Iroquois mythology refers to the set of beliefs and traditions held by the Iroquois people, mainly those who inhabited the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Synonyms for the term Iroquois mythology may include Iroquois religion or spirituality, Haudenosaunee traditions, or Iroquois legends and tales. Iroquois mythology includes many stories and characters that explain how the world came to be, the origins of various animals and plants, and the relationships between humans and the natural world. Understanding these stories provides insight into the history and beliefs of the Iroquois people and their ongoing cultural traditions.