A common moral in Cherokee bedtime stories is respect for all living things. For example, in stories where animals interact, like the one about the Rabbit and the Turtle, it shows that every creature has its own strength, and we should not underestimate others.
The Cherokee also have a story about the Sun and the Moon. In this story, the Sun was very bright and powerful during the day, but at night, the Moon took over. The Moon was gentle and kind. The story was often told to children to explain the cycle of day and night. It was said that the Moon watched over the sleeping children at night, protecting them while they dreamed.
One common Cherokee story is the story of the creation. It tells how the world was formed, with animals playing important roles. For example, the water beetle brought mud from the bottom of the primordial ocean to create land. Another story is about the trickster figure, Rabbit. Rabbit often gets into mischief and teaches lessons through his adventures.
One Cherokee ghost story is about the Nunnehi. They are spirit people who live in the mountains. They are said to be helpful to the Cherokee, sometimes warning them of danger or helping lost hunters find their way home.
One Cherokee scary story is about the Spearfinger. It's a hideous old witch with a long, sharp finger made of stone. She would lurk in the mountains and use her finger to spear people, especially children. She was very difficult to kill as she could turn into a rock when in danger.
One well - known Old Cherokee Story is the story of the Rabbit and the Terrapin. The Rabbit was very boastful and thought he was the fastest. But the Terrapin tricked him in a race. This story teaches about not being over - confident.
In Cherokee Indian stories, there are many main characters. For example, the Thunder Beings are significant. They are powerful entities associated with storms and are often seen as both fearsome and necessary for the balance of nature. There's also the Uktena, a large and magical serpent that plays important roles in some tales, often guarding treasures or having special powers.
One interesting Cherokee short story is about the origin of the world. According to Cherokee beliefs, the world was created by the animals. They dived deep into the water to bring up mud which then expanded to form the land. Another story is about the Trickster figure, Rabbit. Rabbit often gets into mischief and outwits other animals in humorous ways. These stories not only entertain but also pass on the Cherokee values and wisdom.
The unknown and the sense of being in a place that is out of one's control. In Cherokee horror stories, like the ones about cursed forests or strange lakes, people find themselves in situations where they can't rely on their usual skills or knowledge. They are in a world full of mystery and danger, and that's really scary. Another aspect is the use of nature as a source of horror. The trees, water, and land can all turn against a person in these stories, which is a very unnerving concept.
The themes in Cherokee love stories include perseverance. For example, when faced with obstacles like family disapproval or natural disasters, the lovers keep fighting for their relationship. Also, there is a strong sense of community. Their love is not just about the two individuals but also about how they fit into the Cherokee community as a couple.