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Native American Stories About Carelessness

Many Native American legends, especially those aimed at children, are cautionary tales showing how much trouble you can get into if you are careless and gullible. In some cultures it is considered a positive thing to be trusting of other people, have faith in God and hope for the best; but in most Native American tribes, it is most admired to be cautious and double-check your situation carefully.

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Legends About Carelessness

The Rabbit and the Elk:
    Sioux Indian story about Rabbit getting into trouble by making assumptions and throwing caution to the winds.
The Travails of Mrs. Bear:
    Micmac Indian legend about an overly trusting Bear Woman learning to use more caution.
Lox and the Birds:
    Algonquian Indian legends about trickster characters killing and eating gullible birds.
How the Bear Lost His Tail:
    Ojibwe legend about Otter tricking a gullible bear into losing his tail.
*Trickster Kills The Children:
    Arapaho legend about an incautious bear family falling prey to the dangerous trickster Nihansan.

Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
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Iktomi and the Ducks:
    Lively Sioux Indian tale about the trickster outwitting a group of incautious ducks.



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