Assignment 2 Final Draft
Transcript of Assignment 2 Final Draft
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
Introduction/ Background
Ever since I first saw Stephanie Meyer’s series, Twilight, I have
been infatuated with the idea of vampires andconcept of shape-
shiftingers. I have always loved learning about different Native
American tribes, being that my grandfather is Cherokee, and I
found it interesting how the Quileute tribe in the series believed
that they originated from wolves. In the series the Quileute were
and were even shape-shifters that turned into werewolves when in
the presence of danger or when enraged. They used their shape-
shifting ability for protection and to ward off the enemy, vampires.
I wanted to do some more research on the whole concept to get a
better understanding of it and to find out if that was really a myth
amongst that the Quileute tribe. I knoew that a lot of times writers
altered legends and myths to fit in with their storyline, so I wanted
to investigate first of all to see if the Quileute were a real Native
American tribe and secondly to see if this was really the legend
that they had in their culture. Is this really a Quileute myth? Did
they really believe that they originated from wolves? Do they
really believe they can shape-shift? Who or what created this
legend?
The way that the werewolves were portrayed in this series
stood out to me as well. Growing up, werewolves were always
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
depicted as a vicious animal that wreaked havoc and needed to be
feared. They changed during full moons and attacked innocent
people. However in Twilight, the werewolves were protectors and
defended the people. They didn’t shape-shift whenever there was a
full moon but rather more upon their choosing, their shape-shifting
to an extent was in their control. They shape-shifted whenever they
were angry, felt that they were in danger, or when they needed to
protect someone they love. In the last movie of the series, Bella,
one of the vampires, even entrusts her young daughter in the care
of Jacob, a werewolf in the Quileute tribe, while she goes off to
fight the Volturi (Stephanie Meyers 2013). The wolf in this work
wasn’t an enemy but a friend, looked at as family and part of the
community. Twilight switched things up a little and showed the
image of the wolf from a Native American point of view rather
than portraying it as a vicious beast. I decided to look into how the
werewolf has been view across cultures and how the way they’ve
been viewed has evolved over the course of time.
Literature Review
Before we can trace the evolution of the werewolf across cultures
and through time, we must first know and understand the terms
used by some specific cultures when involving wolves. The first
term is shape-shifter, also known as skin-walker to certain cultures.
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
Shape-shiftr is he term used by the Quileute tribe in Twilight. A
shape-shifter is a human who can transform into any animal that
he/she wishes and back into a human. Although shape-shifters and
skin walkers are not the exact same thing, they often get confused
for each other and are used interchangeably. Moonlight explains
in, Native American Werewolves, how Native American tribes
believe that man can transform into a wolf through shape-shifting.
The Navajo and Hopi tribe are common for the legend of skin-
walkers. However, in their myths these said skin-walkers are not
werewolves however, but witches. The Navajo tribe believes that
skin-walkers’ appearances are different from those who are not
skin-walkers. They have glowing eyes, black tongues, poisoned
souls, and hard skin that can’t be punctured by axes nor arrows.
The Navajo believe skin-walkers use mind control to make humans
harm or even kill themselves (Kelleher and Knapp 2014). They
believe that skin-walkers can read minds and imitate others voices
to lure people to them as well. The only way to get rid of a skin-
walker is to pronounce their whole name from behind them, and
three days later they will die from the wrong they have committed
(Neilson 2000). The Hopi is anotherother tribe that ismost
common for the myth, the Hopi, of skin-walkers. The Hopi tribe
believes that shape-shifting can be brought on by ceremonies
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
(Moonlight 2009). In many Native American cultures and
religions, a shape-shifter is a witch that can change its appearance
and take on animal characteristics. Almost all cultures have their
own shape-shifter story, but the most common story is the
werewolf. Other places such as Africa, India, and Egypt have their
own shape-shifters as well, using different animals common in
their land. Stypczynski in, Evolution of the Werewolf Archetype
from Ovid to J.K. Rowling, speaks on how the fascination with
shape-shifting has really evolved over the years. This concept has
crossed many cultures throughout history. It has been featured in
many pieces such as books, plays, and movies (Stypczynski 2008).
