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Hundreds of years ago all the great American Indian chiefs gathered together to exchange the legends and lore that were native to their individual tribes. A magic calumet, or peace pipe, was passed around the campfire from mouth to mouth and, the story goes, memorized every single word of the ancient tales. They are faithfully retold here in a style that will delight everyone who loves a good story and will interest everyone who wants to know more about the American Indian culture.
Like other peoples of the world, the American Indians created many legends to explain the natural mysteries of the universe. Thus, the Zuni legend 'Who Brought the Sun?' explains the beginning of time in the myth of the animals' theft of the sun from the evil spirits. And a Navajo legend explains the creation of life as the first rain falling through the clash of two clouds.
But the uniqueness of the American Indian legends is the great wealth of animal lore which reflects not only their simple love of animals, but also their deep belief in their supernatural powers. One of the Indians' favourite animals, which appears in the legends of many tribes, is the coyote – he is always a mischievous spirit who spoils all the good things that existed in the world of legendary times.
It is quite appropriate that these legends should be told in the magic words of a calumet, for this sacred pipe was considered to be a kind of altar for communication with the spirits. Forty-six legends from thirty different tribes have been collected in this volume, and illustrated in a beautiful, imaginative style in full colour.
—from the dust jacket
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