Ancient Stories

The Language used in this particular rendition of the story uses a type of speaking that many aren't familiar with. Its a more descriptive, and earthly type of language; instead of the blunt straight forward sentences that we are used to, it has a mystical feeling about it. The over all story is elaborate and precise in connotation. It is very easy to see the whole picture in your head, with the exact feeling the original storyteller meant to invoke. That, I believe other than the basic outline of story is the only concrete part left of this tale.

Throughout the ages, and according to the references provided, the legend is almost 2,000 years old. Using "the Rumor Mill" as an example. Conflicts and stories always, ALWAYS get exaggerated to unbelievable extents often causing confusion and unrealistic judgements, and expectations. Maybe something like that happened with this story. What if in the original myth all the White Buffalo Calf Woman only told them to honor each other, the Great Spirit, and all life on Mother Earth. But each time the story was told or someone wanted to change a custom within the tribe, there would be a whole new aspect added on, changing the entire flow of the story. This would also prevent the next generation to tell fact from fiction.

When it is a story as important as ancestry of your people, it would be kept preserved and saved, passed down selectively and carefully, ensuring accuracy. Like the story of how God created earth, the White buffalo Calf Woman is the creator of a new kind of life for the natives of America, a legend that important must surely be kept consistent through the ages. Right? No. We cant not just trust our ancient ancestors,to have kept this just through oral verbiage. The only way to truly safeguard the story is through written text. Not only would the story be kept in contact and whole but the peoples faith in themselves and the Great Spirit too.

With time, humans lose faith. Especially if there is no real proof, or something they can see, touch, and hear. With a little bit of time everything changes. The only part that doesn't change is emotions and love; which this tale, enhanced or not, is full of. Its full of love for land, animals and people. What is incredible is in this legend, it speaks true to certain problems we still have today. It acknowledges the imperfectness of the people but also the fire and passion that burns with every single one of our hearts. And not just us but everything.

It is deep and beautiful, in a haunting bone chilling way.

Painting by Pamela Mccab

Twiggy