Myths of the Modocs

"Myths of the Modocs" by Jeremiah Curtin is a collection of indigenous myths and folklore written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the rich tapestry of Modoc culture, exploring their creation stories, beliefs, and connection to the land, particularly the sacred region of Klamath Lake and Lost River. Throughout the text, core figures from Modoc mythology are likely highlighted, examining their roles in shaping the world and the Modoc people's understanding of existence. At the start of the book, the introduction offers a historical context of the Modoc people, detailing their experiences before and during the Modoc War and the impacts of colonization by white settlers. It sets the stage for an exploration of the Modocs' mythology, emphasizing the significance of sacred places and the relationship between the people and their environment. The opening also introduces essential characters like Kumush, the creator figure, and Látkakáwas, as well as hints at various myths that will be unfolded, establishing a foundation for understanding the spiritual and cultural nuances embedded in the stories that follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Jeremiah Curtin was an American ethnographer, folklorist, and translator. Curtin had an abiding interest in languages and was conversant with several. From 1883 to 1891 he was employed by the Bureau of American Ethnology as a field researcher documenting the customs and mythologies of various Native American tribes.