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.
Through citing, in consideration of the front side of the page, cite and describe three moments where Nature impacts the creation of the planet.
One moment where Nature impacts the creation of the planet is when Sky Woman falls through the hole in the sky and lands on the back of Big Turtle in the middle of the water. The text states, "The little girl fell through the hole and dropped down to the earth. There was nothing but water below." This shows that Nature, in the form of the water, plays a significant role in the creation of the planet by providing a landing spot for Sky Woman.
Another moment where Nature impacts the creation of the planet is when Sky Woman and the animals work together to gather soil from the bottom of the ocean. The text mentions, "Sea creatures helped by diving into the water and bringing up dirt in their mouths." This illustrates how Nature, in the form of the sea creatures, actively participates in the creation process by providing the necessary materials, which is the dirt.
Additionally, Nature impacts the creation of the planet when Sky Woman plants the seeds she carries with her on Big Turtle's back. The text explains, "The girl began to plant the seeds and sing special songs." This indicates that Nature, through the seeds and the act of planting, plays a crucial role in creating life and vegetation on the planet.
In all of these moments, Nature is portrayed as an active participant in the creation process, providing the necessary elements and resources for the formation of the planet.
To cite three moments where Nature impacts the creation of the planet in the Iroquois legend of creation, we can identify the following instances and provide a description for each:
1. Identifying: "Then the Earth-maker formed rivers and great lakes, and he filled them with swimming and creeping and crawling creatures, and into the rivers and lakes he placed the trees and the animals and the birds."
Citing: According to the legend, Nature impacts the creation of the planet when the Earth-maker forms rivers and great lakes, filling them with various aquatic and terrestrial creatures.
Explain: This moment in the story showcases how Nature plays a role by providing an environment in which diverse species are placed, highlighting the importance of water bodies and ecosystems in the creation and sustenance of life.
2. Identifying: "Then the Earth-maker drew the sun from out of his arm-pit, and set it high in the heavens to give light to the new world that he had fashioned."
Citing: In this part of the legend, Nature impacts the creation of the planet when the Earth-maker places the sun in the sky to provide light.
Explain: The placement of the sun by the Earth-maker demonstrates how Nature influences the creation of the planet by providing a source of light and energy, which is essential for the growth and development of living organisms.
3. Identifying: "Then the Earth-maker caused all the trees and grasses and flowers to grow quickly, and he filled the air with bees and hummingbirds and all the other insects and birds that belong to the warm weather."
Citing: According to the legend, Nature impacts the creation of the planet when the Earth-maker causes plants and flowers to grow rapidly, thereby attracting insects and birds.
Explain: This moment highlights how Nature contributes to the planet's creation by allowing for the growth and proliferation of plant life, which in turn supports the existence of various insects and birds. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of different elements of nature in the ecosystem.
To identify and cite three moments where Nature impacts the creation of the planet in the Iroquois legend of creation, we can look for specific details in the text that highlight these moments. Here are three examples:
1. In the legend, it is mentioned that in the beginning, there was nothing but a "boundless, shoreless, unending sea" (Identify). This signifies that Nature, in the form of the vast sea, was there at the very start of creation (Cite). The sea's presence is crucial for the formation of land and other natural elements on the planet (Explain).
2. Another moment where Nature influences the creation of the planet is when Earth Diver, the Muskrat, retrieves soil from the bottom of the ocean (Identify). The text states that the Muskrat dived repeatedly to find the soil, which he brought up to the surface (Cite). This action represents the intervention of Nature in shaping the physical features of the planet, as the soil is necessary for the formation of land (Explain).
3. Nature plays a significant role when the Celestial Beings float down from the Sky World and land on a giant turtle's back (Identify). The text describes how the Great Turtle offers his back as a foundation for a landmass (Cite). This event highlights the collaboration between Nature and celestial forces in creating the physical structure of the planet (Explain).
In each of these moments, Nature's influence is evident in the formation of land, the retrieval of soil, and the support provided by the Great Turtle.