Visions, prophetic dreams, talking animals, sacred ornaments of wisdom, cloud spirits descending from the sky, and mysterious voices are just some of the mystical experiences in the life of Black Elk, a Sioux warrior and holy man of the Oglala tribe. He, along with some of his old friends, were interviewed over the summer of 1932 by John G Neihardt for his book, Black Elk Speaks.
Niehardt’s purpose was to document the history of Black Elk’s people and to share with the Wasichus (white man) so that they would have a better understanding of his people’s culture. What remains is a gripping tale of struggle and perseverance and the mystical experiences of a warrior and holy man whose Great Vision never materialized.
