Values are defined as cherished ideals in life. Our society was shaped from these ideals in the early beginnings of this country. We do not realize where our values originated. Threw examples I will show where our values originated. The Native American myths and Indian captivity narratives show how our society's values were shaped. I am going to explain these values and show where they are reflected in the various myths and narratives.
Rowlandson is perhaps one of the first and best-known Indian captivity narratives. Her religious values played a key role in all of her writings. She was held captive for three months and saw the deaths of her family and friends. Rowlandson turned to the scriptures for solace during her captivity. She often quoted the scriptures during times that were good or bad. .
Rowlandson originally stated, "I had often before this said, that if the Indians should come, I should chuse rather to be killed by them than taken alive."(233).
She believed she was spared so that she could tell her story. She referred to this from a passage in the scriptures: Job 1:15, And I am only escaped alone to tell the News."(233).
Rowlandson wrote in her journal as they traveled throughout, each time they moved to a new campsite she wrote another entry into her journal. These entries always referred in some way to the scriptures. Our countries values originated with these religious beginnings. Rowlandson's narratives show us this. She reflects on many aspects of her journey with quotes from the scriptures. On the death of her child she quotes Genesis and on staying dry while crossing a river she refers to Isaiah.
In How the World was Made we get a brief glimpse into how the Native Americans believed the world to have been created. Their beliefs are very different than those of Rowlandson. All of the beliefs are based on nature not on the scripture. They reference the beginning of the world to various animals and how they helped create the world.