Mission Indian Legends


Mission Indian Legends

Common figures and Gods found in the oral stories of the Mission Indians:

Coyote is a Trickster figure who is often portrayed as being both clever and foolish. He is often the protagonist of Mission Indian legends, and his stories often teach lessons about the importance of wisdom, humility, and respect for nature.

Raven is a messenger figure who is often associated with the sun. He is often portrayed as being wise and helpful, and his stories often teach lessons about the importance of community and cooperation.

Bear is a powerful figure who is often associated with strength and endurance. He is often portrayed as being a protector of the people, and his stories often teach lessons about the importance of courage and determination.

Eagle is a sacred figure who is often associated with the sky. He is often portrayed as being a Messenger of the Gods, and his stories often teach lessons about the importance of vision and hope.

Snake is a mysterious figure who is often associated with death and rebirth. He is often portrayed as being a Trickster figure, and his stories often teach lessons about the importance of understanding the natural world.

Turtle is a Creator figure who is often associated with the Earth. He is often portrayed as being a wise and benevolent figure, and his stories often teach lessons about the importance of balance and harmony.

Frog is a fertility figure who is often associated with water. She is often portrayed as being a helpful and nurturing figure, and her stories often teach lessons about the importance of life and growth.

Coyote Woman is a powerful female figure who is often associated with the moon.

She is often portrayed as being a wise and compassionate figure, and her stories often teach lessons about the importance of love and compassion.

Kuksu is a God figure who is often associated with the harvest. He is often portrayed as being a benevolent figure who brings good fortune to the people, and his stories often teach lessons about the importance of community and cooperation.

Earthmaker is the Creator God of the Mission Indians. He is often portrayed as being a wise and benevolent figure who created the world and everything in it.

His stories often teach lessons about the importance of respect for nature and the importance of living in harmony with the world around us.

Mission Indian Legends:

  • The Creation of the World
  • The First People
  • The Flood
  • The Coming of the Animals
  • The Origin of Fire
  • The Origin of Death
  • The Sun Dance
  • The Ghost Dance
  • The Turtle and the Coyote
  • The Two Brothers
  • The Talking Stick
  • The Boy Who Became a Deer
  • The Girl Who Married the Sun
  • The Man Who Married a Bear
  • The Woman Who Turned into a Stone
  • The Flying Frog
  • The Giant Snake
  • The Water Monster
 

Article Index:

Two Myths of the Mission Indians of California

AUTHOR: A. L. Kroeber

What are today known as the Mission Indians are those Shoshonean and Yuman peoples who occupy the portion of southern California which lies between the principal mountain ranges and the sea. Our knowledge of the mythology of these people is derived from two very different sources.