After understanding shape-shifting and skin-walkers next
you must understand exactly what a werewolf is and how it is
viewed in different cultures. A werewolf is a person who
transforms into a wolf. It is a mythical creature and usually
changes during a full moon. Werewolves are uncommon in Native
American tribes and the idea of werewolves differs from the idea
of shape-shifting in Native American legends. Werewolves are
extremely unlikely in Native American tribes but aren’t altogether
nonexistent (Neilson 2000). The Navajo and Hopi tribes have
myths that are common to werewolves, the skin-walkers, but these
skin-walkers are believed to be witches instead of wolves (Neilson
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
2000). The archetype of shape-shifter has evolved into a werewolf
over the years (Stypczynski 2008). The European belief of a
werewolf is a man shape-shifting into a human killing beast
howling at a full moon. Werewolves have been at the forefront of
people’s minds as something to fear when encountered. However
from the past to now the fear of werewolves has begun to die down
(Regal 2010).
Another term used when tracing the evolution of the
werewolf is totem. A totem is an animal or person who is believed
to have a spiritual power. The wolf is seen as a totem in Native
American tribes. The wolf is believed by Native Americans to be
the spirit of protection (Moonlight 2009). For Native Americans,
totems are an identification. A tribe will contain qualities that
correspond with the totem that they have. Some tribe s believe that
the wolf is a spirit which has the power to help the tribe as they
deserve it. Wolf dances and ceremonies are performed to call the
wolf spirit upon the tribe (Neilson 2000). We must also know a
little background about a specific tribe which sparked my interest
in this research as well and that is the Quileute tribe. The Quileute
tribe lives in Washington State on the reserve of La Push. There
are only about 750 tribal members left today. The Quileute tribe
wasn’t well known until Stephanie Meyer’s, Twilight Series,
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
brought acknowledgement to them. However the Quileute tribe
doesn’t hold the shape-shifting power that the series assigns to
them, their connection to wolves is similar. The tribe believes that
the wolves are their ancestors. According to their myths they came
from wolves not transform from them whenever they wish.
Quileute legends have characters that a lot of other cultures have
(Quileute legends 2014). Although the Quileute tribe does not have
shape-shifters they do believe that they originated from wolves.
According to their myth, Q’wati was walking through Quileute
land and saw that there were no people so he found two wolves
and turn them into the Quileute people (A-Cit 2010).
Entering the Conversation
Werewolves have played a role in entertainment since man has
been entertaining. They’ve played a part in legends, myths,
folklore, plays, shows, movies, books, etc. I think that it is safe to
say that they have been covered in every area of entertainment,
even down to Michael Jackson’s famous music video, Thriller.
Though society’s infatuation with werewolves has not changed, the
way that it views werewolves has. Cultures all over the world have
their own view point of what a werewolf is and how it interacts
with others. Every culture as its own feelings about how valuable
and important werewolves are. Most cultures view the werewolf as
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
a terribly dangerous creature, which is the most common way that
they are portrayed. However Native Americans have their own
viewpoint on wolves and werewolves dating back centuries. This
paper traces the evolution of werewolf mythology and their
cultural significance within society and how the wolf is being
falsely portrayed. More specifically we will explore how Native
American lore influences our present notion of werewolves and
compare Native views on wolves to the view that society has on
them today.
Twilight to an extent depicts a Native American view point
on wolves as far as showing the love and respect for the wolf and
seeing it for the true animal it is, although it tweaks a few aspects. I
feel that if any source of entertainment or media is going to use a
myth or legend from a culture along with the name from that said
group, everything portrayed should be accurate. I would be
offended and upset if someone was falsely displaying what I
believed, especially since people are so easily influenced and
believe all that they see and read.
