Black Elk's Fear of Thunder Beings

In his mid teens, Black Elk became increasingly fearful of what a Lakota called Thunder Beings. The thunder-like sound of guns and battle might have been what had traumatized him since infancy. His fear finally required attention in 1881 when the family was camped three miles from Fort Kyo on the Tung River in Montana. A respected medicine man suggested performance of the horse dance as a cure. It would be therapeutic, but it would also help the boy fulfill his vision to become a contributing member of Lakota society.