Tar Heel Tales

Reading & Genre Analysis Worksheet

Name:

Date:

Today we will explore two different types of stories from North Carolina's history. As you read, look for clues that help you identify if the story is a Myth, a Legend, or Historical Fiction.

Text 1

The Spirit Dog of the Sky

Long ago, when the world was young and the people first lived in the Great Smoky Mountains, there was a couple who lived in a small cabin near the river. They spent their days grinding corn in a large stone mortar to make flour for their bread. One evening, after a long day of work, they went inside to rest, leaving their corn meal out to dry in the moonlight.

The next morning, they found their corn meal scattered and stolen! Huge paw prints marked the soft earth around the mortar. Terrified, they went to the elders of the village. "A Great Spirit Dog has come from the mountains," the elders whispered. "He is hungry, and he travels on the wind."

The following night, the villagers hid behind the trees, holding their drums and rattles. Suddenly, a giant dog, white as the winter snow and glowing with an eerie light, descended from the sky. As his paws touched the ground, the village shaman gave the signal. The people began to beat their drums and shout as loud as they could!

Startled by the noise, the Great Spirit Dog leaped back into the air. As he ran across the night sky, the corn meal he had eaten spilled from his mouth, leaving a shimmering trail of white dust behind him. To this day, the Cherokee call the Milky Way "Gi-li'-ut-sun-stan-un-yi," which means "Where the Dog Ran."

Source: Traditional Cherokee Oral Narrative

Text 2

Shadows of the Sound

Setting: Edenton, North Carolina Colony — September 1774

Lydia adjusted her heavy wool apron and wiped the sweat from her brow. The air in Edenton was thick and salty, carrying the scent of the Albemarle Sound. Inside Mrs. Barker’s parlor, the mood was even heavier than the humidity. Fifty women sat in a circle, their faces determined.

"The King’s taxes on tea are a burden we can no longer bear," Mrs. Penelope Barker announced, her voice steady despite the rattling of her china cups. "If the men will not act, we must. We shall sign this petition to refuse all British tea and cloth until our voices are heard!"

Lydia reached for the quill. Her hands shook slightly. She thought of her father, a blacksmith who worked long hours only to see his earnings vanish into the pockets of the British crown. Signing this meant they were rebels. It meant risking everything they owned in the colonies.

She dipped the nib into the ink pot and scratched her name onto the parchment. Around the room, other women did the same. Lydia knew this moment would change Edenton forever. They weren't just wives and daughters anymore; they were patriots. As she walked home through the cobblestone streets, the distant sound of the ocean felt like a promise of freedom.

Source: Original Historical Fiction Excerpt

Part 1: Genre Comparison Chart

Feature	Text 1	Text 2
Genre Type
Setting (Where/When)
Main Characters
Purpose/Message

Part 2: Venn Diagram Comparison

Compare the two stories. What elements are unique to each? What do they have in common? (Characters, themes, North Carolina connections, etc.)

Text 1 Only

Text 2 Only

Both

Part 3: Genre Checkpoint (EOG Style)

1. Which characteristic of "The Spirit Dog of the Sky" identifies it as a myth?

A. It uses real historical dates and locations.

B. It explains how a feature of the universe was created.

C. It focuses on the political struggles of the village.

D. It describes everyday life in the colonial South.

2. In "Shadows of the Sound," what detail most likely makes the story historical fiction rather than a legend?

A. The inclusion of magical animals that glow in the dark.

B. The focus on a character performing impossible, superhuman feats.

C. The realistic portrayal of life during a specific era in the past.

D. The explanation of why the Albemarle Sound is salty.

3. Based on the texts, how do both narrators use North Carolina settings similarly?

A. Both settings are used to explain the science of local weather.

B. Both settings provide a foundation for the beliefs or values of the people.

C. Both settings focus strictly on the physical geography of the coast.

D. Both settings take place in the current year.

4. If "Shadows of the Sound" were to become a legend over time, how would the story most likely change?

A. Mrs. Barker's actions would be exaggerated into heroic, superhuman deeds.

B. The dates and locations would become much more precise.

C. The story would include more citations from history books.

D. All dialogue would be removed to make it more factual.

5. Which element is present in Text 2 but missing from Text 1?

A. A conflict that characters must solve.

B. A connection to the culture of North Carolina.

C. A specific, verifiable calendar year in the setting.

D. A message about the importance of bravery.

6. What theme is shared by both "The Spirit Dog of the Sky" and "Shadows of the Sound"?

A. The natural world is dangerous and unpredictable.

B. Standing together as a community can lead to significant change.

C. Stealing from others will always result in magical punishment.

D. History is best remembered through scientific facts.

Tar Heel Tales

Tar Heel Tales Presentation

Tar Heel Tales Worksheet

Tar Heel Tales Teacher Guide

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