1600 CE - 1776 CE. The early modern period in Colonial America was marked by exploration, settlement, and conflict. This era saw the clash of indigenous cultures with European settlers, leading to the creation of new myths and legends that blended Native American and European folklore. Stories of supernatural beings and creatures like the Wendigo and skinwalkers were particularly prevalent.Colonial myths often reflected the uncertainty and fear of life in the New World, where vast wilderness and unfamiliar territories seemed to hide untold dangers. These stories were passed down orally and became part of American cultural identity.