Related Myths about Man

Myth 1

Myth 2

The Origin of the Three Races:

A Seminole Tradition

Having resolved to create mankind, the Great Spirit made first a man whose skin was black; which, on contemplation, did not please him. He therefore determined upon making another trial. His second effort was more successful; this creation proved to be a red man. But although gratified at improvement in the color of the second man, the Spirit felt constrained to make another trial. He again went to work, and created a man who proved to be white; this was satisfactory.

Calling the three men before him, he exhibited to them three boxes. The first box contained books and papers; the second was filled with bows and arrows and tomahawks; the third held spades, axes, hoes, and hammers. The Great Spirit then addressed them in these words: "These, my sons, are the means by which you are to live; choose among them."

The white man, the youngest brother, being the favorite, was allowed the first choice. He passed by the working-tools - the axes, hoes, and hammers - without notice; but when be came to the weapons' of war and hunting he hesitated, examining them closely. The red man trembled, for his whole heart was full of the desire of their possession, and he feared he was to lose them. But the white man fortunately, after deliberating some time, passed them by, and chose the box of books. The red man's turn came next: he seized upon the bows and arrows and tomahawks, and his soul was glad within him. Then the black man, the Spirit's first offspring, having no choice left, humbly took the box of tools.

(Emerson, 1965, p. 149-150; alternative version found in Lankford, 1987, p. 140-141)