Shirley Graybill

Tales from the Keeper of the Myths: Cherokee Stories for Children Shirley Graybill

The Native American StorytellerStorytelling was one of the most popular pastimes in the winter for both Native American children and adults. The Native American storytellers were superb actors. Flute music was played around the fires in the center of the huts or lodges and served as background music when the stories were told. The facial expressions, voices and gestures of the storytellers almost told the tale without words as they fascinated their listeners with amazing stories, tales of adventure and myths and legends of the magical days of long ago. One of the sacred duties of the elders of the tribes was to hand down the traditions to the younger generations. Thus, the winter storytelling preserved the continuity of the Cherokee tribes by keeping alive their history and traditions. The best storytellers were highly respected by their people; not only were they entertainers, but also teachers, historians and guardians, or Keepers of the Myths.