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Native American Toad Mythology

Toads are associated with witchcraft and disease in some tribes. Toads are also used as clan animals in some Native American cultures. Tribes with Toad Clans include the Muskogee Creek tribe (whose Toad Clan was named Sopaktalgi or Sopaktvlke in the Muskogee language,) the Zuni tribe (whose Toad Clan name is Tak'ya-kwe,) and other Pueblo tribes of New Mexico.

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The animal known as a "horny-toad" in English is viewed as a sacred medicine animal by many Southwestern tribes, but it should be noted that this animal is actually a type of lizard and not really a toad at all (it doesn't even look much like a toad.)

Native American Toad Gods and Spirits

Anikapeu, the Toad Master (Innu)

Native American Legends About Toads

Iroquois Creation Myth:
    Cayuga legend about Toad diving for mud to help create the earth.
Iyash and the End of the World:
    Severn Ojibwe story about the hero Iyash, and how he became the first toad.
Robin and Toad Folklore:
    Algonquin Indian beliefs about toads.

Recommended Books of Toad Stories from Native American Myth and Legend
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Turkey and Gray Giant:
    Bilingual picture book illustrating a Navajo myth about Horned Toad helping Turkey escape from a menacing giant.
Native American Animal Stories:
    Great collection of American Indian tales about animals, told by Abenaki storyteller Joseph Bruchac.



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