Black Elk

Black Elk (December 1, 1863 – August 19, 1950) was a famous Oglala Lakota medicine man and holy man. He is best known for his great vision at the age of nine and his participation in the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the Wounded Knee Massacre. His life and teachings have been chronicled in the book Black Elk Speaks, recorded by John G. Neihardt.

Early Life

Black Elk was born into the Oglala Lakota tribe in December 1863 along the Little Powder River (what is now Wyoming). His early years were spent in the traditional lifestyle of the Lakota, learning the skills and knowledge necessary for life on the Plains. At the age of nine, he experienced a great vision that would influence the rest of his life and become a cornerstone of his teachings.

The Great Vision

In his vision, Black Elk was taken to the center of the earth, and then to the center of the universe, where he saw the interconnectedness of all living things and was told that he would play a crucial role in restoring his people's vitality. This vision was filled with rich symbolism and prophecies, many of which he would spend his life trying to fulfill.

Battle of the Little Bighorn

In 1876, at the age of 13, Black Elk participated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand. This battle was a significant victory for the Lakota and their allies, but it also marked the beginning of a harsher military response from the United States government towards the Native American tribes.

Wounded Knee Massacre

On December 29, 1890, Black Elk was present at the Wounded Knee Massacre, where hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children were killed by the U.S. Army. This event deeply impacted him and was a turning point in his life, reinforcing his commitment to his people and their spiritual heritage.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Black Elk converted to Catholicism, taking the name Nicholas Black Elk, and worked as a catechist, blending his Lakota beliefs with his new faith. He continued to be a respected spiritual leader and healer among his people.

His life and teachings were recorded in the 1930s by John G. Neihardt, in the book Black Elk Speaks. This book has become a seminal work in Native American literature, though it has also been subject to criticism for its accuracy and Neihardt's interpretation of Black Elk's words.

Black Elk passed away on August 19, 1950, but his legacy continues to influence both Native American spirituality and the broader understanding of indigenous cultures and wisdom.

See Also

• Oglala Lakota
• Battle of the Little Bighorn
• Wounded Knee Massacre
• John G. Neihardt

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