Old Indian Legends

Old Indian Legends is a collection of Native American folklore retold by Zitkala-Sa, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin. Zitkala-Sa was a Yankton Dakota Sioux writer, musician, and activist who lived from 1876 to 1938.Published in 1901, Old Indian Legends features traditional stories passed down through generations within Native American communities. Zitkala-Sa, who was raised in the Dakota Sioux oral tradition, retells these legends in written form, preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of her people with a wider audience.The stories in Old Indian Legends cover a variety of themes, including the creation of the world, the interactions between humans and animals, and lessons on morality and behavior. Through these tales, Zitkala-Sa offers readers insights into Native American spirituality, values, and traditions.Old Indian Legends remains an important work in Native American literature, providing readers with a glimpse into the rich storytelling tradition of indigenous peoples and serving as a tribute to the cultural heritage of the Dakota Sioux and other Native American tribes.