(Blackfoot Legend, Oral Story, Myth – As told by He-Who-Loves-Horses)
For the Blackfoot people, the arrival of the horse was a pivotal moment, a transformation that reshaped their lives and culture. This is the story, passed down through generations, of how these magnificent creatures, initially perceived as gifts from the heavens, came to be known as "Sky Dogs" and integrated into the fabric of the Blackfoot Nation. This Blackfoot legend, relayed through the voice of He-Who-Loves-Horses, offers a glimpse into a world on the cusp of profound change.
In the time before the horse, life for the Blackfoot was a constant journey. Movement was essential, dictated by the seasons and the pursuit of sustenance. From one camp to another, across vast stretches of land, the people walked. Every journey was a testament to their resilience and endurance. Their faithful dogs, sturdy and dependable, bore the burden of their belongings, pulling travois laden with rawhide bags and essential tools. Moccasins, meticulously crafted from animal hides, wore thin and were constantly replaced as they traversed the plains. Each step was a labor, each mile a victory against the relentless landscape.
Then, one fateful day, as the Blackfoot ventured from the west, a direction associated with Old Man, the creator of all things, a sight appeared that defied comprehension. Emerging from beyond the mountains, they beheld strange and awe-inspiring beasts. These creatures were unlike anything they had ever encountered, dwarfing even the mighty elk in size. Their tails flowed like golden straw, catching the sunlight as they moved. Upon the backs of these unusual animals sat two men of the Kootenai tribe, a neighboring people. One of the beasts was even harnessed to a travois, dragging it with an ease that seemed impossible.
Fear gripped the Blackfoot. Unfamiliar with these towering animals, they were unsure of their intent and origin. The unknown inspired a primal terror. Jumps-Over-the-Water, a young boy, sought refuge behind the protective skirt of his mother. Running Bear, known throughout the tribe for his bravery, darted behind the nearest tipi, seeking cover. Even He-Who-Loves-Horses, the storyteller himself, admits to being paralyzed by fear, separated from the security of his father’s tipi. The warriors of the tribe, though equally apprehensive, attempted to project an air of authority, reminding themselves and each other that they were the mighty Piegans, who had claimed this land from the Kootenai. But beneath their bravado, fear was evident in their wide, anxious eyes and the taut strings of their hunting bows, aimed defensively at the approaching figures.
It was Long Arrow, the chief, who broke the tension with a booming laugh. He possessed wisdom gleaned from countless journeys, having walked the earth seven times from the Porcupine Hills to the mouth of the Yellowstone River. His knowledge was revered, and his words carried immense weight. “These are from Old Man,” he declared, his voice ringing with certainty. “They are a gift, like the elk, the antelope, the buffalo, and the bighorn sheep. They are called Sky Dogs.”
Long Arrow’s proclamation calmed the fears of the tribe. Trusting his judgment, they lowered their weapons and waited patiently for the Sky Dogs to reach their camp. They prepared the sacred herb, nawak’osis, ready to offer it in a gesture of peace and respect.
As the strange procession drew closer, the Blackfoot observed that, in addition to the two Kootenai men, a Kootenai woman lay ill and weak in the travois. The Blackfoot, known for their compassion, welcomed the three travelers into their camp. They provided food and shelter, hoping to nurse them back to health. However, despite the best efforts of the medicine man, the two Kootenai men succumbed to their illness before they could explain the origins of the Sky Dogs or how they came to be a gift from Old Man.
The Blackfoot, now responsible for the well-being of these unfamiliar creatures, approached the task with a mixture of curiosity and caution. They offered the Sky Dogs dried meat, the same sustenance they provided their own dogs. They threw sticks, attempting to engage them in a game of fetch, a familiar activity with their canine companions. One of the Sky Dogs, however, bolted and disappeared. Some believed it returned to Old Man, its purpose fulfilled. Others whispered that the cunning coyote had claimed it as prey. The remaining two, however, seemed content to graze on the abundant grasses of the plains, revealing their herbivorous nature.
With the passage of time, the fear that had initially gripped the Blackfoot began to dissipate. Running Bear emerged from behind the tipi, his curiosity overcoming his apprehension. Jumps-Over-the-Water, emboldened by the bravery of his peers, tentatively left the safety of his mother’s skirt.
He-Who-Loves-Horses, drawn by an irresistible curiosity, approached the smaller of the two Sky Dogs. Slowly, cautiously, he reached out and touched it, his hand tracing the contours of its body from hoof to mane. He felt the warmth of its skin, the softness of its fur. The animal remained still, unperturbed by his touch. He pressed his face against its face, feeling its gentle breath on his cheek. Still, it did not flinch. Long Arrow, witnessing this tender interaction, smiled and bestowed upon the boy a new name: He-Who-Loves-Horses, a name that would forever link him to these extraordinary creatures.
The Kootenai woman, carefully tended by the Blackfoot, gradually recovered her health. She eventually married He-Who-Loves-Horses’ father, becoming a part of their family. She shared stories of her people and of the Sky Dogs, revealing their true nature and potential. He-Who-Loves-Horses learned from her how to mount the Sky Dogs, how to comb their manes with a bone comb, and how to ride them into battle. Through this newfound knowledge, he earned a place in the Council of Warriors, solidifying his status within the tribe. The Sky Dogs, once objects of fear and confusion, became integral to the Blackfoot way of life, transforming their methods of hunting, travel, and warfare.
(Editor’s Note)
It is crucial to understand that the popular image of Native Americans as exclusively horse-riding cultures is a misconception. While the horse profoundly impacted many tribes, its introduction varied significantly across different regions and time periods.
The tribes of the Southwest, including the Navajo, Apache, and Comanche, were among the first to acquire horses in the early 1600s. The Comanche, in particular, became renowned for their equestrian skills, embodying the horse-oriented culture often depicted in Hollywood films. However, the Apache, while utilizing horses, often preferred to fight on foot and were known to consume them as food. The Navajo, primarily pastoralists, used ponies to tend their sheep and cattle.
Most Plains tribes did not gain access to horses until the mid-to-late 1700s. For millennia, these cultures thrived without the horse, adapting to their environment and developing unique survival strategies. The introduction of the horse brought about significant changes, but it is essential to remember that Native American history extends far beyond the era of the horse.
Interestingly, archaeological evidence suggests that the horse originated on the North American continent, migrating to Asia approximately 20,000 years ago before becoming extinct in its homeland. This raises intriguing questions about the potential for ancient relationships between indigenous populations and horses, predating the reintroduction of the animal by Europeans. Many tribes maintain that their ancestors have always been present in their lands, leaving open the possibility of a deeper connection to the horse than currently acknowledged by mainstream historical narratives.