‘The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog‘ is a captivating Native American folktale that tells the story of Long Arrow, a young orphan boy who overcomes adversity and embarks on a remarkable journey to secure the legendary Elk Dogs for his tribe. The tale is steeped in Native American culture and spirituality, featuring encounters with powerful spirits, magical gifts, and the transformative impact of the Elk Dogs on Long Arrow’s tribe. This tale is not only an adventure but also a reflection of the values of courage, kindness, and gratitude in the face of hardship.
The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog | Summary
In this story, two orphaned siblings, a deaf boy named Long Arrow and his bright and beautiful sister, struggle to survive. Long Arrow is shunned by others due to his deafness, and even his relatives reject him. When his sister is adopted by another family from a different camp, they leave Long Arrow behind. He survives by scavenging for food and wearing discarded clothing. When his original camp relocates, they abandon Long Arrow, telling him they don’t want him to come with them. Determined to rejoin his people, he follows their tracks and cries as he goes. Suddenly, something snaps in his left ear, and he regains his hearing. The same happens with his right ear, and he can hear with remarkable clarity. This newfound ability fills him with joy, and he continues to follow his people’s trail. Long Arrow, the formerly deaf and abandoned boy, reaches the new village where his people have settled. He encounters Good Running, a compassionate chief who is butchering a buffalo. Good Running shares food with Long Arrow, recognizing that the boy is neither foolish nor dull-witted as he was once thought to be. Instead, he observes a positive change in Long Arrow’s demeanor since he regained his hearing.
Impressed by Long Arrow’s transformation and wanting to adopt him, Good Running offers him a place in his tipi, intending to nurture him into a skilled hunter and warrior. Overjoyed, Long Arrow weeps tears of happiness. Good Running also decides to call him by his true name, Long Arrow, instead of the demeaning names he was previously given. Despite Good Running’s kindness, his wife initially resists the idea of adopting Long Arrow, considering him a burden. However, Good Running insists and instructs his wife to make moccasins for Long Arrow, warning her not to do a poor job. Long Arrow’s life takes a positive turn as he becomes a fast learner, excelling in skills and knowledge. Even Good Running’s wife eventually accepts him. Long Arrow expresses his desire to do something great to make his grandfather proud, which leads to a conversation about powerful spirit people and Elk Dogs said to reside at the bottom of a distant lake. Long Arrow volunteers to undertake the dangerous journey to find an Elk Dog, and Good Running advises him to first learn the ways of a man and be prepared for the quest.
Long Arrow, prepared by his tribe’s holy men for his quest to find the mysterious Elk Dog, leaves his people quietly with his grandfather’s blessings and essential items for the journey. He travels southward, guided by advice from various spirits. His first encounter is with the spirit of a small pond, who directs him further south to a larger lake where he might meet another spirit who could provide information about the Elk Dog. Long Arrow continues his journey, facing challenging terrains and hardships along the way. After walking for an extended period, Long Arrow arrives at a massive lake surrounded by towering hills. There, he meets a formidable, tall spirit armed with a flint-tipped lance, the spirit of the lake itself. Despite the spirit’s intimidating presence, Long Arrow fearlessly expresses his purpose. The spirit, while initially stern, appreciates Long Arrow’s bravery but informs him that he can’t help in his quest. Instead, he suggests that Long Arrow continue south in search of their grandfather, who may or may not assist him.
Long Arrow persists in his journey for four more sets of four days, arriving at the Great Mystery Lake, an awe-inspiring location surrounded by snow-capped peaks and icy waterfalls. Here, he encounters a beautiful spirit child dressed in a vibrant white buckskin robe adorned with colorful porcupine quills. The spirit child informs Long Arrow that they have been expecting him and invites him to meet their grandfather, who resides in a lodge at the bottom of the lake. The child transforms into a kingfisher and dives into the lake, signaling Long Arrow to follow. Long Arrow, unafraid of the daunting underwater journey, follows the spirit boy into the depths of the lake, where he discovers an enchanting valley with a grand buffalo-hide tipi adorned with sacred vermilion-painted images of mysterious animals.
The spirit boy transforms into a beautiful child, welcoming Long Arrow into the lodge of his black-robed, white-haired, and powerful grandfather. Inside the tipi, Long Arrow is served a sumptuous feast, but he remains in awe of the beautiful and elaborate decorations and belongings within. After satisfying his hunger, Long Arrow joins the spirit chief in a pipe-smoking ceremony, during which the chief reveals that those before Long Arrow were afraid of the deep water and left empty-handed. However, Long Arrow’s bravery in plunging into the lake is acknowledged, and he is chosen to receive a remarkable gift to bring back to his people.
