In his early years, Crazy Horse was affectionately nicknamed Curly, a nod to his distinctive, curly light hair. It wasn't until he accomplished a remarkable feat as a young man that he would earn his adult name. The Oglala people had another moniker for him, "our strange one," alluding to his unique physical appearance and his departure from their traditional customs. He stood apart; he neither danced nor sang and shunned the warriors' rituals of adorning themselves with body paint, taking scalps, or boasting of their valor. His romantic pursuit of Black Buffalo Woman ended in disappointment, and it wasn't until later in life that he wed Black Shawl, long after the typical age for marriage had passed.

The Crow, sworn enemies of his tribe, spun tales of Crazy Horse wielding a magical gun, one that hit whatever it aimed at and rendered him impervious to bullets. This myth likely sprouted from his daring feats on the battlefield and the whispered stories of his Vision Quest that spread among the people. After witnessing the devastating attack on Conquering Bear’s group, which left their leader fatally wounded and marked the first U.S. soldier's death at the hands of Native Americans, Crazy Horse experienced a profound vision. In it, a mysterious rider on horseback guided him with precise instructions on combat, remaining unharmed despite unrelenting attacks, even from his own kin who tried to drag him from his steed.

Once he had demonstrated his bravery in battle, Crazy Horse, also known as Tasunke Witko, inherited the name of his father and grandfather. The name speaks of a "holy, mystical or inspired horse," reflecting a legacy of spiritual significance. His father was revered as a holy man, a dreamer, and a prophet who believed that Crazy Horse's vision foretold his destiny as a leader endowed with extraordinary abilities.

Though known for his quiet and solitary demeanor, Crazy Horse had a fondness for children. He entertained them with stories and taught them skills such as trapping small creatures, crafting bows, and taming horses. Freedom was his ultimate pursuit, yet initially, he did not disdain all white men. He took pleasure in the bustling trade at Ft. Laramie and formed a friendship with Caspar Collins, an army lieutenant eager to understand the Sioux. Yet, fate placed them on opposite sides in battle, where Collins met his demise.

Tragedy was a familiar companion to Crazy Horse. He lost his mother at a tender age and witnessed the grievous wounding of Conquering Bear and the slaughter of innocents, events that spurred his Vision Quest. In a reckless raid against the Shoshoni, he lost his dearest friend, Hump, with whom he had shared a solemn vow of protection and equality. His sole daughter succumbed to cholera in 1874. His brother, Little Hawk, fell to miners' bullets as they returned from a hunting expedition. Once, he saved a young girl from the clutches of soldiers during a massacre, only to lose her later in another attack as they prepared to move to a government Agency. Through it all, Crazy Horse understood that no matter the concessions made by the Indians, the white man's demands would grow ever more insatiable.

Legacy and Misunderstandings

A defining aspect of Crazy Horse's legacy is his steadfast refusal to "touch the pen" in treaties with the United States. Freedman poignantly captures his fury, stating that "in the eyes of the whites, he and his people had . . . become outlaws in their own land." Miscommunication sowed discord between Indians and white settlers, often leading to violent clashes. Freedman recounts these conflicts in the...