The Emergence: The Navajo Creation Myth

In the myth “The Emergence” it is shown how the Navajo people depended on animals for food and spiritual beliefs. Their culture is one of adaptation from those that they meet and live near. They started their journey being hunters and fishers, but when their Pueblo neighbors took refuge on their lands they learned other ways to get food. “The Pueblo people introduced the Navajo to farming and weaving” (“The Emergence” 615). They developed those skills learned from the Pueblo and incorporated them into their everyday life. The Navajo prospered by adapting and learning from new opportunities. When it came to food the Navajo relied upon hunting animals and fish. They were then introduced to farming which gave them an advantage to grow food when hunting was scarce. After the Spanish moved into their area in the 1500’s they learned how to be shepherds and herded sheep. They relied upon animals to provide them food and clothing. They not only used animals to provide substance for their bodies, but they were also able to use them to barter with to other people for items they might need. Learning how to herd the sheep brought prosperity to the Navajo people and they thrived with all opportunities that were presented to them.

“The Navajo creation myth, depicts how the Navajo progress from world to world and become more civilized as they move upward” (“The Emergence” 615). In the myth it tells of how four animals from each corner of the world represent what is needed to assist the humans to survive. The Navajo people believe “that all living creatures deserve respect, since they are all creations of the same Supreme Being” (“The Emergence” 616). They believe that animals should be respected and do not take it lightly when animals are used for food. They thank the gods when they have a kill to offer their way of respect to the gods and the animals that will be providing them