The University of Arizona Press
Myths and Tales of the White Mountain Apache
Paperback ($24.95), Ebook ($24.95)
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“This volume contains translations of Apache stories that reflect our distinct view of the world and our approach to life. These myths and fables have survived through untold generations because the truth contained in them is eternal and the moral lessons that they teach are still valid. . . . You can read these stories and catch a glimpse of how our ancestors observed nature, drew metaphors from everyday observations and happenings, and applied the lessons learned to everyday life. Read them and you will see how harmony with nature and the natural world is the goal of every Apache.” —Ronnie Lupe, Tribal Chairman, White Mountain Apache Tribe
These fifty-seven tales (with seven variants) gathered between 1931 and 1936 include major cycles dealing with Creation and Coyote, minor tales, and additional stories derived from Spanish and Mexican tradition. The tales are of two classes: holy tales said by some to explain the origin of ceremonies and holy powers, and tales which have to do with the creation of the earth, the emergence, the flood, the slaying of monsters, and the origin of customs. As Grenville Goodwin was the first anthropologist to work with the White Mountain Apache, his insights remain a primary source on this people.
These fifty-seven tales (with seven variants) gathered between 1931 and 1936 include major cycles dealing with Creation and Coyote, minor tales, and additional stories derived from Spanish and Mexican tradition. The tales are of two classes: holy tales said by some to explain the origin of ceremonies and holy powers, and tales which have to do with the creation of the earth, the emergence, the flood, the slaying of monsters, and the origin of customs. As Grenville Goodwin was the first anthropologist to work with the White Mountain Apache, his insights remain a primary source on this people.
“With the publication of this Memoir our knowledge of Western Apache folklore is significantly supplemented and extended. . . . In addition to its importance as a contribution to Southern Athabascan mythology, this volume is valuable for the general information it provides concerning the life of the people.”—American Anthropologist
“Embod[ies] high standards of scholarship, presenting the tales in translation which seems as close as possible to the original. Songs, difficult terms and many personal and place-names remain the native languages in the text, with translations in brackets, and footnotes are also provided. . . . Goodwin’s original introduction is invaluable, and it is written with an admirable blend of objective scholarship and warm identification.”—Folklore
“This is a highly readable book accessible to anyone—historian or buff—interested in the folkways of the Apaches.”—Tombstone Epitaph
“Embod[ies] high standards of scholarship, presenting the tales in translation which seems as close as possible to the original. Songs, difficult terms and many personal and place-names remain the native languages in the text, with translations in brackets, and footnotes are also provided. . . . Goodwin’s original introduction is invaluable, and it is written with an admirable blend of objective scholarship and warm identification.”—Folklore
“This is a highly readable book accessible to anyone—historian or buff—interested in the folkways of the Apaches.”—Tombstone Epitaph
223 Pages
6 x 9 x 0.8
Published: March 1994Paperback ISBN: 9780816514519
Published: November 2015Ebook ISBN: 9780816533503