However, we can look at what was popular in the 17th century that might have influenced or interacted with Indigenous storytelling traditions:
* European Literature: The 17th century saw the rise of popular European literary forms like Baroque literature, Renaissance literature, and the rise of the novel. These forms, with their emphasis on reason, exploration, and a certain perspective on history, likely interacted with existing Indigenous storytelling traditions.
* Colonial Influence: European colonization brought significant changes, often leading to the suppression or distortion of Indigenous languages and storytelling practices. In some cases, oral traditions were adapted or reinterpreted through the lens of European writing. This interaction is a complex one, with both positive and negative impacts on Indigenous literatures.
It's important to remember that Indigenous literature predates the 17th century by centuries. Oral traditions, ceremonies, and artistic expressions were already vibrant and rich before European contact.
Instead of seeing Native literature as "coming after" something else, it's more accurate to view it as a continuously evolving and resilient expression of Indigenous cultures, which has been impacted by and interacted with various historical forces, including the popularity of European literature in the 17th century.