For generations, Native Americans used myths and legends to explain the mysterious world around them. One such etiological myth originated with the Cherokee. According to the tale, at one time, far in the past, animals, birds, fishes, and even insects were able to communicate with one another. When humans arrived, however, life became more difficult because the creatures’ habitats began to shrink. In order to protect themselves, the creatures decided to introduce disease to humans. The plant world, however, took sympathy upon the Cherokee and so provided a remedy for each of the diseases created by the creatures. It was because of this, says the legend, that the Cherokee turned to plants for antidotes and medicines for illness. The author mentions etiological myth probably in order to
A．cast aspersion on Cherokee legends B．give the academic designation for legends that explain practices or events C．show how animals were thought by the Cherokee to be able to communicate with each other