Water Spirit’s Gift of Horses: A Blackfoot Legend of Transformation and Abundance
The following narrative unfolds a captivating tale, a cherished legend passed down through generations of the Blackfoot people. It speaks of a time before the thundering hooves of horses echoed across the plains, a time when life was a constant struggle, particularly for the less fortunate. This is the story of a young orphan, his profound spiritual quest, and the extraordinary gift bestowed upon him by a powerful Water Spirit, forever altering the destiny of the Blackfoot nation. This gift was none other than the horse, affectionately known as "elk dog." This is the story of Water Spirit’s Gift of Horses.
In the ancient days, before the arrival of horses, a young orphan boy eked out a meager existence within the Blackfoot community. Destitute and lacking familial support, he faced the harsh realities of survival with limited resources. He understood that acquiring the necessities and comforts he yearned for was an insurmountable challenge without divine intervention, without the blessings and power granted by the spiritual realm. He believed that the key to overcoming his circumstances lay in unlocking the secrets and favor of the gods.
Driven by this unwavering belief, the boy embarked on a solitary journey of spiritual seeking. He ventured away from the familiar comfort of his camp, determined to receive a vision, a sign that would illuminate his path and reveal the actions he needed to take. He ascended to the summit of a towering mountain, hoping that the elevated vantage point would bring him closer to the spirits. There, under the vast expanse of the sky, he slept alone, his heart filled with fervent prayers.
His quest continued as he sought solace and guidance near ancient, imposing rock formations, believing that these natural monuments held a sacred connection to the divine. He fasted beside a flowing river, enduring hunger and thirst as a testament to his dedication and willingness to sacrifice for a glimpse of the spiritual world. Yet, despite his unwavering efforts, no vision materialized, no celestial voice whispered instructions into his ear. Disheartened but not defeated, the boy pressed onward, traveling beyond the familiar landmarks of the Sweetgrass Hills until he reached the shores of a vast and shimmering lake.
Despair began to creep into his heart as he realized the apparent futility of his endeavors. No sign, no omen, no indication of divine presence had manifested itself. Overwhelmed by disappointment and a sense of abandonment, he bowed down, his body trembling with sobs of anguish and frustration. His heartfelt cries, carried by the wind, reached the ears of a powerful being dwelling deep within the lake’s depths.
In the heart of that expansive lake resided a venerable Water Spirit, an ancient and wise entity possessing immense power and a profound understanding of the world. The Water Spirit, attuned to the subtle vibrations of the natural world, heard the sorrowful weeping of the orphan boy and felt compassion for his plight. He recognized the sincerity of the boy’s quest and decided to intervene.
The Water Spirit summoned his young son, a being of ethereal beauty and agility, and instructed him to seek out the weeping boy. The son emerged from the depths of the lake and approached the boy, his presence radiating a calming aura. He gently inquired about the cause of his distress, informing him that his father, the Water Spirit, wished to speak with him.
The boy, surprised and hopeful, questioned how he could possibly reach the Water Spirit if he resided beneath the lake’s surface. The Water Spirit’s son reassured him, explaining that he would provide safe passage. "Hold on to my shoulders and close your eyes," he instructed. "Do not open them until I tell you to do so."
Trusting in the Water Spirit’s son, the boy followed his instructions, clinging tightly to his shoulders as they entered the cool, enveloping water. As they descended into the depths, the Water Spirit’s son offered a crucial piece of advice. "My father will offer you your choice of the animals in this lake," he said. "When he does so, be sure to choose the oldest mallard of the ducks and all its young ones."
The journey through the underwater realm was swift and seamless. Soon, they arrived at the Water Spirit’s lodge, a dwelling of shimmering beauty and otherworldly tranquility. The Water Spirit’s son instructed the boy to open his eyes. As he did so, he found himself standing before an old man with long, flowing white hair, his presence radiating wisdom and serenity.
The Water Spirit gestured for the boy to sit beside him, his voice resonating with gentle authority. "My boy," he asked, "why do you come to this lake crying?"
The boy, humbled by the Water Spirit’s presence, replied, "I am a poor orphan. I left my camp to search for secret powers so that I may be able to make my way in the world."
