Grandmother Turtle - A Native American Creation Story
Grandmother Turtle – A Native American Creation Story
This retelling comes from a Cherokee storyteller who, like many in our tradition, blended different teachings and legends to create a story that was meant to guide, inspire, and teach our children.
- In the Beginning
- A Plan is Made – Who Will Go?
- Grandmother Turtle Rises
- The Necklace Inspired by the Story
In the Beginning
When the earth was first made, it was covered all over with water except for one small island. This island rested atop Blue Mountain (Shaconage) in Cherokee country.
In that time, humans and animals lived together in harmony, able to understand each other’s speech. Life was simple and peaceful until the small island began to grow too crowded.
The people,animals and humans alike, called a great council. The only answer was to pray. Creator heard their prayer and replied:
“If one of you will swim to the bottom of the ocean and bring up just a little mud, I will make a great land from it. But I want you to learn responsibility, not just receive gifts.”
A Plan is Made – Who Will Go?
Duck tried first, but floated too well. Otter got distracted and came back with a fish. Even Beaver, strong and determined, couldn’t reach the bottom. Again and again, Grandma Turtle said, “I will go. I will get the mud.” And finally, they let her try.
Grandmother Turtle Rises
Grandma Turtle swam out slowly and dove deep. She was gone a long time; one day, two, seven days. A sentry finally saw her rise to the surface, lifeless. But under her front feet was a small bit of mud.
That little mud was lifted to the sky, and Creator used it to form Turtle Island, the land we live on today.
The Necklace Inspired by the Story
We were so inspired by Grandmother Turtle’s story , her persistence, her sacrifice, and her quiet strength that we created a necklace in her honor. Its design reflects the Mississippian cultures whose mounds still stand in the Southeast today.
Each time we wear this piece, we remember her message: that our elders still have wisdom to offer and that helping others sometimes means doing what no one else will.
You can carry this story with you, too. Shop the Grandmother Turtle Necklace here.
About Cherokee Copper
Our family started Cherokee Copper to help others connect to Cherokee culture. We handcraft every piece in our home studio near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Greg, our lead coppersmith, is an award-winning Cherokee artist who is keeping our metalworking traditions alive and passing them to the next generation.
