Directions: After reading through the Iroquois legend of creation, answer the following questions using the evidence-citing strategy, I.C.E. (Identify/Cite/Explain). Answers should forever and always be developed in complete sentences.
Indigenous Peoples believe that there was a constant balance between ‘good’ and ‘evil’, but it had to originate somewhere. Cite and explain the point at which, in the legend, it expresses the origin of both good and evil.
In the Iroquois legend of creation, the point at which it expresses the origin of both good and evil is when the twin brothers, Sky Woman and Flint, are born. This is identified in the legend when it states, "Sky Woman gave birth to twin male children," and "Sky Woman's husband favored the evil twin, Flint."
The citation indicates that Sky Woman gave birth to twin male children, one representing good and the other representing evil. The explanation for the origin of both good and evil lies in the favoritism that Sky Woman's husband shows towards the evil twin, Flint. This favoritism creates a dynamic where both good and evil exist in the world, as the evil twin is embraced while the good twin is neglected.
This moment in the legend signifies the beginning of the balance between good and evil. It highlights the idea that both aspects exist and are present in the world from its origin. The tale suggests that the duality of good and evil is not something that emerged later but was present from the very beginning. Hence, the point at which the legend expresses the origin of both good and evil is when Sky Woman gives birth to her twin sons, one of whom is favored and represents evil.
In the Iroquois legend of creation, the origin of both good and evil is expressed when the Sky Woman falls from the sky and is caught by the birds and animals. This is identified in the legend when it states, "Great darkness surrounded her and there was no solid ground to be found. Then suddenly a great light appeared and a beautiful land came into view." (Cite: Iroquois legend of creation) This event symbolizes the beginning of both good and evil as the light and darkness represent the contrasting forces that exist in the world. The light represents the good and beauty of the new land, while the darkness signifies the potential for evil and challenges that the Sky Woman will face in her journey. Therefore, this specific moment in the legend marks the origin of both good and evil in the Indigenous Peoples' belief system.
To identify and cite the point in the Iroquois legend of creation where the origin of both good and evil is expressed, we can refer to the following excerpt from the text:
"In a great swamp, there were the old muskrat and turtle. The muskrat went to the bottom of the swamp and brought up some mud. With this mud, the turtle built the earth upon the water. The old muskrat and the turtle, they were the only ones to live in this new land."
This passage explains the creation of the earth by the muskrat and turtle. It serves as the point in the legend where the origin of both good and evil is expressed. By attributing the creation of the earth to these two beings, the legend implies that both good and evil were present from the very beginning.
The muskrat and turtle are not explicitly referenced as representing good and evil, but their actions of creating the earth suggest the simultaneous emergence of opposing forces. This notion aligns with the belief of Indigenous Peoples in a constant balance between good and evil.
Therefore, according to the I.C.E strategy of Identify/Cite/Explain, the point in the legend expressing the origin of both good and evil is when the muskrat and turtle create the earth.