| Iroquois Stories CD by Joseph Bruchac contains six Iroquois stories including Creation (2:38), How Buzzard Got His Feathers (6:48), Turtle's Race with Bear (4:18), Raccoon and Crayfish (5:53), The Wife of Thunderer (15:42), and The Brave Woman and the Flying Head (6:22). All legends are recounted by Abenaki storyteller Joseph Bruchac in a clear and moving voice. The CD begins with Bruchac introducing the stories with background information about the Iroquois and their culture. He recounts how stories would have been told by an elderly man or woman in times past. The first story retells a brief version of the Iroquois creation story. In The Wife of Thunderer story, Bruchac recounts the Iroquois version of the "Maid of the Mist" legend. He avoids telling the myth Niagara Falls tourists hear during visits to the Falls. In this Iroquois version, the details of a young woman?s contact with the Thunderers are explained. The story goes on to describe the formation of the Horseshoe Falls and stresses the importance of the Thunderers. Bruchac introduces each story with a brief description of what the story means. In the two stories about women, Bruchac clearly identifies that women hold a significant and respected place in Iroquoian society. This collection of Iroquois legends would appeal to all ages. Younger listeners may find the story about the Thunderers a bit long but they will enjoy Bruchac?s style of storytelling. |
