The Grass Dancer

It is the 1960s, and Jeanette McVay is on the reservation to study anthropology. However, she is surprised to find what she calls “living mythology” (162) in the spiritual practices of the community. She attempts to study under Herod Small War but is turned away. Jeanette attributes his refusal to allow her access to his spiritual rites to sexism. This prompts her to seek out Anna Thunder. She wants to know why Herod is seen as a healer while Anna is seen as a witch by the community.

Anna is flattered by Jeanette’s interest; it is certainly preferable to the disdain many of her neighbors show toward her. She allows Jeanette to move in with her so Jeanette may observe Anna more closely. Anna flexes her talents by enchanting a man for an evening. He is willing to go to extremes to impress her, even defying death by doing a handstand on a Ferris wheel at the carnival. The next day, he awakes at Anna’s home. He is terrified and flees.

Anna does not mind him leaving. She is more interested in Calvin Wind Soldier. She knows Calvin’s ancestor, Ghost Horse, loved her ancestor, Red Dress.