The spirit chief instructs Long Arrow to go outside with his grandson, where they encounter an extraordinary sight: magnificent animals known as Pono-Kamita, Elk Dogs, galloping and playing in a meadow. These creatures have glossy coats, long manes and tails, and gentle eyes that contradict their fiery appearance. The spirit boy demonstrates how to ride these Elk Dogs gracefully, and Long Arrow, after some initial hesitation, experiences the exhilaration of riding one himself. It’s a joy surpassing even the happiness he felt when adopted by Good Running.
Following their ride, the spirit boy advises Long Arrow on how to receive the gift he came for. Long Arrow must try to glimpse the spirit chief’s hidden feet. Once successful, the chief will grant him three gifts: a rainbow-colored quilled belt, his black medicine robe, and a herd of these marvelous Elk Dogs. Long Arrow heeded the advice of the spirit chief, staying in his lodge for four days, dining well, and riding the Elk Dogs. However, he struggled to glimpse the spirit chief’s feet until one fateful morning when the chief’s leg and hoof, resembling those of an Elk Dog, were briefly exposed. This unexpected sight prompted Long Arrow to boldly request three gifts: the chief’s rainbow-colored belt, his black medicine robe, and his herd of Elk Dogs.
The spirit chief, although surprised, granted Long Arrow’s wishes with the exception of the entire herd of Elk Dogs, offering him half instead. He emphasized the magical properties of the robe and belt and presented Long Arrow with a rope woven from the hair of a white buffalo bull, ensuring his success in catching the Elk Dogs. Following this exchange, the spirit chief prepared Long Arrow to leave, instructing him to head north without looking back. On the fourth day, the Elk Dogs joined him, and Long Arrow followed the chief’s instructions to capture one of them using the rope. He rode the black Elk Dog and brought another to carry a heavy pack of food. Upon returning to his village, Long Arrow was initially mistaken for a half-human, half-animal monster by the fearful residents. However, his familiar voice reassured his grandfather, Good Running, who came out of hiding and welcomed him home. The villagers, once they realized who he was and saw the marvelous Elk Dogs, emerged to celebrate his return.
Long Arrow, overwhelmed by gratitude to his adopted grandparents, decided to gift the Elk Dogs to his village, realizing the transformative potential these animals had. With Elk Dogs to carry them, the people’s lives improved significantly. Buffalo hunting became easier, and their capacity to transport goods greatly expanded, enhancing their prosperity and quality of life. In time, Good Running, now a respected and wealthy figure, proposed a journey back to the Great Mystery Lake, hoping to receive further power and magical gifts from the spirit chief and the wondrous boy. Long Arrow led the people southward to the lake, but they found that the magical encounters they had experienced before no longer occurred. The lake was devoid of the miraculous beings and treasures they had once encountered, leaving only fish in its waters.
The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog | Analysis
The text exhibits several elements that align with the relevance of myths in the story. Myths are traditionally part of an oral tradition, passed down from generation to generation before being written. This story has the quality of an oral tradition, as it tells of Long Arrow’s journey, which could have been shared verbally within the Blackfoot community to impart lessons and values. Myths frequently feature characters with exceptional or fantastic qualities. Long Arrow, the orphan boy, embarks on a heroic quest to find the mysterious Elk Dogs. His determination and bravery align with qualities admired in Blackfoot culture. Myths often revolve around a quest for knowledge or a significant object. In this story, Long Arrow’s journey to find the Elk Dogs can be seen as a quest, representing the importance of seeking wisdom and valuable resources in the Blackfoot culture. The story reflects on the culture and values of the Blackfoot people, showcases exceptional characters on a quest, and, in its own way, teaches lessons about the significance of courage, kindness, and self-belief.
A central axis of the text is the significant impact of horses on the Native American tribes, particularly those in the Great Plains. Horses revolutionized Plains life, making hunting, transportation, and warfare more efficient. This transformation is so profound that scholars often divide Plains history into periods before and after the introduction of horses. The text mentions the Blackfeet or Blackfoot tribe, indicating that they traditionally inhabited regions in Alberta, Canada, and Montana. They are Algonquian-language speakers known for their adaptation to open grassland areas for buffalo hunting. The Blackfeet were among the early Algonquian-speaking tribes to migrate westward. Initially, they hunted buffalo on foot, utilizing dogs to transport their supplies. This highlights their traditional lifestyle and resourcefulness in a challenging environment. The Blackfoot word for ‘horse’ is ‘ponoka imita,’ which is interesting because it combines the words for ‘elk’ and ‘dog.’ This reflects how indigenous peoples often incorporated their experiences and existing vocabulary into their descriptions of newly encountered things, in this case, horses.
