Lakota Sioux Myths of Place::

Harney Peak

Harney Peak is the highest in the Black Hills. It is the abode of Wakinyan and is considered to be the heart of the world or the universe. Nicholas Black Elk was taken to Harney Peak by the Six Grandfathers during his first important vision at the age of nine. Still today, it is an important ritual site. Harney Peak is associated with a Fallen Star story:

"At one point, a band is camped near Harney Peak in the Black Hills. Every day a 'red eagle' swoops down and steals a girl-child, carries her to the mountain top and kills her. The men try to shoot the 'red eagle,' but fail. They pray for Fallen Star and after seven days (and after seven girls have been killed), he arrives. He shoots the eagle, and places the spirits of the seven girls in the sky as a constellation - pleiades - in Lakota, wicincala sakowin - 'seven little girls'" (Goodman 1992: 3).¹

Notes::

• 1 - Ronald Goodman. 1992. Lakota Star Knowledge: Studies in Lakota Stellar Theology. Rosebud, SD: Sinte Gleska University.