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The Journey of Crazy Horse
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The Journey of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall III - 4 stars (Subdue and Flurries)
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This book examines the life and legacy of Crazy Horse of the Oglala Lakota (c. 1840 – 1877). It goes well beyond his known role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, called The Greasy Grass Fight by the Lakota. In this book, Jospeh Marshall III, an enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota, bases much of his narrative on oral tribal histories that have been passed down through the generations.
He interviewed Lakota elders to probe into the stories they had heard from their grandparents and great grandparents as well as researching the available history, much of which is written from the settlers’ viewpoint. His goal is to provide the perspective of the indigenous people, and in doing so, he provides an idea of what Crazy Horse was really like as a person. He pieces together a biography, starting with Crazy Horse’s birth, death of his mother when he was four years old, coming of age, leadership role, and early violent death.
Crazy Horse was initially called Light Hair by his mother, and later, the name Crazy Horse was bestowed upon him by his father. He was a quiet and pensive man who did not seek the limelight. He did not engage in the traditional storytelling of his exploits, leaving it to others to speak of them. He had only a few close friends and was admired by his community.
Marshall details what life was like in the Lakota community. We learn how they lived, including foods, culture, rituals, customs, and ways of life. He describes the vast changes that were occurring due to the arrival of settlers. The bison were diminishing, their lands were being used as westward trails, military forts were being established, and the US powers were making and breaking numerous “agreements.”
The differences between the two groups regarding the concept of a treaty are glaringly obvious. The US negotiators wanted signatures on a piece of paper, but the Lakota did not believe that one (or even a few) people could sign for everyone. As we know, eventually the Lakota defended their land and way of life, and battles ensued. The way it is told, it is easy to put oneself into their shoes.
Marshall’s narrative transports readers back in time, where we witness Crazy Horse’s journey from a young ambitious warrior to a legendary figure. This is, of course, ultimately a sad story, but also insightful. The author inserts sections he calls “Reflections” after each of the primary topics. These sections feel a bit repetitive, and perhaps could have been summed up and incorporated into the main narrative.
Marshall delves into Crazy Horse's spiritual beliefs, his commitment to preserving the Lakota way of life, and his leadership, shedding light on the values and traditions that guided him. I feel like I learned a lot from this book. I think it is important to view history from many angles since it provides a better idea of what really happened.