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cloudy_oneAfter the previous post I got to thinking just a little bit more about the Mythology group I've hosted and gotten started (in large part with Sam's help and participation). There had been a lot of work done with what I thought people would be interested in and my own interest in the classics. Most of the focus was on Greek and Roman type myths, while incorporating some modern mythologies as well. As time went on we tried to make it a lot more varied. There would be a topic (like Artifacts or Food) and then try to find several examples, each from a different world culture and not confined by time periods. We found some Afrikan myths, some South American myths, of course plenty of European myths, and so on and so forth. What I've been thinking about a lot lately (meaning the last few weeks) in reference to the mythology though has been interest in the mythology surrounding my home here in New Mexico and the Great American Southwest. I've heard a few stories about the Anasazi, trading with South American tribes, astrological ideas and innovations; but all in all I don't think I've really gotten to learn a lot about stories. When I look things up online I get quite a bit about Avanyu, a local serpent who is in various ways connected to water in the area. The stories span at least a handful of Pueblos.
What I would like to do is get some more information about our local mythologies. It's difficult to get some of the older stuff. There are a lot of stories based around the Spanish beliefs when they came and conquered the land. That's where a lot of the talked about "superstitions" come from, at least here in town. La llorona is a great example of that I think. She is said to be a mother who lost her child to rushing flash floods and thus wanders around arroyos (ditches) waiting for children playing to close so she can snatch them. I think the general idea behind that story is that we don't want our kids playing in arroyos because flash floods are known to occur without a cloud in the sky (we get a lot of water from higher ground that can rush without warning). In Anglo terms she has been referred to as the "Ditch Witch." Thinking about the older legends that are even more native to the area brings up the difficulties. For the most part the Pueblos are quite secretive about their stories and beliefs. They are more than just a little hesitant to share them with outsiders.
I could always head to UNM and see what they've dug up, scour their archives and interviews. The reason it seems a little bit more important for extra information too is that Sam brought up a good point. Since the group is ordinarily held at First UU, a lot of our people could be quite knowledgeable about it already. Most of the church has a pretty extensive academic background. Members are not afraid to flaunt their MAs and Ph.Ds. The biggest concern would be not keeping them interested by only giving them information they already know. At least that's what I think the biggest concern would be. It might be different with hosting the groups elsewhere, but since there would be a lot of local "experts" (or at least people who are knowledgeable already) it would be good to do a bit more personal and in-depth research first.
I would like to go back to looking into mythologies of the world, but focus at first at home. As I write the entry the idea of a new venue is sounding nicer and nicer too. I'll look into it more I think. *nods*
What I would like to do is get some more information about our local mythologies. It's difficult to get some of the older stuff. There are a lot of stories based around the Spanish beliefs when they came and conquered the land. That's where a lot of the talked about "superstitions" come from, at least here in town. La llorona is a great example of that I think. She is said to be a mother who lost her child to rushing flash floods and thus wanders around arroyos (ditches) waiting for children playing to close so she can snatch them. I think the general idea behind that story is that we don't want our kids playing in arroyos because flash floods are known to occur without a cloud in the sky (we get a lot of water from higher ground that can rush without warning). In Anglo terms she has been referred to as the "Ditch Witch." Thinking about the older legends that are even more native to the area brings up the difficulties. For the most part the Pueblos are quite secretive about their stories and beliefs. They are more than just a little hesitant to share them with outsiders.
I could always head to UNM and see what they've dug up, scour their archives and interviews. The reason it seems a little bit more important for extra information too is that Sam brought up a good point. Since the group is ordinarily held at First UU, a lot of our people could be quite knowledgeable about it already. Most of the church has a pretty extensive academic background. Members are not afraid to flaunt their MAs and Ph.Ds. The biggest concern would be not keeping them interested by only giving them information they already know. At least that's what I think the biggest concern would be. It might be different with hosting the groups elsewhere, but since there would be a lot of local "experts" (or at least people who are knowledgeable already) it would be good to do a bit more personal and in-depth research first.
I would like to go back to looking into mythologies of the world, but focus at first at home. As I write the entry the idea of a new venue is sounding nicer and nicer too. I'll look into it more I think. *nods*
