Question

In “The Earth on Turtle's Back,” the Ancient Chief uproots the Great Tree because he valued dreams. Explain why would such early cultures would put values in dreams. What was the end result of the Ancient Chief following the dream? In an essay, explain your response. Cite at least two details from the myth to support your opinion.

Answer 1

The people of Onondaga valued dreams much than anything. The story “The Earth on Turtle's Back” is based on the dream that the chief's wife saw. The wife dreams about a tree being uprooted. She tells the villagers and the chief about the dream. Her husband after great effort uproots the tree out.  When the wife looked into the hole created after the tree was uprooted, she fell into it. The animals rescued her and showed genuine concern for her. Onondaga people give credit to the animals and the Sky woman for creating the Earth. This shows that the people possess respect and affection for nature. Hence they consider that the world belongs to the animals first.

People of Onondaga valued dreams because for them the creation of the Earth had happened only after the pregnant woman saw the dream.