Question

according to \the world on turtles back,\ which statement best describes the origin of man?

a god fell from the sky and had a daughter, who eventually gave birth to two men.
two gods were competing to see who could create the most powerful and cunning animal, and one of them made man.
two gods were working together to create the earth, and they decided to create man to provide balance in nature.
a god fell from the sky and created man so her daughter and grandsons would have company.

Explanation:

Analyze the question and source text

The question asks which statement best describes the origin of man according to the Iroquois creation myth, "The World on Turtle's Back." We need to evaluate the role of the creators in the myth regarding the creation of humans.

Evaluate the mythological events

In "The World on Turtle's Back," the twin brothers (the right-handed twin and the left-handed twin) represent opposing forces of nature (creation vs. destruction, order vs. chaos). During their competitive creation of the world, they create various animals and plants to balance or counter each other's creations. Ultimately, they compete to create the most powerful, cunning, and balanced creature, which leads to the creation of humans.

Compare the options

• Option A: "A god fell from the sky and had a daughter, who eventually gave birth to two men." This describes the Sky-Woman and the birth of the twins (who are gods/creators, not the first ordinary men).
• Option B: "Two gods were competing to see who could create the most powerful and cunning animal, and one of them made man." This accurately reflects the competitive creation between the right-handed and left-handed twins, where the right-handed twin ultimately creates humans out of clay.
• Option C: "Two gods were working together..." The twins did not work together cooperatively; they worked in opposition and competition.
• Option D: "A god fell from the sky and created man..." This does not align with the narrative of the twins creating the earthly creatures and humans.

Therefore, Option B is the most accurate description of the origin of man in this myth.

Answer:

• (A) A god fell from the sky and had a daughter, who eventually gave birth to two men.
• (B) Two gods were competing to see who could create the most powerful and cunning animal, and one of them made man. (Correct answer)
• (C) Two gods were working together to create the Earth, and they decided to create man to provide balance in nature.
• (D) A god fell from the sky and created man so her daughter and grandsons would have company.