Myths of the Modocs

"Myths of the Modocs" by Jeremiah Curtin is a compilation of Modoc legends and tales that tells of their deep-rooted culture. It looks into Modoc traditions, sharing stories of how the world was made, their strong beliefs, and their connection to their land. The accounts are focused in the Klamath Lake and Lost River areas that are sacred to them. The stories mention central characters in Modoc stories and their parts in creating the world and the Modoc perception of life. The introduction gives a background of the Modoc people, talking about what happened to them both before and during the Modoc War, as well as how white settlers affected them. It emphasizes how important sacred places and the bond between the people and nature were, and it also presents important characters such as Kumush, the creator, and Látkakáwas.