Crazy Horse – A Sacred Hero
(By Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa) in 1918)
The saga of Crazy Horse, a name synonymous with Lakota resistance and unwavering spirit, unfolds on the vast American plains. Born along the banks of the Republican River in 1845, his life, though tragically short, became an enduring symbol of Native American defiance against the encroaching tide of westward expansion. His earthly journey concluded at Fort Robinson, Nebraska, in 1877, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate through generations.
A Paragon of Lakota Manhood
Charles A. Eastman, also known as Ohiyesa, a Santee Dakota physician, writer, and reformer, offers a compelling portrait of Crazy Horse. While not possessing the imposing physical stature of Gall, another prominent Lakota leader, Crazy Horse embodied a different kind of magnificence. Eastman describes him as "physically perfect, an Apollo in symmetry," a testament to the Lakota ideal of masculine grace and strength.
Beyond mere physical attributes, Crazy Horse exemplified the highest standards of Lakota refinement and courtesy, reminiscent of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. However, unlike Joseph, Crazy Horse was a "born warrior," a leader forged in the crucible of conflict. Yet, his was not a bloodthirsty nature. He was a "gentle warrior," a "true brave" who championed the noblest aspirations of the Lakota people. Eastman urges a fair assessment of Crazy Horse, judged by the esteem of his own people rather than the biased accounts of his adversaries.
A Childhood Steeped in Tradition
Crazy Horse’s formative years were spent in a time when encounters with white men were infrequent for the western Sioux, limited primarily to interactions with traders and soldiers. His upbringing adhered strictly to the traditional customs of his tribe, a process meticulously designed to cultivate virtue and community responsibility.
Lakota society placed immense value on the development of its children, celebrating each milestone with elaborate feasts and ceremonies. A child’s first step, first word, first hunt, and the attainment of adulthood were all occasions for public recognition and celebration. Parents often made significant sacrifices, generously giving to the needy to instill in their children the importance of self-denial for the common good.
Qualities such as generosity, courage, and selflessness were considered essential for public service, and the Lakota people strived to embody these ideals. These very traits, however, would become vulnerabilities in a society driven by commerce and personal gain. Crazy Horse’s mother, like all Lakota mothers, provided tender care and support, while simultaneously encouraging his father’s rigorous physical training. Together, they instilled in him a deep sense of spiritual grounding and patriotic duty, preparing him for a life dedicated to serving his people.
One particularly poignant anecdote from his childhood illustrates the burgeoning spirit of generosity that defined Crazy Horse. During a harsh winter when food was scarce, his father, a skilled hunter, managed to bring home two antelopes. The young Crazy Horse, barely five years old, rode through the camp on his pony, inviting the elderly to partake in the meat at his family’s teepee. Despite not having received explicit permission from his parents, the old and vulnerable lined up before their home. His mother, faced with this situation, distributed nearly all of the meat, reserving only enough for two meals. The following day, when the boy asked for food, his mother reminded him that the elders had taken it all and impressed upon him the importance of living up to the praise he had received, emphasizing bravery and upholding his reputation.
Early Displays of Courage and Skill
Crazy Horse possessed a deep love for horses, and his father gifted him a pony at a young age. He quickly developed into a skilled horseman, accompanying his father on buffalo hunts, where he learned the art of horsemanship and hunting. In those days, the Sioux relied primarily on bows and arrows for hunting, as firearms were scarce.
Another tale from his boyhood highlights his bravery and resourcefulness. When he was around twelve years old, while searching for ponies with his younger brother, they encountered a bear. Crazy Horse swiftly pushed his brother up a tree and mounted one of the horses, which bolted in fright. Regaining control, he returned to confront the bear, yelling and swinging his lariat. The bear initially stood its ground but eventually retreated. The narrator of this story believed that even at a young age, Crazy Horse possessed a certain power that deterred even a grizzly bear.
Sioux boys often engaged in a game after buffalo hunts, waiting until sundown to lasso young calves seeking their mothers. One day, Crazy Horse was challenged to ride a large bull calf. He accepted the challenge and remained on the calf’s back as it ran across the hills, eventually tiring and trembling.
At the age of sixteen, Crazy Horse joined a war party against the Gros Ventres, immediately demonstrating his bravery by closely following a respected warrior named Hump, drawing enemy fire and circling their advance guard. When Hump’s horse was shot from under him, Crazy Horse fearlessly leaped from his pony, helped Hump onto his saddle, and carried him to safety amidst a hail of arrows. Hump, a seasoned warrior at the height of his career, declared Crazy Horse the future warrior of the Teton Sioux.
