The Sons of the Wind: The Sacred Stories of the Lakota

by D.M. Dooling

The Sons of the Wind presents the mythology and sacred spirits of the Lakota. Based on information given to Dr. James Walker a century ago by Lakota Holy Men, this compilation includes the cycle of creation, the appearance of spirits and animals, the making of the four directions, and the coming of the Real People.

Genres: Native American, Anthropology, Nonfiction

164 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1988

Reviews

[Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The is the story, slowly collected together, of the creation of the Universe according to the Lakota people. It is captivating and wonderful and includes many other explanations about life as well, for example why wolves howl, owls hunt at night, and why Love is also playful, risky, and like a game.

Basically it says that there was nothing and it got lonely, so it created Earth, darkness, and Sky. They have interactions, desires slowly arise, and many other things are created; finally the Pte Oyate - the buffalo people our earliest ancestors - are created. Many things happen with gods becoming like people and loving - creating more. Also people and gods upsetting each other. The story climaxes with the four sons of the companion of the Great Spirit journeying across the world to establish directions (North, South, East, West). It is a a very moving and beautiful story which may indeed have truth to it.

I would recommend ANYONE or everyone to read it.

[Mirrani · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing telling of the Sacred Stories of the Lakota. You truly get the feeling that you are listening to these stories being told, rather than simply reading them from a text. This book isn't for people who are looking for a quick and beautiful story, this is a true history, compiled from actual tellings. Be prepared for the relationships to be complex and the stories to have meaning. These beautiful tales are truly a treasure. All tribes should do this for their sacred stories, before they are lost forever.

[Hruotland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong contender for the “Most boring narration that should have been exciting” award.
Even the narration of accident reports by the NTSB &c. are a much more gripping read.

We also can’t get these stories as originally written, by George Sword, but there had to be a white man, James R. Walker, retelling them. Just having a Lakota telling Lakota stories? Nope, not gonna do that.