Lenape Mythology
Lenape mythology is based on polytheism.
Kishelemukong is the creator god, not involved in the daily affairs of the Lenape. Instead, he directed the manitowak, the life-spirits of all living things, which were created by Kishelemukong. The manitowak were venerated in ceremonies, rituals, dreams, visions, games and ohtas (see below), as well as through the interventions of the Metinuwak, the shamans who were healers, spiritual and emotional guides, and religious leaders; they could communicate with the manitowak.
An ohta is a wooden doll carved annually and that were said to have remarkable powers of healing and luck.
A nianque is an animal guide, such as in a vision quest.
Read more about Lenape Mythology: Further Reading
Famous quotes containing the word mythology:
“In the United States there’s a Puritan ethic and a mythology of success. He who is successful is good. In Latin countries, in Catholic countries, a successful person is a sinner.”
—Umberto Eco (b. 1932)