The plains of the American West resonate with the echoes of a rich and complex history, a history etched in the names, deeds, and lives of the indigenous peoples who called this land home for centuries. Among these figures stands Two Strike, or Nomkahpa, a name synonymous with bravery, honor, and the enduring spirit of the Sioux. His story, though perhaps less widely known than some of his contemporaries, offers a valuable glimpse into the cultural nuances and personal struggles of a man deeply rooted in his traditions, navigating a world undergoing profound transformation. The very essence of Two Strike (Nomkahpa) is encapsulated within his name.
The name "Two Strike" is not merely a label; it is a testament to a specific act of valor, a deed name earned on the field of battle. According to Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa), a fellow Sioux and author who knew him personally, the name commemorates an encounter with the Utes, a tribe known for their fierce warrior culture. During a skirmish, Two Strike demonstrated exceptional strength and skill by striking two Ute warriors from the back of a single war horse with a single blow. The Sioux language accurately reflects this deed; the true rendering of Nomkahpa would be, "He knocked off two." It is a name that speaks volumes about his prowess and the respect he commanded among his people.
This understanding of the significance of names is crucial to appreciating the depth of Sioux culture. Eastman lamented the mistranslation of many Native American names, which often stripped them of their intended meaning and rendered them vague or even contradictory. He offers the example of "Young-Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses." This name, at first glance, suggests timidity or fear, a notion far removed from the truth. In reality, Tashunkekokipapi signifies "The young men [of the enemy] fear his horses," conveying the fear he instilled in his adversaries through his bold and relentless attacks. Similarly, Tashunkewitko, more popularly known as Crazy Horse, is a poetic metaphor. It likens the warrior to an unbroken horse – wild, untamed, and magnificent in his disregard for danger.
Eastman’s personal connection with Two Strike (Nomkahpa) provides invaluable insights into the man beyond his reputation as a warrior. He spent many hours in his company, both in Washington D.C. and at his home on the Rosebud Reservation. While Two Strike was modest and reserved when speaking about himself, he confirmed the accuracy of the stories shared about him.
According to Two Strike, he was born near the Republican River around 1832. One of his earliest memories was a Shoshone attack on their camp on the Little Piney. He also recalled his first encounter with white traders, an incident that left a lasting impression on him. He recounted how "they made my father crazy" (drunk), instilling in him a deep-seated fear of the white man’s "mysterious water." This experience shaped his perception of the encroaching settlers and their impact on his people.
Physically, Two Strike was not imposing in stature, but he possessed a remarkable agility and alertness. His face was expressive and intelligent, and his somber demeanor would light up when he spoke, revealing a man of keen intellect and genuine warmth. He possessed a shrewd mind, yet he was not deceitful or mean-spirited. He was guided by a strong sense of duty and honor, and patriotism was the driving force in his life.
Despite his father and grandfather being well-known chiefs, Two Strike was initially shy and unassuming. There were no particularly remarkable stories from his youth, aside from his exceptional skill in riding wild horses. When pressed for anecdotes, he would simply state that there was plenty of excitement, but "not much in it."
However, his fellow Sioux chiefs, as Eastman recalled, were more than willing to share stories about his younger days. During a gathering in Washington D.C., Hollow Horn Bear prompted him to recount how he and a buffalo cow had once "held your poor father up and froze him almost to death." Another chief teased him about losing his ability to speak when he first attempted to court a girl. Though visibly embarrassed by the teasing, Two Strike simply muttered, "Anyway, I stuck to the trail. I kept on till I got what I wanted," before sharing the tale.
This story sheds light on the challenges and expectations placed upon young Sioux men. His father, an accomplished horseman and hunter, had challenged his sixteen-year-old son to kill a buffalo with a single arrow on their next hunt. It was midwinter, and a large herd had been sighted. The hunters gathered, prepared for the chase.
The old chief, equipped with his best horse, bow, arrow, and knife, rode without a shirt or coat despite the biting wind. Two Strike, astride his favorite pony, followed close behind. At the signal, the hunters surged forward, seeking an opening in the mass of buffalo. The chief took an early lead, expertly navigating through the herd. Two Strike, initially behind, quickly gained ground.
Amidst the chaos of the hunt, Two Strike struggled to find a clear shot. The blinding snow, the whoops of the hunters, and the lowing of the buffalo created a disorienting and challenging environment. He held his arrow in his mouth, waiting for an opportunity. Finally, the herd parted, and he cut out two fat cows. As he maneuvered for position, his father appeared on the other side.
Spurred by the thought of his father taking both cows, Two Strike seized his chance and fired his arrow, striking one of the animals, which fell instantly. In that moment, he realized that the rider alongside him was his own father, who had encountered similar difficulties. With a whoop, the chief pursued the remaining cow, but his horse stepped in a badger hole and fell, throwing him to the ground.
The maddened buffalo turned on the fallen pony, goring it to death. The chief lay motionless, while Two Strike rushed to distract the animal. However, the buffalo ignored him, stubbornly guarding the dead horse and the nearly frozen chief, who had lost his robe and was lying naked in the snow.
Faced with this dire situation, Two Strike acted swiftly. He retrieved his arrow from the dead cow, quickly wheeled around, and sent it into the side of the remaining buffalo, bringing her down as well. He had achieved the impossible: killing two buffalo with a single arrow. That evening, at the council lodge, Two Strike was celebrated as a hero.
Another anecdote reveals Two Strike (Nomkahpa)‘s character and the social customs of the Sioux. According to Sioux tradition, young men were expected to establish a reputation as hunters and warriors before pursuing a romantic relationship. Courtship was a formal and public affair, often celebrated with feasts and gifts. This etiquette could be daunting for shy or sensitive young men.
Two Strike, despite being the son and grandson of chiefs, felt the pressure to earn his own reputation. He had achieved success in both hunting and warfare, and he was now of marriageable age. However, he showed no interest in finding a wife. Unbeknownst to his parents, who had already begun collecting gifts for the occasion, Two Strike harbored a secret desire but lacked the courage to express it.
His father eventually confronted him, emphasizing his duty to marry and continue the family line. Two Strike, though disturbed, remained silent. He longed to choose his own bride, but the thought of approaching a young woman filled him with dread.
The next morning, after carefully preparing himself, he rode to a spot overlooking the path where the girls went to fetch water. He intended to intercept the object of his affection. When she appeared, he boldly stepped into her path. A long silence ensued. She glanced at him shyly, offering a hint of encouragement. However, Two Strike was paralyzed with fear, unable to utter a single word.
The young woman, noticing his distress, believed he was ill. She watched as he feebly gestured for her to leave him alone. Concerned, she obeyed his request. Overcome with shame, Two Strike considered taking his own life. He believed he had disgraced himself in the eyes of the woman he loved.
However, he resolved to overcome his weakness and win her over. He eventually succeeded, and the story became a source of amusement among the older men.
Two Strike (Nomkahpa) was more renowned among his own people than among white settlers. He was a formidable warrior in battle rather than a leader. He earned his name during a skirmish with the Utes in Colorado, considered by the Sioux to be their most courageous adversaries. During the fight, a Ute warrior’s horse was shot out from under him, and a friend rescued him by taking him up behind. Two Strike overtook them and knocked both men off the horse with a single blow from his war club.
He lived to an advanced age, passing away on the Rosebud Reservation just a few years before Eastman recorded his memories. His life, though marked by conflict and change, stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Sioux people. His name, Two Strike, remains a symbol of courage, skill, and the importance of honoring one’s deeds.