Spiritual Depth and Reserved Leadership
During this period of his life, Crazy Horse, like many young men, dedicated significant time to prayer and solitude. The details of his experiences during these times of fasting in the wilderness remain unknown, reserved for those who have lived a full life. While sought after by his peers, he maintained a reserved and modest demeanor, yet in moments of danger, he emerged as a natural leader. Crazy Horse embodied the ideal Sioux brave, representing the spiritual values that were being lost due to the encroachment of material civilization.
He formed a close bond with Hump, and they became known as "the grizzly and his cub." Together, they defended the Sioux in skirmishes with neighboring tribes. However, in a battle against the Snake tribe, the Sioux were overwhelmed, and Hump fell in a desperate charge. Crazy Horse and his brother, though dismounted, killed two enemies and facilitated their retreat.
It was noted that when pursuing enemies into their strongholds, Crazy Horse often refrained from killing, instead striking them with a switch to demonstrate his lack of fear. In one such instance, his younger brother, who emulated him, was killed during a raid on a frontier post.
During a great winter buffalo hunt before he turned twenty, Crazy Horse presented ten buffalo tongues to the council lodge for the councilors’ feast. He had killed ten buffalo cows with his bow and arrows, sharing his bounty with less successful hunters.
The Path to War
Crazy Horse came of age during a period of escalating conflict between the United States and the Sioux. He had already proven his worth in intertribal warfare, repeatedly risking his life to save others. He was not an orator or the son of a chief; his influence stemmed solely from his character and actions.
At the age of 21, he attended a council of Teton Sioux chiefs to determine their policy towards the encroaching settlers. Previous agreements had been made individually, and the Sioux had initially welcomed the white traders, believing the country to be vast enough for all. However, the construction of forts within their territory raised alarm.
While some chiefs advocated for peace, a majority, including a young Spotted Tail, decided to defend their rights and territory by force. Crazy Horse did not participate in the discussions but aligned himself with the council’s decision. Despite his youth, he was already a respected leader among the warriors.
The Battle of Fort Phil Kearny and the Great Sioux War
The attack on Fort Phil Kearny marked the beginning of the new policy, with Crazy Horse leading the attack on the woodcutters to lure the soldiers out of the fort. His skillful execution of this strategy solidified his reputation. This event triggered a general war, with Sitting Bull recognizing him as a key war leader.
Despite his prominence, Crazy Horse never delivered speeches, though his teepee served as a meeting place for young warriors. He was instrumental in implementing the council’s decisions and was frequently consulted by older chiefs. He shared similarities with figures like Osceola, Tecumseh, and Pontiac, displaying impatience for battle and continuing to fight even when allies sought peace. Like General Grant, he was a man of action rather than words. He achieved victories against Custer, Fetterman, and Crook, suffering only a few setbacks when surprised with his women and children.
The Battle of the Rosebud and the Little Bighorn
In early 1876, word came from Sitting Bull that the bands would gather on the upper Tongue River in Montana for summer feasts and conferences. On June 17, scouts reported the approach of General Crook, and Crazy Horse was dispatched with 700 men to intercept him. He charged repeatedly to draw the troops into the open but was unsuccessful. Crook retreated to Goose Creek, seemingly abandoning his advance.
The Indians moved to the Little Bighorn, where they were surprised by General Custer on June 25, 1876. Crazy Horse quickly assessed the situation and led his men to cut off Custer’s advance, resulting in a decisive victory for the Sioux.
Surrender and Death at Fort Robinson
While Sitting Bull fled to Canada, Crazy Horse and the Cheyenne remained relatively undisturbed. However, the dwindling buffalo population prompted him to surrender at Fort Robinson, Nebraska, in July 1877, with the understanding that the government would address their grievances.
Tensions arose due to General Crook’s favoritism towards Spotted Tail. Rumors spread of a conspiracy against Crazy Horse, leading to his decision to take his ill wife to her parents. False reports of his flight prompted an attempted arrest.
Under these circumstances, Crazy Horse demonstrated his leadership by preventing his warriors from retaliating against the scouts. He agreed to report to army headquarters to address the rumors, and despite the circumstances, he walked toward the guardhouse where he was stabbed in the back with a bayonet.
Crazy Horse died that night, his father singing the death song over him. His body was hidden in the Bad Lands, untouched by white men.
A Legacy of Patriotism
Crazy Horse remains a symbol of Native American resistance. His life exemplified integrity and dedication to his people. Unlike many historical figures, his reputation remains untarnished by questionable motives. He was a patriot who deserves recognition for his contributions to his people.