Old Indian Legends

"Old Indian Legends" by Zitkala-Sa is a compilation of Native American fables, probably from the beginning of the 1900s. The book presents many accounts about a tricky person named Iktomi, who is like spider or coyote characters in other original stories. The book starts by showing Iktomi as someone who is both funny and sneaky, particularly as he relates with animals and how his cleverness affects everyone. To start the collection, there are short stories which show off Iktomi’s slyness, beginning with the story about him tricking ducks into being captured. Other stories tell of times where deception leads to certain outcomes, such as when involving the muskrat or his blanket. The way the stories are told captures the spirit of indigenous storytelling, using funny situations and important lessons to show cultural values. There is also a big emphasis on community and kinship, as shown by the way Iktomi deals with the animal creatures.