Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440 - Posts Tagged "native-americans"

Explore the Natural and Spirit Realms in "Fables from Blackfeet"

I'm excited to announce the release of my new book, "Fables from Blackfeet." This collection of stories opens a window to the world of the Blackfeet people, where the forces of nature and the spirit realm are intertwined, and each tale holds a lesson or a mystery waiting to be unraveled. The book brings to life the ancient fables passed down through generations, tales that still resonate with the power and wisdom of the past.

Among these fables, you will encounter the thunder that does more than roar—it takes what it desires, stealing a woman away and forcing a brave husband to confront Thunder himself in a quest to bring her back. You’ll meet the Raven Chief, who offers his own dark wings as a shield to those daring enough to confront the unknown. His mysterious medicine helps a desperate man journey to the lodge of Thunder to reclaim what was taken, a feat that no mortal has accomplished before. In other tales, you’ll follow a grieving father who dares to venture into the land of the dead, guided by strange dreams and mysterious old women, determined to bring back his wife from the ghostly realm. You will feel the weight of his choices as he navigates a world where one wrong move could mean his death and the loss of his wife forever.

You'll also step into the world of a hunter who sets out on a path no man should walk, encountering a ravenous spirit whose desire for revenge knows no bounds. He learns that no distance is far enough to escape a ghost that clings to life even after death. The campfire burns low as he discovers that some spirits cannot be tamed by courage alone. In another story, you’ll learn the legend of the buffalo stone, a sacred object that grants power to those who possess it. When a starving woman finds the stone, it sings to her and offers a promise of salvation for her people. Through songs and rituals taught by the stone, she brings back the buffalo, breathing life into the land once more.

And then, you’ll read of a band of Blackfeet warriors who stumble upon the mysterious traces of their ancestors. As they follow the path into the unknown, they come face to face with things best left unseen—ghostly camps where past and present blur, and the dead speak through strange signs and hidden medicine. These stories offer glimpses into a world where spirits roam freely and the line between life and death is thin. The fables in this book are lessons in courage, love, and the strength to face what cannot be seen or fully understood. Each story is woven with a sense of wonder, drawing you into a realm where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, and the living share their world with the spirits of those who came before.
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Published on September 15, 2024 20:13 Tags: blackfeet, fables, fairy-tales, folk-tales, legends, native-americans, tales

Celebrating the Power of Tradition and Nature in "Fables from Sioux"

I'm honored to share my latest book, "Fables from Sioux", which brings together a collection of stories that resonate with deep wisdom, humor, and reverence for the natural world. Each tale reveals the timeless values of courage, humility, and community. These fables showcase not only the cleverness and bravery of their characters but also the powerful bonds that exist between people and the world around them. The stories reflect the heart of Sioux tradition and the harmony they held with nature.

One tale that stands out tells of a brave Turtle, who sets out on the warpath with an unlikely band of companions—a Grasshopper, Dragonfly, and even a Live Coal. Each character faces trials, and one by one, they are left behind until only Turtle remains. Despite his slow pace, he encounters and outsmarts his enemies, reminding readers of the strength that lies within even the humblest of creatures. This story captures the essence of resilience and the belief that all beings, regardless of size or speed, have a role to play.

In another unforgettable tale, a young man goes to humorous lengths to win the heart of a skilled moccasin maker. Donning his grandmother’s worn-out moccasins, he charms the girl with his wit, hoping to impress her with his cleverness. This lighthearted story shows how love, humor, and a bit of boldness can bring people together. It highlights the importance of family and the subtle ways we communicate our intentions to others.

The collection also includes sacred stories, such as the appearance of a mysterious woman who gifts a village with the peace pipe, a powerful symbol of unity and respect. This story emphasizes the connection between humans and the spiritual world, a relationship that is nurtured through ritual and honor. Through stories like these, "Fables from Sioux" offers readers a glimpse into a world where respect for the land, reverence for ancestors, and the wisdom of nature guide life’s path.
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Published on November 15, 2024 16:18 Tags: american-indians, fables, fairy-tales, folk-tales, legends, native-americans, sioux, tales

The Road to 1,440

Samuel DenHartog
I'm Samuel DenHartog, and at 51, at the end of November of 2023, I've embarked on a remarkable journey as a writer. My diverse background in computer programming, video game development, and film prod ...more
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