This whole idea of man transforming into a beast has been
featured in pieces from Shakespeare to J.K. Rowling (Stypczynski
2008). The archetype of shape-shifting has evolved into the
infamous werewolf over time. Werewolves have shown themselves
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
to be the highlight of many stories, legends, and myths all
throughout history.
The wolf is as a totem in many Native American Cultures.
Native American and Celtic cultures see the wolf as a way to find
the deepest level of one’s self (Woolcott 2014Wolf, Power
Animal, Symbol of Wildness, Social and Family Values). In
today’s society, the image of a wolf howling at the moon is
interpreted as a man transforming into werewolf and becoming
something to fear but in the Native American and Celtic culture,
this represents an inner knowing and understanding of one’s self.
Native Americans hold a great respect for wolves. They try
to learn and imitate the hunting skills that wolves have and the use
wolf packs to teach their children how to mate and be one with
others within the tribe, sticking together, and both the mother and
father raising the child (Neilson 2000). Werewolf Beliefs among
Native Tribes of North America). The idea of the wolf mating once
for life is respected by Native Americans. These cultures actually
see the wolf for what it is rather than how it is portrayed in media.
Wolves are intelligent, gentle animals that express themselves
through body language. They are strong and courageous and.
Wolves teach the Native Americans to face their fears. In Ina
Woolcott’s, Wolf, Power Animal, Symbol of Wildness, Social and
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
Family Values she talks about the wolf’s medicine which is death
and rebirth. Wolves face death with dignity and courage and teach
the Native Americans to do the same. (Wolf, Power Animal,
Symbol of Wildness, Social and Family Values). On top of seeing
the wolf for these physical, visible attributes, some Native
Americans see it on a spiritual level. In Many Native American
cultures the wolf is seen as a spirit of protection. Other tribes
believe that the wolf is a spirit with powers that will assist them as
they deserve it (Werewolf Beliefs among Native Tribes of North
America). . For Native Americans, totems are an identification.
Tribes contain qualities that correspond with the totem that they
have. The wolf is used by the Shamans to travel the dead and
living world. They believe that it helps them heal the sick and gain
spiritual information. Wolf dances and ceremonies are used to call
upon the wolf spirit to bless them when they go hunting (Neilson
2000Werewolf Beliefs among Native Tribes of North America).
In society today, however, instead of looking at the wolf as
a totem to bless hunting, it is seen as something to hunt.
Ceremonies aren’t performed to welcome it but measures are put in
place to shun it. In movies, books, plays, etc. the wolf and or
werewolf is chased out of villages and towns. Precautions are put
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
in place to make sure that the wolf does not return and if it does,
the people in the area are ready to attack and kill it.
The Quileute tribe has a great love for wolves in a physical
and spiritual aspect. even goes as far as to believe that they
originated from wolves. There are only about 750 members left in
the Quileute tribe (Quileute LegendsA-Cit 2010). The tribe resides
in Washington on the reserve of La Push, which was featured in
the Twilight series. Although in Twilight the Quileute tribe is full
of shape-shifters, the Quileute don’t believe that they are shape-
shifters, they believe that their ancestors were wolves. The
Quileute tribe believes that they originated 10,000 years ago, back
during a time when animals could talk (The Real Quileute Tribe
LegendOmaneser 2010). Legend has it that Q’wati was walking
through Quileute land and saw that there were no people. He found
two wolves so he said that they would be the first people and
transformed them into humans (Quileute Legends, Myths, and
Folklore). So, although they believe that their ancestors
transformed from wolves, they don’t believe that they can shape-
shift into them. Learning this, I felt that it was wrong for media to
take cultures’ legends and change them to fit the theme that they
are trying to create. It may seem harmless but in reality it is falsely
publicizing someone’s history, misrepresenting what they believe,
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
and drawing attention to something that isn’t all together true. The
whole concept that their ancestors were wolves transformed into
humans has somehow accumulated this whole idea of shape-
shifting with in Stephanie Meyers’ Twilight. La Push has gained
many more tourist since the Twilight series. People are excited to
come see Jacob and his shape-shifting tribe (Quileute LegendsPBS
2012). However when they get there that is not what they are going
to find.
