Week 9 Reading Diary, Continued: Myths and Legends of Alaska

Myths and Legends of Alaska, edited by Katharine Berry Judson (1911).

Evening, Sky - Free illustrations on Pixabay

Origin of the Chilkat Blanket

• This story tells the reader that "In those days also, animals could take off their furry skins; then they looked just like people." This was a detail that I already figured out.  I think it should have been mentioned in the very first story in this unit instead of here.

The First Woman

•  I enjoyed the proof that the tale is true, as listed at the end of this story. 

Origin of the Winds

•  I like the idea of the sky being a wall that people can walk along. 
• The repetition in this story gives it an almost sing song feel.  It would be a good children's story.

The Land of the Dead

•  I like the variety of these stories. They all take place in the same world, but the different stories are very different.  For example, this one is a little bit darker.

The Ghost Land

•  The concept that eating food in the land of the dead will not let somebody return is a common one.  It makes me think what about this concept appeals to people?

The Lost Light

• Searching for light is a common theme among many of this units stories.  I assume this is because Alaska is far enough north that the length of nights and days is more extreme and changes.  I like stories that make me think about the culture around them. 

The Boy in the Moon

•  This is a very pretty story.  I think I might write a version where they both chase each other around the earth, and never reach each other.  I like this better than having only the boy chase the girl.

Cradle Song

•  Unlike the other stories, this one has the feel of a poem.  I think it really fits this type of story.

The Wolves and the Deer

•  The deer are afraid of wolves because of laughter.  The wolves have sharp teeth and the deer have flat teeth.

The Last of the Thunderbirds

•  I like the image that was chosen for this story.  Now when I see that totem I will be reminded of this story and the Thunderbird.

Origin of the Killer Whale Crest

•  To me this story seems a little odd.  Natsiane instructs the killer wales to kill his clan members, then afterwards never to kill again.

The Discontented Grass Plant

• This story reminds me of The Stonecutter from the African Stories from Lang's Fairy Books.

Tricks of the Fox

•  This story has an interesting ending.  Fox is always clever, across most stories.