Final answer:
Origin stories like 'The World on the Turtle's Back' are key to establishing group identity and their connection to the land, as they outline beliefs and moral values. They serve multiple purposes, including the function of guiding members of the community in understanding their role in the universe, as defined by scholars Evers and Pavich.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origin stories like 'The World on the Turtle's Back' from the Eastern Woodlands play a critical role in defining a group's identity, beliefs, and their relationship with the land. These stories embody the social and spiritual purposes that guide a community in understanding their place in the universe. According to Larry Evers and Paul Pavich, such narratives serve to "remind the people of who and what they are, why they are in this particular place, and how they should continue to live here." 'The World on the Turtle's Back' fulfills these functions by explaining the creation of the world and detailing the emergence of life on a huge turtle's back, symbolizing the land and the life it supports. This story establishes the community's connection to the earth, reflects their values, and perpetuates their cultural identity. It also embodies the speeches and deeds of supernatural entities, enhancing the community's understanding of their ethical and moral obligations.