December 8th, 7 pm at the Old Schoolhouse Museum in 29 Palms
Creation myths may be our most important stories. They touch on the great mysteries of origins and existence, and give rise to cultural values and meanings. Learning about the myths of other cultures is an opportunity to reflect on the breadth of human experience and consider the myths of your own culture. You learn something about the people who treasure the myth and about your own perspective.
The Chemehuevi people have lived in the Mojave for thousands of years. In their mythology, the creation of this world began with Ocean Woman and a figure they call “Mythic Coyote.” Mythic Coyote was made at the very beginning, along with his brothers Wolf and Mountain Lion. He is an archetypal Trickster who has a special relationship to human beings. The Chemehuevi say, “Had mankind chosen to follow Wolf, men would be as gods. But we followed Coyote.’”
Come hear several stories from the Chemehuevi creation cycle. We’ll also talk about the possible significance of “following Coyote” and how that idea might that apply to all of us today.
