\"How did mankind originate? How was the universe ordered, and by whom? What accounts for the variety of life, and what is mankind's place in this bountiful world? These are universal questions, and they are ones that Native American peoples have interpreted in a rich and diverse fashion. Indians viewed mankind as but a small, relatively insignificant part of a greater, mysterious universe. They respected the force and power of nature and wove it into their culture. Everywhere, the Indians saw themselves as servants of Mother Earth and Father Sky rather than as their masters. It was a world where animals had a purpose and were respected and acknowledged as creatures of power and deed. In Native American Myths and Legends, the nine cultural regions of North America are examined by experts who know the regions and their peoples intimately. They do so with reference to specific features for every region -- from origin myths to rituals and ceremonies -- and by the use of hundreds of superb historic and contemporary images, of artifacts, people, ceremonies, and paintings, that convey the richness of the vibrant cultures. At one time people failed to accept the validity of the native viewpoint, but today the magical beauty of North America is appreciated as never before and people can see how native mythology and philosophy made sense of the world around them. Native peoples continue to draw strength from their beliefs, while non-natives marvel at the ingenuity of the stories and draw lessons themselves for the future.\"--Provided by publisher