In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse

The discussion of the Bozeman Trail underscores the fact that the white settlers’ encroachment into Indigenous peoples’ lands wasn’t an isolated incident limited to the Oregon Trail. Instead, the settlers used many paths in their widespread immigration to the western parts of the country. These multiple routes through Lakota territory underline the sheer numbers of settlers coming in and the hopelessness of the Lakota resistance against them.

This section continues to indicate The Value of First-Hand Experience in subtle ways. Grandpa Nyles’s instruction to Jimmy to “feel the same sand” that Crazy Horse once did shows that there is great value in nature and in direct experience, even in seemingly unimportant places. The tour guide reinforces this point by deferring to Nyles’s expertise in the matter of Crazy Horse. His admission that Nyles knows more than he does suggests that Nyles’s intimate connection to Lakota history and culture makes him a better teacher on those topics than the tour guide, whose knowledge comes from less direct sources.

Nyles proves that expertise when he corrects the plaque commemorating the Battle of the Hundred in the Hands. By showing the bias of the plaque makers—who valued the lives of the white soldiers more than those of the Indigenous warriors who fought in the battle—the novel indicates that multiple perspectives are necessary to fully understand historical events. The plaque’s inaccuracies survive today, suggesting that the bias against Indigenous peoples continues and that their voices continue to be undervalued in historical accounts of the American Frontier Wars (See: Background).

The multiple names for the battle further highlight the tension over multiple accounts of history. By naming it the Battle of the Hundred in the Hands, the Indigenous people focus on the sacred power of their holy man, who correctly anticipated the outcome of the battle. Meanwhile, calling the battle the Fetterman Massacre places the focus on the slaughter of the white soldiers. Each of these names reflects different perspectives and experiences, indicating that historical truth can be elusive without the guidance of first-hand experience and the teachings of those who were present to witness the events.

Crazy Horse makes significant strides in this section along The Journey of Personal Growth and Understanding, setting the stage for Jimmy to mirror those same developments. Initially, that growth is focused on courage. Crazy Horse’s bravery and heroic actions during the Battle of the Hundred in the Hands show that he has learned the value of facing one’s fears and standing up to support one’s community. However, Nyles makes clear that there are even more important things that Crazy Horse exemplified, such as humility, self-assurance, and selflessness. Jimmy’s responses to Nyles’s stories show that he has taken Crazy Horse as his role-model and hopes to emulate Crazy Horse’s behavior.

By showing Grandpa Nyles’s consideration for the white soldiers who died in the battle, the novel highlights the importance of empathizing with other cultures and respecting the fallen, no matter which side they were on. Grandpa Nyles’s personal history as a Vietnam War veteran adds to this message by showing that even someone as admirable as Nyles can get caught up in violent conflicts that lead to widespread death and destruction. Nyles does not blame the soldiers for their role in the wars against the Lakota, but instead blames the selfishness of the settlers and the greed of the political system that facilitated their conquest of the West. Nyles’s nuanced perspective shows his great care for Jimmy, whose heritage comes from both sides of this conflict. In showing respect for all those who died, Nyles teaches Jimmy to accept his multiple heritages and to let go of any negative feelings he has for his ancestral connection to the settlers, as well as the Lakota.

Jimmy comes away from these chapters with a greater appreciation for The Importance of Cultural Heritage and Identity. His commitment to emulate Crazy Horse’s courage and humility shows that his Lakota cultural history is shaping his personality and beliefs. He also draws inspiration from his father and Grandpa Nyles, who serve as role models in teaching Jimmy it is okay to show strong emotions in support of one’s community and loved ones. Jimmy’s ability to vividly picture the events during the Battle of the Hundred in the Hands suggests that he is finding a deeper connection to his roots by gaining a first-hand experience of history.