Storytellers, Storytakers, and the Supernatural World of the Blackfeet New

Once upon a time, in the vast plains of Montana, there lived a tribe of Native Americans known as the Blackfeet. They were a fiercely proud and resilient people, deeply connected to their land and steeped in a rich tradition of storytelling. Their tales were not just mere entertainment; they were the threads that wove together the fabric of their culture, connecting them to their ancestors and the supernatural world that surrounded them.

The Blackfeet believed that their stories held immense power and served as a gateway between the physical and spiritual realms. Through storytelling, they were able to tap into the supernatural world and communicate with the spirits of nature, animals, and their ancestors.

The Role of Storytellers

In Blackfeet culture, storytelling was not limited to a specific group of individuals. It was a communal activity, with everyone playing a part in the preservation and transmission of their tales. However, there were certain individuals designated as official storytellers, chosen for their exceptional storytelling abilities and deep understanding of Blackfeet traditions.

Invisible Reality: Storytellers, Storytakers, and the Supernatural World of the Blackfeet (New Visions in Native American and Indigenous Studies)

by Rosalyn R. LaPier(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2835 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	243 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

These storytellers were revered figures within the community, often consulted for guidance, wisdom, and spiritual insights. They were the keepers of the tribe's history, the custodians of its collective memory.

Storytellers would gather the tribe around a warm fire or in a sacred space, and with their melodious voices and animated gestures, they would transport their listeners into a world where reality and fantasy intertwined. They would invoke the spirits, channeling their energy and wisdom into the narrative, transporting the audience to a different realm.

The Supernatural World

The Blackfeet believed that the supernatural world was all around them, fundamentally connected to their everyday lives. Spirits existed in the rocks, trees, rivers, and mountains, guiding and protecting the tribe. The Blackfeet had a deep reverence for these spirits and sought to maintain a harmonious relationship with them.

Through storytelling, the Blackfeet were able to access this supernatural world and develop a deep understanding of their environment. They learned the ways of the animals, their behaviors, and their roles in the ecosystem. This knowledge was vital for their survival, allowing them to hunt, fish, and navigate the vast landscapes of Montana.

Mythical Creatures and Legends

Within the supernatural world of the Blackfeet, mythical creatures and legends were abundant. These stories served as cautionary tales, teaching important moral lessons and instilling a sense of respect for the natural world.

One such legend was that of Napi, the trickster. Napi was both mischievous and wise, often testing the Blackfeet through various trials and tribulations. His stories taught the tribe to be mindful of their actions, as every decision had consequences.

There were also stories of powerful shapeshifters, who could transform into animals at will. These shapeshifters were seen as guardians and protectors, watching over the tribe and ensuring their safety.

The Legacy of the Blackfeet Tradition

Today, the tradition of storytelling among the Blackfeet continues to thrive. While the world around them has changed dramatically, the stories remain as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the tribe.

Modern Blackfeet storytellers have adapted to new mediums, embracing technology to preserve and share their tales with a wider audience. They create books, films, and interactive experiences that immerse people in the supernatural world of the Blackfeet, allowing them to connect with the spirits and learn from their wisdom.

The supernatural world of the Blackfeet is a treasure trove of captivating stories, moral lessons, and spiritual enlightenment. As we delve into these tales, we connect to a deeper understanding of the bond between humans and nature, and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

So, gather around, ignite the fire of your imagination, and let the storytellers and storytakers guide you through the mystical realm of the Blackfeet New!

Invisible Reality: Storytellers, Storytakers, and the Supernatural World of the Blackfeet (New Visions in Native American and Indigenous Studies)

by Rosalyn R. LaPier(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2835 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	243 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Winner of the 2018 John C. Ewers Book Award 
Winner of the 2018 Donald Fixico Book Award

Rosalyn R. LaPier demonstrates that Blackfeet history is incomplete without an understanding of the Blackfeet people’s relationship and mode of interaction with the “invisible reality” of the supernatural world. Religious beliefs provided the Blackfeet with continuity through privations and changing times. The stories they passed to new generations and outsiders reveal the fundamental philosophy of Blackfeet existence, namely, the belief that they could alter, change, or control nature to suit their needs and that they were able to do so with the assistance of supernatural allies. The Blackfeet did not believe they had to adapt to nature. They made nature adapt. Their relationship with the supernatural provided the Blackfeet with stability and made predictable the seeming unpredictability of the natural world in which they lived.

In Invisible Reality LaPier presents an unconventional, creative, and innovative history that blends extensive archival research, vignettes of family stories, and traditional knowledge learned from elders along with personal reflections on her own journey learning Blackfeet stories. The result is a nuanced look at the history of the Blackfeet and their relationship with the natural world.