Although the Quileute don’t believe in shape-shifting other
Native American tribes do. The most common Native American
tribe that believes in this transformation is the Navajo tribe (Native
American Werewolves | WerewolvesMoonlight 2009). The Navajo
believe in skin-walkers. Skin-walker is another term for shape-
shifter which is a man who transforms into an animal and takes on
the characteristics of that animal. The Navajo also use the Native
American word yeenadlooshi which means, “He walks on all
fours”. Navajos believe that skin-walkers’ appearance is different
than non-walkers. They are believed to have glowing eyes, their
tongues are black that represent the poison in their souls, and their
skin is so hard that it can’t be punctured by axe or arrows. The
Navajo believe that skin-walkersSkin-walkers are believed to have
the ability to read minds and mimic the cries of loved ones so that
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
they can lure them closer. The Hopi tribe also believes in shape-
shifters. They believe that shape-shifting can be brought on by
shape-shifting ceremonies where the person wears the skins of the
animal they want to become (Native American Werewolves |
WerewolvesMoonlight 2009). The only way to get rid of a skin-
walker is to say their whole name behind their back and then
within three days they will die from the wrong that they committed
(Neilson 2000Werewolf Beliefs among Native Tribes of North
America).
In other Native American legends and religions, skin-
walkers are witches who can alter their shape into whatever animal
they wish and take on its characteristics. Almost all cultures have
their own shape-shifting myth. Indians have were-tigers, Egyptians
have were-hyenas, and African have were-jackals and were-
leopards. However they all of these myths have the same root of a
human able to transform into animals. But of all the shape-shifting
legends the most common and well known legend is the werewolf
(Kelleher and Knapp 2014).Skinwalkers - What Are They?).
Now skin-walkers are not necessarily a werewolf but the
Navajo and Hopi myths about skin-walkers are probably the
closest thing to the werewolf stories in society today.
So What?
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
The idea of wolves and werewolves have been at the front of
people’s minds as something g to fear (Where Have All The
Werewolves Gone?).Regal 2010). Wolves today are misunderstood
and portrayed as thewith characteristics opposite of their true
character and behaviors are taken out of context.what they truly are
I believe that wolves are sweet gentle creatures. They travel in
packs representing their love and devotion to family. Like anyone
and any creature you protect the ones you love and that’s what
wolves do. When they feel threatened or hunted they attack, which
is what should be expect. We as intellectual beings should stop
believing everything that we see in media. We are the ones who
take the idea of a werewolf and run with it. We are the ones who
don’t look into things before we take them as facts. And we are the
ones who hunt and attack wolves for fear of them. Doesn’t that
make us the beasts? They are presented in the media as dangerous,
hateful animals, but in reality they are friendly and loving. They
have great qualities and characteristics. Story tellers have just
twisted the history of the wolf throughout myths to make for a
juicy story to intrigue the people of this generation who live for
fear. We should look at them from the view point of Native
Americans. Now I am not saying hold them up in reverence and
respecting them as a totem, but seeing them for what they really
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
are, trying to find their true character. So before you just believe
whatever you see in the media, do a little of your own research.
You may just be surprised and intrigued by what you find.
Stephanie Meyers
Stephanie MeyersTwilight
Serie
TwilightSeries
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
Native American Tribes:
Quileute
Navajo
Rochelle WaltonMarch 25, 2014Professor WaldenEnglish 1102
Hopi
Twilight’s Quileute Legend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFojLM2bK3E
The Quileute Legend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3fi2ge2m1w
s