Post by matt on Aug 11, 2010 6:39:38 GMT -5
I grew up in North Dakota near Grasshopper Hills and Medicine Lake. Growing up I was particularly aware of this myth grounded in the Grasshopper Hills - Medicine Lake area:
The Legends of Grasshopper Hills
An area of over one square mile in the SE part of the Refuge is known as the Grasshopper Hills. These hills lie east of Jim Lake and rise abruptly from the surrounding prairie. The base of the hills is nearly cylindrical in shape except for the break made in it by Medicine Lake on the northeast corner. From the tops of these hills one can see the surrounding country for many miles. On a calm June day it affords a beautiful view of Jim Lake with its high bluffs covered in trees, and mirrored in its waters. It was during this month when the tragedy occurred from which these hills derived their name according to the Native American legend which follows:
Many years ago a beautiful Native American woman lived in a village to the north whose father was a white man. She was much sought after by the young braves of her tribe but only Grasshopper, son of a chief, found favor in her eyes. Her father was much opposed to Grasshopper's attentions to his daughter and did everything he could to prevent their marriage. As time went on, there seemed no hope of ever gaining the father's consent and the lovers took matters into their own hands and ran away.
When the woman's father discovered that they were gone he swore bitter vengeance on Grasshopper and went out to find them. After a few days he found their trail, which led to the south, and he set out in hot pursuit with murder in his heart. In the meantime the lovers traveled as fast as they could for fear of being overtaken. One day they stopped to rest in a group of hills with lakes to the east and west. This seemed like an ideal spot as well as a good hiding place and they decided it would be safe to stay here a few days.
One day the father crept up on the couple unexpectedly, as he rose over the crest of the hill and was raising his gun to fire at Grasshopper, his daughter saw him and sprang in front of her lover. The deadly bullet killed them both and the distraught father buried them where they fell. Ever since this tragic event these hills have been known as Grasshopper Hills.
Another ending to this story accounts for the naming of Medicine Lake, located to the northeast of the hills. It is said that the maiden saw her father but was too far away to shield her lover who fell dead at her feet. When she saw what had been done she rushed wildly to the lake saying, "This is medicine for my grief," and hurling herself into its placid waters sank to her death. When the lake gave up its dead the father buried both in the hills and the ideal spot became the tomb of the young lovers.
Another account of the naming of the Grasshopper Hills tells of a band of Native Americans camping within the hills thinking themselves safe from all attacks. But at dawn one summer morning their enemies crept upon them. The survivors said there were such a large number of them that they rose from the valleys like a swarm of grasshoppers and devoured them, as the grasshoppers devour every green thing in a field on which they descend.
Whichever story is true, the hills have been known, since that time, as the Grasshopper Hills by Native American tribes of North Dakota. The name persists to this day.
I wonder if anyone is aware of Grasshopper.
I have had dreams of a medicine man who has given me guidance. I feel this medicine man is a spirit who lived in the local area of my childhood. Does anyone know of a prominent historical Medicine Man from this region?
I recall walking along the shore of Alkalai Lake over the hill from Medicine lake and finding a flint arrowhead. I think this was a highlight of my many childhood experiences. These experiences affected me very deeply.
I am most appreciative of any assistance.
In all due respect,
Matt
The Legends of Grasshopper Hills
An area of over one square mile in the SE part of the Refuge is known as the Grasshopper Hills. These hills lie east of Jim Lake and rise abruptly from the surrounding prairie. The base of the hills is nearly cylindrical in shape except for the break made in it by Medicine Lake on the northeast corner. From the tops of these hills one can see the surrounding country for many miles. On a calm June day it affords a beautiful view of Jim Lake with its high bluffs covered in trees, and mirrored in its waters. It was during this month when the tragedy occurred from which these hills derived their name according to the Native American legend which follows:
Many years ago a beautiful Native American woman lived in a village to the north whose father was a white man. She was much sought after by the young braves of her tribe but only Grasshopper, son of a chief, found favor in her eyes. Her father was much opposed to Grasshopper's attentions to his daughter and did everything he could to prevent their marriage. As time went on, there seemed no hope of ever gaining the father's consent and the lovers took matters into their own hands and ran away.
When the woman's father discovered that they were gone he swore bitter vengeance on Grasshopper and went out to find them. After a few days he found their trail, which led to the south, and he set out in hot pursuit with murder in his heart. In the meantime the lovers traveled as fast as they could for fear of being overtaken. One day they stopped to rest in a group of hills with lakes to the east and west. This seemed like an ideal spot as well as a good hiding place and they decided it would be safe to stay here a few days.
One day the father crept up on the couple unexpectedly, as he rose over the crest of the hill and was raising his gun to fire at Grasshopper, his daughter saw him and sprang in front of her lover. The deadly bullet killed them both and the distraught father buried them where they fell. Ever since this tragic event these hills have been known as Grasshopper Hills.
Another ending to this story accounts for the naming of Medicine Lake, located to the northeast of the hills. It is said that the maiden saw her father but was too far away to shield her lover who fell dead at her feet. When she saw what had been done she rushed wildly to the lake saying, "This is medicine for my grief," and hurling herself into its placid waters sank to her death. When the lake gave up its dead the father buried both in the hills and the ideal spot became the tomb of the young lovers.
Another account of the naming of the Grasshopper Hills tells of a band of Native Americans camping within the hills thinking themselves safe from all attacks. But at dawn one summer morning their enemies crept upon them. The survivors said there were such a large number of them that they rose from the valleys like a swarm of grasshoppers and devoured them, as the grasshoppers devour every green thing in a field on which they descend.
Whichever story is true, the hills have been known, since that time, as the Grasshopper Hills by Native American tribes of North Dakota. The name persists to this day.
I wonder if anyone is aware of Grasshopper.
I have had dreams of a medicine man who has given me guidance. I feel this medicine man is a spirit who lived in the local area of my childhood. Does anyone know of a prominent historical Medicine Man from this region?
I recall walking along the shore of Alkalai Lake over the hill from Medicine lake and finding a flint arrowhead. I think this was a highlight of my many childhood experiences. These experiences affected me very deeply.
I am most appreciative of any assistance.
In all due respect,
Matt