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The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog
 
The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog.doc

"The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog," Native American (Blackfeet)
Study Guide

Comprehension
1. Why do the villagers shun Long Arrow at the beginning of the story?
2. Who takes pity on Long Arrow and why?
3. Why is the chief reluctant to tell Long Arrow about the Elk Dogs?
4. Summarize Long Arrow’s journey to and from the Great Mystery Lake.
Interpret
5. What qualities help Long Arrow overcome the obstacles he faces during his journey?
6. Long Arrow’s journey was beneficial to his people because he brought back horses. In What ways was his journey beneficial to himself as an individual?
7. What do you think is the most important result of Long Arrow’s journey?
Literary Focus
Myth
8. What qualities make Long Arrow seem “larger than life”?
9. Identify three details about Blackfeet culture that are revealed in this myth.


"The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog," Native American (Blackfeet)
1. Why do the villagers shun Long Arrow at the beginning of the story?
They think that an orphan will bring them bad luck.
He is unable to hear, so they assume that he is not intelligent.
He treats them with disrespect.

2. What qualities help Long Arrow overcome obstacles on his journey?
Eagerness and humor help him overcome obstacles on his journey.
Courage and determination help him overcome obstacles on his journey.
Study and organization help him overcome obstacles on his journey.

3. In what way is Long Arrow's journey beneficial for him?
He learns how to hunt and trap wild animals.
He learns how to speak.
He discovers his own strength and identity.

4. In what way is Long Arrow's journey beneficial to his people?
He brings back the horses.
He brings them back to the Great Mystery Lake and they find more Elk Dogs.
He shows them the meaning of family.

5. Why is the Chief reluctant to tell Long Arrow about the Elk Dogs?
He doesn't take the boy seriously.
He doesn't want to lose the boy to a dangerous quest.
He doesn't trust Long Arrow.
Extra Credit

"The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog," Native American (Blackfeet)
Write a Report on the Sweat Bath Ritual

The Blackfeet story of "The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog" tells how horses became part of the Blackfeet culture. Before Long Arrow sets off to bring back horses, to gain tribal acceptance, he must go through a Native American sacred ritual known as the sweat bath. Write a report about the sweat bath ceremony. Gather information on the Internet using the following key words.

Key Words:
Inipi Rite of Purification
Sweat Lodge
Blackfeet Nation
Look to answer the following questions as guidelines for your report:
Why is the ritual practiced?
When and where is it done?
Who participates in it?What does this ritual symbolize?
Once you have researched the ceremony, write a one-to-two page report on your findings. Finally, be sure to include a description of the sweat bath ritual.

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