Throughout history, and throughout the world, mythology has been developed as a way to explain the unknown and deal with one's existence. Why does the sun shine? Well, apparently, in past generations, something controls the universe, so there must be a god responsible for the sun and many other natural phenomena. During the creation of Native American myths, "there was much in the way of free-range food, but the hunting wasn't as easy as getting up in the morning, taking a walk, and shooting some passing bison with a bow" (Godchecker). Times were hard, “even plains societies that lived off prolific buffalo sometimes fell under the threat of starvation” (Godchecker). Finally, “when the herds were found, the people were grateful and thanked the Gods profusely” (Godchecker). In Native American myths “animals had powerful spirits and it was necessary to thank and appease them if you wanted to make a meal of them” (Godchecker). They believed that "one could see into the souls of the BEAVER, the BADGER and the BUFFALO as they went about their business", or "hear the THUNDER BIRD adjusting the weather and enjoy the rascality of the CROW, MANABOZHO and COYOTE with their tempting tricks ". "(Godchecker). How can there be any doubt as to whether or not Native American legends can be considered myths? The typical characteristics of mythology are essentially three. Classical myths often include deities or supernatural heroes, they are “closely linked to religion ” and “generally take place in a primordial era, when the world had not yet reached its current form” (Wikipedia “Mythology”). Furthermore, myths provide an explanation for the existence of life and how the world came into being . Classical myths often include supernatural gods or heroes... medium of paper...ure and Arnold Krupat. "Native American Trickster Tales." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Julia Reidhead vol . A. New York: WWNorton & Company, Inc., 2007. 72-74.Franklin, Wayne, Philip F. Gura and Arnold Krupat. "The Creation Story of the Iroquois." Julia Reidhead. 7th ed. New York: WWNorton & Company, 2007. 18-21. "Mythology". Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2011. Network. January 22, 2011. "Native American Mythology: An Introduction." Godchecker.com - Your guide to the gods. Network. January 22, 2011. "Native American Mythology." Encyclopedia of Myths - Myths and legends of the world. Network. January 22. 2011. .