When the Legends Die Book Review

Borland Misses the Bull’s-eye
A Review of When the Legends Die
By Hal Borland ( Bantan, 216 pgs, 1963 )
While Hal Borland was writing When the Legends Die, he incorporated not only a perceivable plot but he also gives an account of history. In this non fiction account of a boy torn between two worlds Tom Black Bull has to decide whether to follow tradition or to move forward to the new world. After Tom’s father is killed his mother and him seek refuge in the wilderness. Then, after his mother has died he has to decide what to do and where to go. Under the guidance of Blue Elk and the guileful Red, Tom has many unusual experiences, obstacles to overcome, fears to conquer, and truths to discover.
The novel acknowledges the fact that every person has to discover an identity and the peace that comes with that. His identity is his heritage, how he was raised. The background of most Native American traditions is in their religion. Spirituality is at the base of wha...