Asteroids In The Legends Of The Great Plains Tribes

Introduction

The Great Plains tribes of North America have a long history of storytelling, often using the natural world as their inspiration. One of the most fascinating aspects of their folklore is the inclusion of asteroids. These celestial objects have played a significant role in the mythology and beliefs of the Great Plains tribes. In this article, we will explore the legends surrounding asteroids within this cultural context.

Asteroids as Omens of Change

A Sign of War

Many of the Great Plains tribes saw asteroids as omens of change, particularly as a sign of impending war. According to the Dakota people, the appearance of an asteroid was a warning of imminent conflict. If an asteroid was seen streaking across the sky during a council meeting, it was considered a warning that the meeting would end in violence. Similarly, the Lakota people believed that an asteroid was a message from spirits, signaling an upcoming battle or other conflict.

A Precursor to Spiritual Transformation

On the other hand, some Great Plains tribes saw asteroids as a precursor to spiritual transformation. The Blackfeet people called asteroids “stone tepees,” representing the spiritual power contained within them. According to their legend, a person who saw an asteroid would undergo a profound spiritual change, possibly even leading to a vision quest.

The Connection to Thunder Beings

For some Great Plains tribes, asteroids were also associated with the thunder beings. The Cheyenne people believed that asteroids were shooting stars created by the thunder beings. They saw these objects as powerful spirit beings that brought good luck and protection. The Sioux people also believed that asteroids were created by the thunder beings, who were responsible for all storms, including those that brought asteroids to Earth.

The Role of Asteroids in Creation Stories

The Birth of the World

Many Great Plains tribes have creation stories that include references to asteroids. The Navajo people, for example, tell a story about the creation of the world in which the first four worlds were destroyed by asteroids before the current world was formed. The Cree people also have a creation story that includes an asteroid, which was said to have struck the Earth and created the first humans.

The Impact of Change

One of the most well-known creation stories involving asteroids is that of the Lakota people. According to their legend, the Lakota were originally underground until an asteroid struck the Earth, causing a great upheaval and forcing them to emerge onto the surface. This event represented a significant change in their way of life and marked the beginning of their cultural history.

The Link Between Life and Death

For some Great Plains tribes, asteroids played a symbolic role in the circle of life and death. The Pawnee people believed that each person had a star or asteroid associated with them. When a person died, their star or asteroid would fall from the sky, representing their journey to the afterlife. The Cheyenne people also believed that asteroids had a connection to the afterlife, with each person having a set number of asteroids associated with their life span.

Conclusion

The Great Plains tribes' legends surrounding asteroids offer an intriguing insight into their beliefs and cultural history. From foretelling conflict to representing spiritual transformation, asteroids played a significant role in their mythology. They offered a connection to the natural world and a way to explain the mysteries of life and death. By exploring these stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the important role that asteroids have played throughout human history.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Did the Great Plains tribes believe that asteroids were spirits?

  Yes, some Great Plains tribes saw asteroids as powerful spirit beings, particularly those associated with the thunder beings.

• Were all asteroids viewed negatively by the Great Plains tribes?

  No, some tribes saw them as omens of spiritual transformation or even good luck and protection.

• What was the role of asteroids in Great Plains tribes' creation stories?

  Asteroids often played a significant role in their creation stories, representing the birth of the world and marking significant changes in their culture.

• Why did some Great Plains tribes associate asteroids with the afterlife?

  For some tribes, asteroids represented a connection between life and death, with each person having a set number of asteroids associated with their lifespan.

• Are there any modern practices related to the Great Plains tribes' beliefs surrounding asteroids?

  While many of these beliefs have evolved or been lost over time, some modern Native American groups continue to draw inspiration from traditional beliefs surrounding asteroids and other celestial objects.

Additional Resources

To learn more about the Great Plains tribes and their beliefs, check out Native Languages of the Americas. For further reading on the role of asteroids in human history, we recommend this article from Space.com.

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