(The snow-covered, saw-toothed mountain range)
This map above can be found here.
Shoshoni Myths
The myths of the Shoshoni commonly incorporate the tale of Coyote, who is an archetypal deity-figure and responsible for much, including the creation of people.
These myths are not particular unique to the Shoshoni, but common with multiple Native American cultures including the Huron and Nez Perce as well as the Shoshoni.
Coyote, while responsible for much good, is also often seen as the trickster doing the work of the Great Spirit.
Spirits and deities often take on the form of animals in Native American mythology and storytelling.
Modern translations will incorporate the use of the Sierra Nevada name, however, at the time these myths were originally being told, the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range had yet to be realized.
Additionally, Christian metaphors can be found in modern translations. These too reflect the influence of westward expansion rather than the true mythology of the culture.
The following website has some of the more common Shoshoni myths. These translations are highly westernized and mostly focus on the stories of Coyote. Keep in mind, any mentions of the Sierra Nevada, other modern names, or religious reference, would not have been found in the original myths. Regardless, the website still gives a nice background for the myths.
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