Storytelling was one of the most popular pastimes in the winter for both Native American children and adults. The Native American storytellers were superb actors. Flute music was played around the fires in the center of the huts or lodges and served as background music when the stories were told. The facial expressions, voices and gestures of the storytellers almost told the tale without words as they fascinated their listeners with amazing stories, tales of adventure and myths and legends of the magical days of long ago.