Lakota Myth

by James R. Walker, Elaine A. Jahner (Editor)

The papers of James R. Walker, physician to the Pine Ridge Sioux from 1896 to 1914, are noted for the information they have yielded about Lakota life and culture. This third volume of previously unpublished material from the Walker collection presents his work with Lakota myth and legend. Three categories of literature are tales that are classic examples of Lakota oral literature, narratives that were known only to a few Oglala holy men, and Walker's literary cycle representing his attempts to systematize all he had learned about Lakota myth. In her extensive introduction, Elaine A. Jahner addresses the textual problems and critical questions posed by the material and assesses its place in Indian and in world literature. Of prime importance to students of comparative literature, religion, and mythology, Lakota Myth takes its place alongside Lakota Belief and Ritual (1980) and Lakota Society (1982), both available as Bison Books, as an indispensable source for Lakota traditions.

Genres: History, Mythology

428 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1983

Reviews

[Ginger Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a most interesting book, but like most transcriptions of oral religions, there are variations on the same story. While the stories translated by actual Lakotas were fascinating, the best understanding of the Lakota gods and their creation cycle was the last part of the book written by James R. Walker. Dr. Walker was the physician at the Pine Ridge Reservation and the Lakota medicine men shared their most sacred beliefs with him. He turned this into a creation story that explains the creation of the gods, mankind, the sweat lodge healing ceremony, and the vision quest done as a coming of age ceremony.

While it was all very fascinating, I did wonder how much of that last section was filter thru a Christian steeped in Greek and a Roman myths. It did seem influenced by those traditions at some points. It is hard to tell how much is due to the common core that all religions share and what is due to a Christian mind attempting to understand a nature-based religion.

But, the Lakota learned all of their knowledge from the snowbird, who will return when people need him. So, we shall see what he has to say if/when he returns.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author did his best to help the native Americans preserve their language, and culture. Very inspiring

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful and thorough edition and analysis of stories and mythic explanations told to James Walker by Oglala holy men at the turn of the last century.