your hearts to the lessons they offer!
