What's with the Title?
As an Animal Science Major, I find it important to illustrate the significance of animals in the world. When allowed creative liberty, I always manage to include animals in some way. Giving an animal title to my Native American Literature Blog just seemed so obvious. I specifically chose the rabbit over all the other amazing and intriguing animals because I find these creatures especially interesting. For instance, the rabbit has long back feet because the increased surface area allows for instantaneous speed, and large ears for better heat dissipation and sound capture. Other than their exaggerated extremities, I am fascinated by the cultural impact of rabbits throughout the world. Incidentally, the rabbit plays a huge part in Indian literature and folklore. In the Popol Vuh, a rabbit helps the legendary twins, Hunapú and Xbalanqué, overcome the Lords of Xibalba. Most frequently assuming the role of trickster, the rabbit is fast in both wit and movement. Furthermore, I find the rabbit’s brand of cunning and foolery particularly important to the theme of “survivance.” Due to the white man’s often less than favorable image of the Indian, I believe the employment of clever tactics has become key to Native American success.
Truthfully, this blog is named after my own rabbit “Wally,” a 14lb Flemish Giant (hence the origin of “Great”). He’s pretty exciting all by himself, but connections to Native American legends are present nonetheless. Coincidentally, “Great Rabbit” also happens to be a Native American god. Also known as Mishaabooz, Manabohzo, Chi-waabooz, and countless other (undoubtedly purposely) bewildering names, Nanabohzo (“Great Rabbit”) is the trickster god of the Ojibwa. This deity is a king of deception and is even praised as the maker of the Earth. Additionally, this devious spirit is capable of transformation, effectively making him a master of disguise. Not impressed by a bunny creator? Aztec mythology describes a group of 400 rabbits, known as Centzon-Totochtin, who were the gods of fertility, parties, and drunkenness. The depiction sounds like an ancient Indian fraternity to me, but I don’t think Phi Gamma Rabbit will be organized anytime soon in Davis, much to the dismay of the students I’m sure.(Information about Native American Lore found at www.godchecker.com)
The rabbit comes up again and again in many stories and even some of the books we will read. I'm not sure if we can think of the rabbit as THE creator for ojibwe people, but more like a trickster/hero instead of the supreme god. Also, Rabbit is certainly a trickster in a lot of cultures -- bugs bunny, anyone? We're reading a book by ojibwe author, Louise Erdirch, so I'll be interested to keep my eye open for any rabbit references. By the way, cute bunny!
ReplyDeleteI like animals too, especially rabbits and puppies. In fact, I had several pet rabbits of my own back in my home town. What's funny is I even had pet chickens but I've never had a pet dog before. Is the rabbit in the picture your real pet? He's huge! But not in a bad way or anything, its just that I like small pets since it would probably suits me better because I'm a small person myself, hahah. As for the rabbit as a creator/God, I find it somewhat hard to believe. But don't get me wrong cause I am agnostic, not atheist, so I do believe in a higher power/creator. Also, I like to make matters simple rather than complex because life is short so it's more precious to spend the time enjoying it instead of going against it.
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