The Dawn of the World: Myths and Weird Tales Told by the Mewan Indians of California

This 1910 collection by C. Hart Merriam presents the mythology of the Mewan Indian tribes of central California, recorded from oral tradition. Part I contains approximately thirty creation and origin myths, including how animals acquired their distinguishing features (the robin's red breast), how fire and light were stolen for humanity, and the creation of humans through transformation of feathers, sticks, or clay. Key mythological figures include Wek'-wek the Falcon, Coyote-man the creator deity, and various animal-people. Part II comprises contemporary Mewan beliefs about animals' human characteristics, ghost behavior, natural phenomena, and supernatural beings like water-spirits and rock giants. The volume includes illustrations by E. W. Deming and the author, a distribution map, and appendices listing scientific names and bibliography.