The story also serves as a means of historicizing the horse within Native American culture, specifically in the Blackfoot tribe. It explains how the horse was acquired by the tribe, which is a significant historical event. This aligns with the broader theme of analyzing the horse’s historical role in Native American cultures. The text suggests that the story follows a pattern found in other Native American narratives. This pattern involves mythicization, where historical events or elements are given mythic qualities and significance. In this case, the acquisition of the horse becomes a mythical event that contributes to the tribe’s cultural history. The process of dehistoricization involves removing the horse from its original context (e.g., its introduction by Europeans) and then re historicizing it by integrating it into the tribe’s history. This process is vital for the cultural legitimization of the horse, and the story accomplishes this by mythicizing the horse’s arrival. While not a creation story, the narrative highlights the cultural importance of the horse within the Blackfoot tribe. It explains how the tribe acquired the horse, emphasizing its value and contribution to their way of life.
The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog | Themes
The central premise of the story revolves around Long Arrow’s quest to find the Elk Dogs. His journey is driven by a desire to acquire these mystical beings, symbolizing a quest for knowledge and power that goes beyond the ordinary. Long Arrow’s determination to undertake this quest illustrates the human thirst for knowledge and growth. Long Arrow’s quest is not solely about acquiring the Elk Dogs but also about his personal and spiritual growth. He undergoes a profound transformation during his journey. He learns important lessons about bravery, self-belief, and resilience. Long Arrow evolves from an orphaned, outcast boy into a wise and capable young man, showcasing his growth in character and knowledge. Long Arrow’s quest culminates in the acquisition of magic gifts from the spirit chief, such as the black medicine robe, the rainbow-colored quilled belt, and a herd of Elk Dogs. These gifts represent not only physical assets but also sources of knowledge and power. The robe and belt, for instance, hold mystical knowledge, and the Elk Dogs offer a deeper understanding of nature and spirituality. Long Arrow’s journey transcends physical and spiritual boundaries. His willingness to plunge into the Great Mystery Lake, interact with spirit beings, and learn from them reflects the idea that true knowledge often requires individuals to venture into the unknown, both in the material and spiritual realms.
The character of Long Arrow exemplifies resilience as he faces significant adversity from a young age. He is abandoned by his tribe due to his perceived disabilities, labeled as foolish and dull-witted. Despite this rejection, he does not lose hope or give in to despair. Instead, he survives by scavenging for food and clothing, demonstrating his ability to adapt and endure even in challenging circumstances. Long Arrow’s resilience is closely tied to his determination for personal growth. He refuses to accept his initial fate as an outcast and sets his sights on becoming a skilled hunter and warrior. He takes the initiative to learn, understand, and develop the necessary skills, ultimately transforming himself from a neglected orphan into a capable and respected member of his tribe. Long Arrow’s journey highlights the theme of overcoming social stigma. Despite being marginalized and ridiculed, he manages to prove his worth to his tribe. His resilience in the face of prejudice ultimately leads to his acceptance and recognition within the community. This theme emphasizes the idea that individuals can challenge and change societal perceptions through their actions and achievements. Long Arrow’s resilience empowers him to undertake a quest to find the Elk Dogs. This journey is not only physically challenging but also spiritually significant. It further reinforces the theme that resilience can lead to personal empowerment and the achievement of one’s goals.
The narrative is infused with spirituality from the beginning. Long Arrow, the orphan boy, experiences a mystical transformation when he regains his hearing after a wormlike substance emerges from his ears. This miraculous event suggests a connection to the spirit world, where extraordinary occurrences can take place. Long Arrow’s journey to find the Elk Dogs leads him to encounters with spirit beings, including the spirit of the pond and the spirit of the lake. These supernatural beings possess powers and knowledge beyond the human realm. Long Arrow’s interactions with them highlight the blurred boundary between the physical and spiritual dimensions.
The Great Mystery Lake serves as a central symbol of spirituality and mysticism. It is a place where the ordinary laws of reality do not apply. Long Arrow’s descent into the lake and his meeting with the wondrous child, who transforms into a kingfisher, emphasize the mystical nature of this location. The lake is depicted as a portal to the spirit world. Long Arrow receives magic gifts from the spirit chief, including a black medicine robe, a rainbow-colored quilled belt, and a herd of Elk Dogs. These items are not merely material possessions but are infused with spiritual significance and supernatural properties. They connect Long Arrow to the mystical forces of the Elk Dogs and the spirit world. The story follows a common pattern found in many myths and legends, where mystical experiences are used to teach morals and values. Long Arrow’s quest for the Elk Dogs and his interactions with spirit beings convey lessons of bravery, resilience, and the importance of self-belief. These spiritual teachings are interwoven with the narrative.
The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog | Title
The title, ‘The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog,’ provides a concise preview of the central elements and characters within the folktale. The first part of the title highlights the protagonist of the story, Long Arrow. He is characterized by his unfortunate orphaned status, signifying a sense of vulnerability, isolation, and exclusion. The ‘Elk Dog’ introduces a mystical and enigmatic aspect of the story. In essence, the title hints at a narrative where a disadvantaged protagonist, the orphan boy, encounters something extraordinary or magical represented by the Elk Dogs.
