The Earth on Turtle's Back

The Earth on Turtle's Back - Onondaga Tribe

Page 22

1. According to the myth, before this Earth existed, there was only what?

2. Describe the tree that exists in the Skyland.

3. Describe the dream that the Ancient Chief's wife has.

4. Reading Strategy: What do the chief's words to his wife tell you about the beliefs of the Onondaga?

5. Who is the only one who can uproot the tree?

6. Who falls through the hole where the great tree once was?

7. Why do the animals decide they must pull up Earth from beneath the water?

Page 23

8. Which animal says they will bring up Earth or die trying?

9. What does the Muskrat do with the little piece of Earth that he grabbed? What happens after that?\

Critical Viewing

10. What characteristics of the turtle pictured on page 23 are explained in this origin myth?