telithri's Full Review: Black Elk Speaks: Being the Life Story of a Holy M...
Overview:
Proclaimed as a "North American bible of all tribes", Black Elk Speaks presents the life of Black Elk, a holy man of the Lakota Sioux, as translated from his own words. It provides insight into his beliefs, as well as the meaning and history associated with several common cultural practices, such as the offering of the sacred pipe and circle dancing. And, perhaps most important of all, it gives the reader a more complete context within which to consider contemporary racial, political and social issues confronting Native Americans. Although this book is by nature limited in the scope of its perspective, it should not alienate any reader who bears an open mind.
The words of Black Elk are like a river that meanders from one place-time to another. It carries the reader gently at times, forcefully at others, but always onward. In some ways, this book is a shadow of real oral tradition among Native Americans and in that capacity it represents a meeting of the two cultures, at that place where the spoken word takes shape within the ink of the writer's tool.
The book starts on a bit of a down note because at the time of the telling, Black Elk believes that he has failed in what he was given to do in his life. I have to question that though because, in some way, the act of recording his words for posterity might signify the ending of his role in things but not of his dream.
As the story begins, we see Black Elk as a young Lakota among his people. He shares bits and pieces of his life from which the reader may gain some insight into what it was like for native peoples before the reservations. This book answered so many questions for me.
And then Black Elk falls ill and experiences a "vision of power." It was a mystical and sacred revelation for him so, out of respect, I won't try to dissect it here. It is something best left for the individual to sort out, alone, while reading the book.
This vision represents a granting of power(s) to a boy who was chosen to bear the promise of hope for his people. Throughout the story, Black Elk tells how this power helped him to help his people escape from harm or fight against the wasichus (whites).
I see many similarities between Black Elk and Western archetypal hero figures such as Luke Skywalker or Beowulf. The biggest difference is that Black Elk was real. In some ways, I think he most resembles Bilbo Baggins (no disrespect to Black Elk intended, he was NOT preoccupied with food and his own comfort). Neither one sought out adventure, but both rose to the occasion when presented with a choice. Neither finished the quest, but both are crucial figures who completed their portion of a much larger story. If you like epic adventure, give this book a try.
The Real Deal:
Why is Black Elk so important? He was the cousin of Crazy Horse and he was present at the battle sometimes referred to as Custer’s Last Stand. He offers details regarding Chief Red Cloud and Buffalo Bill’s traveling show. He witnessed the messianic movement and the Ghost Dance. He was also present at the massacre at Wounded Knee. His story, at times, reads more like an epic adventure than an autobiography.
He is also important because he presents a powerful challenge for the Western mind. Black Elk's voice speaks across the ages and it says, "I am other and I am equal." I cannot convey just how much this book impacted me in my own quest for identity.
The defining event for his life was a mystical vision; the relating of which delivers a fascinating glimpse into his psyche and comprises one of the earliest chapters of the book. It may be somewhat confusing or intimidating for some readers but once past, the rest of the book should prove an interesting and fairly quick read for the curious minded.
I feel that I must put forth a word of caution for readers due to the graphic depiction of certain events. I don't think I will ever forget the massacre at Wounded Knee, as seen through his eyes. It is a tragic event that will never again be just words on a page in a history book for me. I was really moved to empathize with this man.
The meanings of certain terms or names might elude those with little more than a casual interest in this subject. For this reason, I suggest that those who desire a more fulfilling experience visit the University of Nebraska Press online at blackelkspeaks.unl.edu. Here one can find the complete text of Black Elk in digital format, along with links to maps, art and informative explanations. It makes an excellent companion to a book that is as important and compelling today as when it was first transcribed.
In Conclusion:
Buy the book AND visit the website.
Amount Paid ($US): 8.95 Paperback (from a college bookstore so you can probably get it for less)
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