The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog | Character Sketch
Long Arrow (The Orphan Boy): Long Arrow is the central character and protagonist of the story. He starts as an orphan, abandoned by his tribe because he was deaf and considered dull-witted. Despite his initial hardships, Long Arrow is portrayed as resilient, brave, and determined. He embarks on a quest to find the mysterious Elk Dogs, demonstrating his courage and willingness to face the unknown. Over the course of the story, he transforms from a disadvantaged outcast into a revered hero and provider for his tribe.
Good Running (The Chief): Good Running is portrayed as a kind and wise chief who adopts Long Arrow as his grandson. He recognizes Long Arrow’s potential when others do not and plays a significant role in his transformation. Good Running’s character represents compassion, wisdom, and a belief in the potential of others.
The Spirit Chief (Mysterious Old Man): The Spirit Chief, residing at the bottom of the Great Mystery Lake, is a mystical and powerful character. He possesses Elk Dog magic and offers Long Arrow valuable gifts, including the ability to communicate with and tame the Elk Dogs. The Spirit Chief embodies the supernatural and serves as a catalyst for Long Arrow’s journey and transformation.
The Beautiful Spirit Boy: This character appears as a bridge between Long Arrow and the Spirit Chief. He guides Long Arrow to the Great Mystery Lake and plays a vital role in Long Arrow’s quest. His presence adds an element of mystery and wonder to the story.
The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog | Literary Devices
The author employs similes to create vivid and relatable imagery. For example, describing Long Arrow as ‘like a beaten, mangy dog’ helps readers visualize his appearance and condition. This simile effectively conveys the idea of his suffering and isolation. The tone of the story is serious and edifying. It takes on a mythic or parable-like quality, where the author intends to impart moral lessons or insights. The seriousness of the tone is evident as the author does not use irony or humor, emphasizing the importance of the narrative’s message. By using simile and a serious tone, the author aims to engage the reader in the story. The similes make the characters and settings more relatable, allowing readers to form mental images. The serious tone draws readers into the world of the narrative, encouraging them to reflect on the moral lessons presented. These literary devices contribute to the overall mood and message of the narrative, making it a compelling and thought-provoking tale.
This mythical narrative, rooted in the oral tradition of Native American cultures, offers a profound exploration of cultural encounters, personal growth, and the mystical aspects of life. Through Long Arrow’s quest for knowledge and the acquisition of Elk Dogs, the story invites readers to delve into a world where spirituality and the quest for understanding play central roles.
‘The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog’ and “Isn’t Everyone a Little Bit Weird share direct similarities despite their differing subject matter and narrative styles. Both texts conclude on positive notes. Benjamin Franklin’s life is marked by numerous accomplishments, and his story is often associated with the American Dream. In ‘The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog,’ Long Arrow’s success in bringing the Elk Dogs back to his tribe signifies a triumph over hardship. While these similarities are more abstract and thematic, they highlight universal concepts such as personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge that can be found in narratives about individuals from different cultural backgrounds and historical contexts.
There are similarities between ‘The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog’ and ‘Revenge of the Geeks’. Both texts delve into themes of transformation and personal growth. In ‘The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog,’ Long Arrow undergoes a significant transformation from an outcast to a respected member of his tribe. In ‘Revenge of the Geeks,’ the theme of transformation is explored in the context of how individuals with unconventional interests and skills can find their place and thrive in society. Both stories also feature characters on quests for knowledge and self-improvement. Long Arrow seeks the Elk Dogs to acquire knowledge and power. In ‘Revenge of the Geeks,’ the pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement is evident in the journeys of individuals who are passionate about their interests and expertise. Resilience is another common theme in both texts. Long Arrow’s resilience in the face of adversity parallels the resilience displayed by the geeks in ‘Revenge of the Geeks’ as they overcome challenges related to social acceptance and pursuing their passions.
There are certain similarities between ‘The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog’ and ‘Encountering the Other: The Challenge for the 21st Century’. Both texts delve into the theme of encountering ‘the Other’ or individuals from different cultural backgrounds. In ‘The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog,’ Long Arrow embarks on a journey to interact with spirit beings and acquire knowledge beyond his own cultural context. In ‘Encountering the Other,’ the focus is on contemporary encounters between diverse cultures in the 21st century. Additionally, both texts, encounters with ‘the Other’ lead to transformation. Long Arrow’s encounters with spirit beings and his quest for knowledge result in personal and spiritual growth. Similarly, ‘Encountering the Other’ discusses the potential for personal growth and cultural enrichment through cross-cultural encounters. Both texts share themes related to personal growth and understanding. Long Arrow’s quest leads to his growth as an individual, while ‘Encountering the Other’ explores the potential for cultural growth and broader perspectives through cross-cultural interactions.
