Salish Myths and Legends
One People's Stories
Edited by M. Terry Thompson & Steven M. Egesdal
Published by University of Nebraska Press, 2008
The rich storytelling traditions of Salish-speaking peoples in
the Pacific Northwest of North America are showcased in this
anthology of story, legend, song, and oratory. From the Bitterroot
Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, Salish-speaking communities such as
the Bella Coola, Shuswap, Tillamook, Quinault, Colville-Okanagan,
Coeur d'Alene, and Flathead have always been guided and inspired by
the stories of previous generations. Many of the most influential and
powerful of those tales appear in this volume.
Salish Myths and Legends features an array of Trickster stories centered
on Coyote, Mink, and other memorable characters, as well as stories
of the frightening Basket Ogress, accounts of otherworldly journeys,
classic epic cycles such as South Wind's Journeys and the Blue Jay Cycle,
tales of such legendary animals as Beaver and Lady Louse from the
beginning of time, and stories that explain why things are the way they
are. The anthology also includes humorous traditional tales, speeches,
and fascinating stories of encounters with whites, including "Circling
Raven and the Jesuits."
Translated by leading scholars working in close collaboration with Salish
storytellers, these stories are certain to entertain and provoke,
vividly testifying to the enduring power of storytelling in Native
communities.
M. Terry Thompson has conducted research on the Salish languages
for forty years and is the coauthor of Thompson River Salish Dictionary
and The Thompson Language.
Steven M. Egesdal is an expert on Salish languages and is the author
of Stylized Character Speech in Thompson Salish Narrative.
(The text above comes from the back of the book)