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Native Languages of the Americas:
Umatilla Indian Legends, Myths, and Stories
This is our collection of links to Umatilla stories and folktales that can be read online.
We have indexed our Native American stories section
by tribe to make them easier to locate; however, variants on the same
legend are often told by American Indians from different tribes, especially if those tribes are kinfolk or neighbors to
each other. In particular, though these legends come from the Umatillas, the traditional stories of
related tribes like the Yakima
and Walla Walla tribes are very similar.
Enjoy the stories! If you would like to recommend a Umatilla story for this page or think one of the ones on here
should be removed, please let us know.
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Coyote (Ispilyay):
Coyote is the trickster character of the Umatilla tribe. As in other Plateau Indian mythology,
Umatilla stories about Coyote range
from light-hearted tales of mischief and buffoonery to more serious legends about the nature of the world.
Umatilla Legends and Oral Histories:
Two traditional tales from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
The Bears:
Umatilla Sahaptin legend about five jealous grizzly bear women.
Umatilla Folklore:
Umatilla legend about a man who turned into a bird.
Little People of Oregon and Washington:
Stories about the legendary little people of the Umatilla and other Northwestern tribes.
Recommended Books on Umatilla Myth
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
As Days Go By:
Interesting book of mythology and history of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes.
Coyote Was Going There: Indian Literature of the Oregon Country:
Excellent collection of folklore from the Umatilla and other Oregon tribes.
Tales of Coyote and Other Legends:
Children's book of Warm Springs legends.
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Additional Resources
Umatilla religion and expressive traditions
Indian customs and beliefs
Umatilla tribe
Oregon Indian reservations
Plateau Native American tribes
Penutian language group
Tenino culture
List of Indian reservations by state
Learn more about the Umatilla tribe
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