The Water Spirit listened intently, his eyes filled with understanding. "Perhaps I can help you," he offered. "You have seen all the animals in this lake. They are mine to give to whom I wish. What is your choice?"
Remembering the Water Spirit’s son’s advice, the boy replied, "I should thank you for the oldest mallard of the ducks and all its young ones."
The Water Spirit, surprised by the boy’s unexpected choice, shook his head. "Do not take that one," he cautioned. "It is old and of no value."
However, the boy remained steadfast in his decision, insisting on his choice. Four times he requested the mallard, demonstrating his unwavering faith in the advice he had received. Finally, the Water Spirit smiled, recognizing the boy’s wisdom and discernment. "You are a wise young man," he said. "When you leave my lodge, my son will take you to the edge of the lake. After it is dark, he will catch the mallard for you. But when you leave the lake, do not look back!"
The boy followed the Water Spirit’s instructions precisely. The Water Spirit’s son led him back to the edge of the lake and waited until darkness descended. Then, he gathered some marsh grass from the shoreline and skillfully braided it into a rope. With this rope, he captured the old mallard and led it ashore. He placed the rope in the boy’s hand, instructing him to walk onward, but not to look back until sunrise.
As the boy walked through the darkness toward his camp, he initially heard the sound of the duck’s feathers flapping against the ground. However, as he continued his journey, that sound gradually faded away. In its place, he began to hear the distinct sound of heavy feet pounding on the earth behind him, accompanied by the strange and unfamiliar cry of an animal. He noticed that the braided marsh grass in his hand had transformed into a strong rawhide rope.
Despite the growing curiosity and the unsettling sounds, the boy resisted the urge to look back, remembering the Water Spirit’s warning. He continued his trek, his heart pounding with anticipation and a touch of trepidation. Finally, as the first rays of dawn painted the sky, he reached a point where he felt it was safe to look back.
Turning around, he beheld a sight that filled him with awe and wonder. At the end of the rope stood a strange and magnificent animal, unlike any he had ever seen before – a horse. A voice, seemingly carried on the wind, instructed him to mount the animal. He obeyed, using the rawhide rope as a bridle. As he rode toward his camp, he noticed that many other horses were following him, their numbers growing with each stride.
The people of the camp were initially frightened by these unfamiliar creatures, but the boy reassured them, urging them to have no fear. He dismounted and generously distributed the horses among the members of his community, ensuring that everyone had access to this newfound wealth. He reserved a large number for himself, solidifying his position as a benefactor and leader. This was truly the Water Spirit’s Gift of Horses.
Before the arrival of horses, the Blackfoot people had relied solely on dogs to carry their packs and drag their travois. The boy, now a conduit of divine knowledge, demonstrated how to utilize the horses for packing goods, how to train them for riding, and how to harness their strength for various tasks. He bestowed upon the horse its Blackfoot name, "elk dog," forever linking the animal to their cultural identity.
As the people grew accustomed to the presence of horses, they began to explore their potential for hunting. One day, the men approached the boy and inquired, "These elk dogs, would they be of any use in hunting buffalo?"
"Yes, let me show you," the boy replied, eager to share his knowledge. He led them to a buffalo herd and demonstrated how to chase the animals on horseback, revolutionizing their hunting techniques. He also taught them how to craft bridles, saddles, hackamores, whips, and other essential gear for their horses, empowering them to fully utilize the animals’ capabilities.
During one of their expeditions, the men encountered a river and questioned the boy about the horses’ aquatic abilities. "These elk dogs, are they of any use to us in water?" they asked.
"That is where they are best," he replied. "I got them from the water." He proceeded to demonstrate how to use horses to cross streams and rivers, further expanding their understanding of the animals’ versatility. Truly, the Water Spirit’s Gift of Horses was a blessing beyond measure.
As the boy matured, his wisdom, generosity, and leadership qualities earned him the respect and admiration of his people. They recognized his exceptional abilities and bestowed upon him the title of chief, entrusting him with the responsibility of guiding and protecting their community. From that day forward, every Blackfoot chief has owned many horses, a symbol of their prosperity, power, and connection to the spiritual realm. The legend of Water Spirit’s Gift of Horses serves as a reminder of the power of faith, the importance of seeking spiritual guidance, and the transformative impact of divine intervention.