article

Some sources of variability in Klamath mythology

Journal of American folkloreBoston • Published In 1956 • Pages: 1-12, 135-146, 377-386

By: Stern, Theodore.

Abstract
This three-part article is an examination of the principal sources of variability in the elements, episodes, plots and characters of Klamath myths. The author compares the myths recorded by the linguist, Albert S. Gatschet in 1877, with those he himself recorded in the 1950s and discovers variations among them both within and between the different periods. Traditionally, myths varied by setting: the multiple-family winter lodge where complete epochs were recounted, women work groups where more ribald and personally-spiced mythic episodes were exchanged, and children's bedtime where stories served to inculcate moral standards. Changes due to acculturation have also altered the cultural context in which myths found their meaning. For example, the more obscene and repetitive elements of myths have been dropped. Stern attributes some differences to the stylistic idiosyncracies of narrators based on their differences in sex, age and life experiences. While narrators were held by the audience to certain standards, they were also praised for their personal stylistic embellishments.
Subjects
Personality traits
Sociocultural trends
Literature
Mythology
Spirits and gods
Sexuality
culture
Klamath
HRAF PubDate
1998
Region
North America
Sub Region
Plains and Plateau
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 1996
Field Date
1950-51
Coverage Date
1877-1951
Coverage Place
Klamath County, Oregon, United States
Notes
by Theodore Stern
Includes bibliograhical references
LCCN
17028737
LCSH
Klamath Indians