Spider Woman's Web: Traditional Native American Tales About Women's Power

In the Americas, the oral tradition has created one of the oldest surviving bodies of literature on earth. Native American storytelling, in particular, stands out for its distinctive honoring of womanly power and the female forces of the universe.

Gathered here are traditional versions of stories and songs that best portray this strength and vitality. Illuminating the scope of human behavior—from treacherous mates and medicine men to magical sages and murderous mothers—these tales offer universal truths. And for readers who wish to explore the transformative healing gifts of these stories in a more personal way, each is accompanied by thought-provoking exercises and meditations. Also included are brief introductions to provide historical and cultural context.

Entertaining, educational, and inspirational, this collection of timeless wisdom will shed light on the lives of readers for generations to come.

A former professor at Peninsula College, Susan Hazen-Hammond is the author of Timelines of Native American History and seven other nonfiction books, numerous articles, short stories and poems. She has received high praise for her writing on Native American subjects and has also taught a wide range of psychology courses. Her ancestors include Abenaki men and women.