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.