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Exploring Kiowa Culture and Legends

Apr 7, 2025

The Way to Rainy Mountain by N. Scott Momaday

Chapter 12: The Escape

  • Story Overview

    • An old man, his wife, and child are threatened by enemies.
    • The child unknowingly befriends an enemy by offering him food.
    • The enemy, touched by the child's offering, spares the family if they feed his group.
    • The old man suspects deception and prepares an escape.
    • As the woman distracts the enemies with cooking, the old man signals her to flee.
    • The woman sets fire to the fat, creating chaos, and escapes with her child.
    • They watch their enemies burn from a distance.
  • Historical Context

    • Reference to the destruction of a heraldic tepee in 1872.
    • Description of the tepee's significance and ceremonial placement.
  • Imagery of Rainy Mountain Cemetery

    • A reflective moment walking among headstones at sunset.
    • The quiet and sudden interruption of the environment by a bobwhite's call.

Chapter 13: Arrow Making

  • Arrow Crafting

    • Importance of tooth marks on arrows as a sign of quality.
    • Story of a man crafting arrows while sensing an enemy outside his teepee.
    • Successfully shoots the enemy through the heart.
  • Cultural Importance

    • Old men, experienced and patient, crafted the best arrows.
    • Arrow makers were revered, and their craft was highly valued by young men.
    • Anecdote about an old arrow maker named Jimmie who visited the author’s father.
  • Personal Reflection

    • Visualizes Jimmie’s daily prayer ritual to the rising sun.
    • Describes the serene and gripping silence of the plains at dawn.

Chapter 14: Storm Spirit and Kiowa Mythology

  • Legend of the Storm Spirit

    • The Kiowas' attempt to create a horse out of clay results in chaos.
    • The clay horse becomes a storm spirit, causing destruction.
    • The Kiowas learn to communicate with it, preventing harm.
  • Cultural Beliefs

    • The storm spirit is seen as a wild animal in the sky bringing tornadoes.
    • Kiowas speak to the spirit to avoid its wrath.
  • Storm Shelters

    • Description of storm cellars in the region as vital structures.
    • The narrator recounts the power of storms and the protection offered by these shelters.

Chapter 15: Quoetotah's Story

  • Quoetotah’s Romance and Conflict

    • A warrior named Quoetotah is involved in an affair with Many Bear’s wife.
    • After being attacked by Many Bear, Quoetotah survives and plans revenge.
    • Quoetotah and the woman elope, living with the Comanches for 15 years.
  • Resolution and Brotherhood

    • Upon return, Many Bear reconciles with Quoetotah, offering horses and brotherhood.
  • Historical Reference

    • Artist George Catlin's observation of the Kiowas in 1834.
    • Describes the Kiowas as superior in appearance, noting their classical features and tall stature.
    • Catlin’s portrait of a notable Kiowa, Caught Such Toa, highlights his impressive physique and presence.
  • Personal Reflection

    • The narrator expresses admiration for the historical figures and wishes to witness their presence firsthand.