One common theme is the connection between humans and nature. Native Indian stories often show how humans are part of the natural world and rely on it. For example, stories about animals as spirits reflect this connection.
One common theme is the connection to the land. Native American Indian novels often depict the deep spiritual and physical bond that the people have with the land they inhabit. For example, in many stories, the land is not just a place to live but a source of identity and a repository of ancestral memories.
One well - known mythical Native Indian story is about the Trickster Coyote. Coyote was often getting into all sorts of mischief. In some tales, he tries to steal fire from the gods to give it to humans. He uses his cunning but also his clumsiness to make the story full of twists and turns.
Divine intervention is also a common theme. Gods often come down to earth to help humans or to teach them important lessons. Like Krishna in the Mahabharata, he intervenes in the war to guide Arjuna and also to uphold dharma. And the theme of love and devotion, such as the love of the devotees for their chosen deities, is seen throughout Indian mythical stories.
Another theme is protection. Wolves are often depicted as protectors of the tribe, either warning of danger or directly safeguarding the people. For example, a wolf might fight off a bear that was approaching the tribe's camp. Also, there is a spiritual theme. Wolves are seen as spiritual beings in native Indian stories. They can bring messages from the spirit world or have a special significance in religious ceremonies of the tribe. This shows the importance of the spiritual aspect in native Indian culture.
Another theme is often survival. The white woman has to find ways to survive in a foreign and often hostile (as per the Euro - centric view in these novels) environment among the native Indians. There is also the theme of rescue. Usually, there is a male hero figure, often from the white settler community, who attempts to rescue the kidnapped woman, highlighting ideas of chivalry and male heroism.
One common theme is the presence of vengeful spirits. For example, in many Native American stories, if someone desecrates a sacred place, a spirit might come to haunt them. Another theme is nature turning against humans. In some native African stories, when people over - hunt or don't respect the land, the forest or the animals in it can become menacing.
The theme of spirits and the afterlife is also prevalent. There are stories of vengeful spirits that haunt the living because of some wrong that was done to them in their past lives. These spirits can cause illness, bad luck, or even death. Also, the idea of a moral code within the stories is common. Those who break the traditional values of the tribe, such as being greedy or disrespectful, are often the ones who face the scariest consequences in these stories. This serves as a warning to the community to uphold their values.
Spiritual elements are also common. Native American love stories often incorporate spiritual beliefs. The love between two people might be seen as a part of a greater spiritual plan. For instance, they may believe that their love was fated by the spirits, and they are meant to be together to fulfill a certain purpose in the tribe or in relation to nature.
One common theme is guidance. The morning star often guides people in the stories, whether it's guiding hunters to find food or leading lost travelers back home. Another theme could be divinity. It is sometimes seen as a divine or semi - divine being. Also, transformation might be a theme. For example, someone might transform into the morning star as a form of ascension.
One common theme is the connection between nature and the supernatural. Since Native Americans have a deep respect for nature, many ghost stories involve spirits that are related to natural elements like mountains, rivers, or forests. For example, a river might be haunted by the spirit of a drowned person or a water deity.