Myths and Tales of the Southeastern Indians

By John R. Swanton

[1929]

This collection of stories from the Southeastern Native American region covers mythology and folklore from the Creek, Hitchiti, Alabama, Kosati, and Natchez. The Creek (including the Alabama, Hitichi and Kosati) originally lived in northern Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. The Natchez resided in Louisiana.

The Southeast tribes once had a sophisticated culture, including a stable federal form of government. They built huge earthworks, the largest indigenous buildings north of Mexico. Decimated by smallpox and contact with the Europeans, the inhabitants of this region were forcibly relocated to the Oklahoma area in the 19th century, alongside the better-known Cherokee.

These stories were collected from survivors in the early twentieth century. At this time, their folklore had been influenced for centuries by both European and (particularly) African sources. The tales included here include such 'modern' elements as guns and dry-goods stores, and obvious post-relocation wildlife such as Buffalo. However, the original stories are visible in strong relief, including the trickster (in this area, a very rascally Rabbit), the Corn-mother, and many tales that are similar to the Cherokee and other tribes farther afield.

This collection has numerous duplicates and variations, so reading it in a linear fashion may prove repetitious. However, this is invaluable data for the study of comparative folklore. The chapter on Comparison of Myths will be of particular interest in this regard.

Creek Stories

Hitchiti Stories

Alabama Stories

Koasati Stories

Natchez Stories

Comparison of Myths