A Note on the Ancestral Voice in *Rainy Mountain*

The folklore told through the voice of his father in "The Setting Out"
is the Kiowa's ancient story regarding the beginning of their people.
Although the stories seem far-fetched with talking dogs and a
grandmother spider, the stories' content is very significant as it
ultimately embodies their cultural beliefs and lifestyle. For instance,
before the Kiowa tribe had horses, the dogs played a crucial part in
their transportation. Comanche Ten Bears remarks, "When we first
knew you...you had nothing but dogs and sleds" (Momaday 21). As
a result, dogs are regarded in the Kiowa society and incorporated
into their folklore as they lead a band of warriors or bring a Kiowa
man to safety.

Branching off from "The Setting Out", the folklore stories told in
"The Going On" are more directed towards revealing morals that
address issues such as trust, enemies, and proper behavior
(particularly for the females). In the stories addressing the Kiowa's
enemies, the passages adapt a violent tone that end with the demise
of their enemies due to the aggressive responses by the Kiowa families.
Other folklore stories emphasize on the proper behavior for the Kiowa
females by instilling fear of bad behavior through the negative
consequences  of being bold, being selfish, and leaving one's spouse.
The morals in the folklore,  then, may function in shaping or modifying
the behavior of the Kiowa people.

From the wide array of folklore stories in the Kiowa tribe, why does
Mamoday select these particular folklore stories in conjunction with the
other passages from the other voices? For me, his selections of folklore
stories weave into the historical and personal voices through a common
thread and provide recurring themes. Why does Mamoday number his
passages as well?

~J.L.