EARLY AMERICAN LITERATURE MAGAZINE Early American Literature Magazine exam | Page 7

Characteristics

Hero Initiation
Rituals and initiation in Native American tribes: This type of characteristics is one of the most
recognized in Native American literature as it speaks about some brave young man. Often, the
young man is born in divine circumstances or has a mixed relationship. He does not belong
completely to his native tribe and he undergoes some challenge or fight and dies in that battle
and that is why he is a character revered by those of the tribe.

trickster
Animals represent tricksters in Native American culture. This
means that within the Native American Literature animals are
part of their characters and many times each one has a
characteristic, for example an eagle can mean someone brave,
strong, free and who fights for his territory. Although the
trickster may hurt others or act badly, it is nonetheless
considered a cultural hero in tribal stories.

Symbolic landmarks and mythology
This characteristic of Native American literature is attributed to those human characteristics of
mythological objects or beings, this is called anthropomorphic. Also on some occasions the
animals are given human or reasoning characteristics such as jealousy, greed, envy etc.
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