Mythology of North American Indians

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The Full Moon in January is called the Wolf Moon. It is named after the hungry packs of wolves that howled at night. The Algonquian tribes of Native Americans had <a href="/earth/moon/full_moon_names.html">many different names</a> for the Full Moon through the year, reflecting their connection with nature and the <a href="/the_universe/uts/seasons1.html">seasons</a>, hunting, fishing, and farming.<p><small><em>Image courtesy of Windows to the Universe</em></small></p>

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Algonquian: Full Moon Names

Sometimes, in the fall, you may hear people call a Full Moon the "Harvest Moon". That's because ...Read more

Pawnee: Tirawa

According to the Pawnee, the world was created by the god Tirawa, who sent the stars to support ...Read more

Navajo: Changing Bear Maiden

In Navajo myth, Ursa Major, the Great Bear, originated from the story of the Changing Bear ...Read more

Navajo: Tonenili

Tonenili, who is also known as the Water Sprinkler, is the Navaho God of Water.  He is responsible ...Read more

Navajo: Estsanatlehi

According to the Navajo Native Americans, Estsanatlehi, whose name means "Changing Woman", ...Read more

Navajo: Ahsonnutli

Ahsonnutli was the sky father and chief god for the Navajo. He created heaven, Earth, and the ...Read more

Navajo: Tsohanoai

For the Navajo Indians of North America, Tsohanoai is the Sun god. Everyday, he crosses the ...Read more

Navajo: Flintboys

The Flint Boys is the name given to the Pleiades by the Navajo. According to Navajo myth, after ...Read more

Navajo: Coyote

According to Navajo mythology, the Milky Way was created by the mischievous behavior of the ...Read more

Lakota: The constellation of the Hand

According to the Lakota, the Constellation of the Hand, namely the bottom half of the constellation ...Read more

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