Week 10 Essay: American Indian Fairy Tales

I really enjoyed the reading for this unit because the stories were so interesting and related to nature. My two favorite stories from this unit were The Little Boy and Girl in the Clouds and The Fairy Bride. The Little Boy and Girl in the Clouds was one of my favorite stories to read because of the ending. The children fall asleep on a mountain, and while they are asleep, the mountain grows into the clouds. The parents and many of the forest animals attempt to reach the children without being able to do so. I liked that so many of the animals that are considered to be the fastest, smartest, or strongest are the ones who failed at climbing to the top of the mountain to save the kids. The little creature who most people would consider being incapable of accomplishing the task, was the only one who made it to the top of the mountain. What a great message especially to children who are told by society that they cannot doing something! It was a great story of hope and perseverance. The Fairy Bride was also one of my favorites because it was a story about a girl who went against the norm. Her mother wanted her to marry a hunter so he could take care of her. Isn't that so easily related to the mindset of mothers and fathers today concerning their daughters? Girls are taught that they need a man to take care of them when they are fully capable of taking care of themselves. I loved the message of going against what people expect of you and doing what you love. Living your own life. This little Indian girl loved wandering the meadow and enjoyed time alone. Instead of marrying the man who was set out to be her husband, she found her self a fairy man in the meadow and never returned home! This unit was also enjoyable because I could listen to it audibly. I love that. I would recommend this unit to everyone!