The Way to Rainy Mountain 789see the rain and the river and the fields beyond. He
could see the dark hills at dawn” (21). Running not
only opens Abel’s eyes, but also helps him reclaim
his voice. Unable to sing traditional songs and com-
pletely silent during his trial, Abel previously was
voiceless. Turning to tradition, Abel begins singing
as he runs. He also reconnects with all he had lost—
his history, nature, his people, and even his voice.
As the novel exemplifies, losing touch with
tradition leads to feelings of loss and confusion.
Tradition keeps history and heritage alive, helping
confirm identity and connection despite change and
relocation. In this respect, it also is healing. Without
tradition, Abel was adrift, living from one drink to
the next with no real sense of self or purpose. Once
he begins the dawn running, everything changes,
and he finally becomes whole again.
Lisa Wenger
momaDay, n. SCoTT The Way to
Rainy Mountain (1969)
An assortment of personal memories, stories, and
legends of the Kiowa tribe taken from the very
words of the author’s grandmother, The Way to
Rainy Mountain explores themes such as memory,
tradition, family, and identity. After Momaday’s
grandmother, Aho, died in the spring, he decides to
venture to Rainy Mountain that July to spend some
time at her grave. An ancient and important land-
mark to the Kiowa, Rainy Mountain is described
as merely a “single knoll” by Momaday. The knoll
holds, however, a sacred position in his mind and
heart. Not just a familiar and beautiful landscape,
Rainy Mountain is full of myths and experiences
that will last forever as they are passed from genera-
tion to generation.
After telling the history of the Kiowa people,
Momaday introduces Aho with a great deal of
admiration and respect. Possessing a great deal of
Kiowa knowledge, Aho had maintained the ability
to proudly tell stories from the very beginning of
her heritage.
From learning of Tai-me, the sacred Sun Dance
doll, to the importance of dogs, horses, and buffalo,
The Way to Rainy Mountain also recounts how the
Kiowa still wear war paint, beadwork, and bright
colors in order to keep the special traditions of their
ancestors alive. Momaday received a tremendous
amount of information from his grandmother, which
in turn he presents to the reader in written form.
Lauren Wasilewskiidentity in The Way to Rainy Mountain
Aho, N. Scott Momaday’s grandmother, was born
into the very last stage of the North American
Kiowa nation. In search of the background and
identity of his ancestors that were once reflected
from the stories of Aho, Momaday begins his
journey to the setting of so many legendary Kiowa
myths: Rainy Mountain. Just northwest of the
Wichita Range, Momaday swears imagination
comes to life upon viewing this single mound in
Oklahoma. The members of the Kiowa tribe were
warriors. Surprisingly, the specific language used by
the tribe has never been classified into any language
group; however, there is a symbol in sign language
for Kiowa.
Aside from ruling the whole of the southern
Great Plains in partnership with the Comanche
for a long period of time, something the Kiowa will
always be remembered for is their remarkable horse-
manship. Legends say they were the finest horsemen
the world has ever known. In fact, the Kiowa had
more horses per man than any other tribe.
Momaday recognizes and feels that his people
are visibly superior to those of the Comanche and
Wichita. Tall, straight, relaxed, and graceful in
appearance, the Kiowa looked more like tribes of the
north than the south. In 1834, artist George Catlin
recognized these dominant features in one of his
classic portraits.
By making friends with the Crow during their
migration to the south and east in the 17th century,
the Kiowa learned of Tai-me, the Sun Dance doll,
and gained a great deal of knowledge and respect
for such sacredness. Aho participated in the last of
the Sun Dances as a young girl, and after she had
passed and Momaday had grown up, there were not
many alive who still remembered those days. After
their association with the Crow endowed the Kiowa
with such a strong sense of religion, courage, and
pride, the Kiowa advanced to the forefront of North
American tribes.