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Native American Fly Mythology

Flies do not feature very often in Native American legends. They were traditionally associated with disease in many tribes because of their tendency to buzz around filth and carcasses, and like other swarming insects, flies were sometimes associated with curses or other evil magic. In some southwestern tribes, on the other hand, flies were considered messengers or credited with bringing the first fire to the people.

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Native American Fly Gods and Spirits

Big Fly (Navajo)
Mastop, the Death Fly (Hopi)
Sohonasomtaka (Hopi)

Native American Legends About Flies
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Diegueno Indian Fly Story:
    Kumeyaay legend about how Fly caused the origin of death.

Recommended Books of Fly Stories from Native American Myth and Legend

Spirits of the Earth: A Guide to Native American Nature Symbols, Stories, and Ceremonies:
    Book by a Karuk elder about the meanings of Indian animal spirits, including a chapter on flies.
Insect Mythology:
    Interesting book on the role of flies and other insects in world mythology, including Native North America and Mesoamerica.
Native American Animal Stories:
    Great collection of American Indian tales about animals, told by Abenaki storyteller Joseph Bruchac.

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