Final answer:
"The World on Turtle's Back" is a creation myth because it explains the Iroquois belief of the earth's creation, depicting the involvement of supernatural beings and establishing a deep cultural connection with the land.
Step-by-step explanation:
"The World on Turtle's Back" is considered a creation myth primarily because it explains how the Iroquois believe that the earth was created. This story exemplifies characteristics of creation myths, illustrating a unique origin story that establishes a deep connection between the Iroquois people and the land they inhabit. Not only does it describe the physical genesis of their world, it also conveys cultural and spiritual understanding through the involvement of supernatural powers and beings, akin to gods in other mythologies, in the creation process.
In these stories, animals or supernatural agents often play integral roles as mediators or creators, contributing to the foundation of the earth and, consequently, the beginning of life for the people. The Turtle Island story, specifically, includes elements such as a great flood, a woman descending from the heavens, and animals helping to shape the world, which are common thematic devices found in origin stories of different cultures around the world. The symbolic importance of the turtle reflects the ethos of the narrative, signifying life and the origin of the Iroquois civilization.
Origin stories like "The World on Turtle's Back" are fundamental to the cultural identity of a group. They provide explanations for the existence of humans and establish a sacred connection to the environment and other living beings, often presented as shared ancestors or intermediaries between the physical world and the spiritual realms.