I know now what this meant, that the bison were the gift of a good spirit and were our strength, but we should lose them, and from the same good spirit we must find another strength. Black Elk bisonfindgift Change image and share on social
After the horse dance was over, it seemed that I was above the ground and did not touch it when I walked. Black Elk dancegrindhorse Change image and share on social
To use the power of the bison, I had to perform that part of my vision for the people to see. Black Elk bisonpartpeople Change image and share on social
The boys of my people began very young to learn the ways of men, and no one taught us; we just learned by doing what we saw, and we were warriors at a time when boys now are like girls. Black Elk beginboygirl Change image and share on social
But I think I have done right to save the vision in this way, even though I may die sooner because I did it; for I know the meaning of the vision is wise and beautiful and good; and you can see that I am only a pitiful old man after all. Black Elk beautifuldiegood share on social
When I got back to my father and mother and was sitting up there in our tepee, my face was still all puffed and my legs and arms were badly swollen; but I felt good all over and wanted to get right up and run around. Black Elk armbackbadly share on social
You see, I had been riding with the storm clouds, and had come to earth as rain, and it was drought that I had killed with the power that the Six Grandfathers gave me. Black Elk clouddroughtearth Change image and share on social
And I say the sacred hoop of my people was one of the many hoops that made one circle, wide as daylight and as starlight, and in the center grew one mighty flowering tree to shelter all the children of one mother and one father. Black Elk centerchildcircle share on social