For t he North American peoples, myths and legends were more than mere entertainment. They were an essential part of a culture based upon a common understanding of mankind's place in nature, and upon totemic beliefs which gave animals souls, spirits and supernatural powers. The stories in this book come from fiveof the major linguistic groups of the North American continent: the Iroquois who lived on the eastern seaboard, the Algonquians of the Canadian forests, the Sioux of the Midwestern plains and the Athapascans and Californians of the pacific coast. As varied as the tribes who told them, but linked by many common themes, they tell of the mischievous blue jay and the kindly beaver, of buffalo-stealers and thunder-men. Includes a brief history of the tribes and their customs..