Black Elk's Prayer by John G. Neihardt

John Neihardt reciting Black Elk's Prayer. Neihardt wrote the prayer shortly after the 1931 historic talks he had with Black Elk at Pine Ridge Reservation. He was able to capture in poetic form what the great Sioux holy man was relating to him in Lakota conversation. In 1971 Neihardt recorded his recitation of the prayer. Thirty five years later, grandson Robin composed the music and combined it digitally with John Neihardt's recording. The old photos in the video clip were taken by John Neihardt and his daughter Hilda during the 1931 meetings.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Black
• Elk
• John
• Neihardt
• Spirituality
• Prayer
• Poetry
• Speaks

[mzallthat313]

im doing a storey about john g neihardt

[Skyyrimstudios]

@mzallthat313 Greetings, I am the Grandson of John Neihardt and I would like to offer my assistance to you, should you need or desire it!

[1SexyPhysicist]

@Skyyrimstudios - Hello. I read your response about being the grandson of John Neihardd. I am very intrigued by your grandfather and his work. Does your family still visit Pine Ridge? Does your family still hold on to the teachings of and a relationship with the Lakota People?

[LaundryMonster]

What an amazing man. If only Black Elk had walked a few years earlier, maybe bloodshed could have been avoided, and the traditions of the Lakota people could have been better preserved. A tremendous prayer.

[JubaL609]

Thank you!! I have never heard Black Elk's Prayer recited in full quite like this. I only have had in my possession the recording I used in my own video which is worded slightly different but was pretty much the same thing. I loved this. Nicholas Black Elk is one of the top 5 historical characters that have deeply influenced my life, :)

[ElizaWhiteBuffalo]

a great man...John Neihardt xoxox

[JamesPaulShelburn]

pure of heart and spirit.. it shows us a way to see life. thank you so much for this viewing*

[akichita87]

Black Elk's prayer is so touching. It really speaks to the spirit. I am happy, and at the same time very sad. He was chosen and given a great vision, yet, as great as it was, it was a great burden. He had lived a very difficult life during a time of great suffering for his people. He suffered from tuberculosis for years, and lost two children. In the end, he gave up the calling and converted to Catholicism. In old age, he thought that his visions may have been nothing more than "queer dreams."

[iamearthbornami]

thankyou