Lamenting is a type of vision quest in which the lamenter is “crying for a dream.” In this sacred ritual, the lamenter seeks the advice of a medicine man before isolating themselves and crying out for a vision. Lamenters who are spiritually worthy receive a vision and then must consult their medicine man guide to help them interpret it. Black Elk receives his dog vision when he goes lamenting.
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Lament Term Timeline in Black Elk Speaks
The timeline below shows where the term Lament appears in Black Elk Speaks. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 15: The Dog Vision
When spring arrives, Black Elk goes lamenting with the help of a medicine man named Few Tails. Few Tails tells Black Elk...
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