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Ute mythology weaves a tapestry of stories and beliefs that are expressive of the cultural heritage and values of the Ute people themselves. Recent sources bring forth new interpretations, additional narratives, and insights into traditional practices that expand the known boundaries of Ute mythological frameworks. The Ute mythology is the mythology of the Ute people, a tribe of Native Americans from the Western United States.

Ute Creation Story

Due to copyright, the mythological story of the creation of the Utes may be found on their official website.^[1] The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has shared recent versions of their creation story, emphasizing the continuous existence of the Utes within the boundaries of their ancestral home. According to Alden Naranjo, a highly respected Southern Ute elder, it is maintained in the creation narrative of the Ute that they have always occupied this mountainous region, in contrast to the creation stories of migration told in many other tribes. The Utes' strong relationship with their land is reinforced further by this perspective.

Bear Dance^[2]

As told by Snake John, the story of the origin of the bear dance goes as follows:

"In the fall the snow comes, and the bear has a wickiup in a hole. He stays there all winter, perhaps six moons. In the spring the snow goes, and he comes out. The bear dances up to a big tree on his hind feet. He dances up and back, back and fouth, and sings, "Um, um, um, um!" He makes a path up to the tree, embraces it, and goes back again, singing "Um, Um, Um!" He dances very much, all the time. Now Indians do it, and call it the "Bear Dance." It happens in the spring, and they do not dance in the winter. The bear understands the Bear Dance."

Recent research has cast new light on old Ute myths, especially those about the Bear Dance. An interdisciplinary approach has been used to examine the symbolism of the Bear Dance and its associated myths, which has given a greater understanding of the cultural practices and beliefs of the Ute. This work emphasizes the importance of the Bear Dance as not only a ceremonial event but also as a method of cultural identity and expression.

Key Ute Mythological Figures

"The representation of mythological figures such as Sinawav (the Creator) and Coyote reveals the moral lessons embedded within Ute myths. Coyote, often portrayed as a trickster, embodies both wisdom and folly, serving as a reminder of the complexities of human behavior. The myths highlight important cultural values, including responsibility and the consequences of one's actions. This exploration of character motivations provides valuable insights into the Ute worldview and ethics."

Anthropological linguistics studies suggest animals are significant to Ute folklore. Traditional Ute linguistics includes words for Wolf, Little Bird, Mountain Lion, Fox, Mountain Sheep, Turtle, Bear, Coyote, and Weasle.^[3]

Wolf

"Creator and culture hero of the Ute tribe. Like other figures from the mythic age, Wolf is usually represented as a man in Ute stories, but sometimes takes on the literal form of a wolf."^[4]

Coyote

"Wolf's younger brother, Coyote is a trickster figure. Though he often assists his brother and sometimes even does good deeds for the people, Coyote's behavior is so irresponsible and frivolous that he is constantly getting himself and those around him into trouble."^[4]

New Interpretations and Narratives

Recent scholarship has cast new light on old Ute myths, especially those about the Bear Dance. The research has used an interdisciplinary approach to decipher the symbolism associated with the Bear Dance and its attendant myths for a more poignant look into the culture and beliefs of the Ute people. This illustrates the importance of the Bear Dance as not only a ceremonial occasion but also as one of cultural identification and expression.

Folk tales

Pokoh, the Old Man^[5]
Blood Clot^[6]
Porcupine Hunts Buffalo, Hunt deer, Hunt elk, Hunt grasshoppers^[7]
Puma and the Bear^[8]
Two Grandsons^[9]
Coyote & Duck^[10]

References

^ "Ute Creation Story – Southern Ute Indian Tribe". www.southernute-nsn.gov. Retrieved 2022-11-29.
^ Mason, J. Alden (1910). "Myths of the Uintah Utes". The Journal of American Folklore. 23 (89): 299–363. doi:10.2307/534545. ISSN 0021-8715.
^ Goss, James A. (1967). "Ute Language, Kin, Myth, and Nature: A Demonstration of a Multi-Dimensional Folk Taxonomy". Anthropological Linguistics. 9: 1-11. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
^ ^a ^b "Ute Legends (Folklore, Myths, and Traditional Indian Stories)". www.native-languages.org. Retrieved 2022-11-29.
^ "Pokoh, The Old Man - A Ute Legend". www.firstpeople.us.
^ "Blood Clot - A Ute Legend". www.firstpeople.us.
^ "Porcupine Hunts Buffalo". www.indigenouspeople.net. Retrieved 2022-11-29.
^ "Puma and the Bear". 6 September 2004.
^ "Two Grandsons". www.indigenouspeople.net. Retrieved 2022-11-29.
^ "Ute Legends (Folklore, Myths, and Traditional Indian Stories)". www.native-languages.org.

Southern Ute Indian Tribe. "Southern Ute Reservation, Colorado." Southern Ute Indian Tribe, 12 Feb. 2024. Mason, John Alden. "Myths of the Uintah Utes." The Journal of American Folklore, vol. 23, no. 89, 1910, pp. 299-363. "Ute Legends (Folklore, Myths, and Traditional Indian Stories)." Native Languages of the Americas, 2024. Southern Ute Indian Tribe. (n.d.). Ute Creation Story. UteBearDance.Pdf. colorado.edu, 9 July 2008, https://spot.colorado.edu/~lmcneil/UteBearDance.pdf.