Creation: I really enjoyed the story of The Creation. I found it interesting that the Wazha Zhe and Hoga groups within Osage possessed different creation stories. It was also unique that both stories had an elk play an import role within their creation. This shows that the elk was an important part of life with the Osage. Even though the Hoga group creation is much darker, both stories have uplifting endings.
Peace Pipes: I liked the story of The Legend of Peace Pipes. I found it interesting that the three types of feathers used within Omaha peace pipes are feathers of the owl, woodpecker, and imperial eagle. I thought it was surprising that all these other eagles dropped feathers down, such as the bald and white eagle, but they were not acceptable for making the peace pipe. I enjoyed learning that peace pipes were used to prevent things, such as revenge.
Eagle's Revenge: I enjoyed the story of The Eagle's Revenge. In the beginning of the story, it surprised me that the hunter just shot the eagle because he was feeding off of the deer meat. I would think someone would just "shoo" it away. However, I guess that is where the plot changes. I thought it was interesting that a mysterious man appears during an eagle dance and kills seven villagers. It was a cool twist that you learn the mysterious man is in fact the brother of the eagle.
Three Ghost Stories: I liked reading The Three Ghost Stories. It was interesting how both the Omaha and Dakota depict afterlife. Each story depicts of a "ghost road" that the ghosts must walk in order to be accepted and allowed into the "good" spirit realm. I also thought the final story of the Ponca was interesting. This was like a traditional ghost story. The warriors heard whistling in the forest, but the sounded ended up coming from human remains. This read was interesting because I have never read Native American ghost stories.
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