The Myths of the New World

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Myths of the New World

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

First published in 1868, this seminal work analyzes and correlates the mythology of American Indians. Daniel G. Brinton argues that indigenous religions are sincere attempts to define the divine, not devilish traps. The text explores creation myths, the supreme gods of the Red Race, and the linguistic roots connecting diverse tribes through polysynthetic language structures.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Myths of the New World,' Daniel G. Brinton challenges the prevailing European view that Native American religions were crude fictions or devilish traps. Instead, he argues they are profound, coherent expressions of humanity's innate search for the divine. Brinton meticulously analyzes myths from the Algonkin, Iroquois, Toltec, and Aymara cultures to demonstrate their unity with global religious thought. He contends that these stories are not empty fantasies but 'utterances' of an immortal intuition, offering a rich intellectual and aesthetic culture worthy of serious philosophical attention. Central to Brinton's analysis is the linguistic evidence linking seemingly disparate concepts. He examines the Algonkin figure Michabo, the Great Hare. While later European accounts depicted him as a buffoonish trickster, Brinton reveals his ancient role as a supreme creator and preserver. Through linguistic scrutiny, he shows that the word for 'hare' is etymologically linked to 'white' and 'east.' Consequently, Michabo is not merely an animal totem but the 'Great Light' or 'Spirit of the Dawn.' This discovery transforms the myth into a cosmic narrative of the eternal struggle between light and darkness, where the Great Hare dispels the night and rules the winds. Brinton extends this method to other deities, such as Viracocha of the Aymara and Quetzalcoatl of the Toltecs. He demonstrates that these figures often represent natural forces like light, dawn, and the east, rather than being simple animal worshipers. By stripping away later European corruptions, Brinton restores the dignity and coherence of aboriginal beliefs. He highlights the significance of sacred numbers, symbols like the bird and serpent, and the role of the moon as a goddess of water and night. He asserts that the idea of God does not proceed from the external world but arises from the human struggle to define the infinite. The book emphasizes the unity of the human species, suggesting that all religions, including those of the 'red race,' are attempts to find the Lord. Brinton utilizes linguistic analysis to show that American languages employ the same tropes for deity and spirit as European tongues, providing evidence of a shared human soul. He concludes that these myths, though veiled in fancy, contain world-wide truths regarding creation, the deluge, the soul's destiny, and the moral life of the race. By treating these narratives with scientific rigor and respect, Brinton proves that the spiritual intuition of Native Americans is unified with the great religious traditions of the world.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Folklore
• Mythology
• Native American Studies