Bearheart: The Heirship Chronicles defies conventional storytelling by blending elements from both indigenous and mainstream literary traditions. Inspired by the emergence myth, this novel weaves a narrative around the cyclical destruction and renewal of the world, emphasizing the survival and migration of the tribe. Despite its mythological roots, the novel's experimental style and language align it with postmodern literature.

Introduction to "The Heirship Chronicles"

The story begins with a preface titled "Letter to the Reader," narrated by Saint Louis Bearheart, a bear-spirit presiding over tribal history files in a government building. Overcome by a pervasive darkness, he transforms into the fictional author of "The Heirship Chronicles: Proude Cedarfair and the Cultural Word Wars." This futuristic tale follows Proude and his wife as they flee the cedar nation, embarking on a visionary journey amid a backdrop of hyperbolic and fantastical events.

The Start of the Pilgrimage

The Chronicles commence with the encroachment of white settlers on the sacred "cedar circus" of Migis Sandridge. Proude Cedarfair, the last tribal leader, fiercely opposes the exploitation of the few remaining trees during a dire energy crisis. When his home is destroyed, he and his wife, Rosina, accompanied by seven clown crows, are forced into exile.

Encounters and Allies

The fugitives visit the Scapehouse on Callus Road, encountering a commune of thirteen women poets infatuated with Bigfoot, a trickster. With Bigfoot joining their journey in a silver cabriolet gifted by the poets, they soon meet Belladonna. Their path turns perilous when their car is dismantled by racist aggressors. As they travel the desolate interstate, they gather new companions, including Bishop Omax Parasimo and his wards, Inawa Biwide and Lilith Mae Farrier.

Challenges and Conflicts

Midway through their trek, the pilgrims face a formidable challenge in What Cheer, Iowa, ruled by Sir Cecil Staples, the "monarch of unleaded gasoline." Once a kidnapped child turned Evil Gambler, he delights in vanquishing foes through word games. Although Lilith Mae falters, Proude triumphs and ultimately tortures Staples to death.

Dark Encounters and Tragic Events

Arriving in Dumfries, a town populated by the physically and mentally scarred, one pilgrim performs a striptease, leading to a tragic demise at the hands of the lustful onlookers. At the ominous Witch Hunt Restaurant, another pilgrim attempts to rescue a woman but is slain by the "food fascist." His decapitated head is retrieved and respectfully buried by fellow pilgrims.

Belladonna's Demise

Belladonna, proud of her mixed heritage, faces her downfall after delivering a speech to a community opposed to fixed ideologies. Her arrogance blinds her to their critique, and she is rewarded with a poisoned cookie for her "terminal creed." As she succumbs, Proude performs a ceremonial burial for her and her unborn twins.

Crossing into Oklahoma

The pilgrims enlist the aid of the Luminous Augur to cross the Canadian River and seek the Master Stranger's help to traverse thunderous hills. Bishop Parasimo's substitution of food with bark results in his death by lightning. The survivors reach New Liberty, where they board a freedom train managed by the "pentarchical pensioners," only to find themselves imprisoned and subjected to brutal inquisitions.

The Final Vision

The narrative ambiguously transitions as the pilgrims arrive at a pueblo near the Jemez River, encountering sacred clowns with wooden phallic symbols. Bigfoot's aggressive advances on Rosina are thwarted by one of the poet women. Proude, leaving Rosina behind, continues with Inawa Biwide toward Wanaki Pueblo Bonito. There, during the winter solstice, they experience a powerful vision of a giant bear, guiding them to enter the fourth world as bears.