The Little People of Pryor Mountain
In Montana, there is a mountain range that rises up among the land. Some parts of the mountains are 300 million years old, and the 145,000 square miles of the range is full of beauty. Nestled among the land live the Crow Indians. But legend has it, they weren't the only beings to inhabit it.
Stories of a race of little people are not uncommon, there are the fairies of the UK, the Korpokkur, and even in the east of the United States, the Pukwudgie. In Montana, the Crow tribe spoke of the little people, too. The Nirumbee.
These little people were said to be about a foot and a half tall (so quite small), with large heads, pointy teeth, and small pot bellies, but surprisingly strong arms and legs for their size. Although largely harmless to the Crow people, if they remained respectful, they were fiercely protective of their land and privacy, and were known to become violent if that was threatened.
Despite their small stature they were known to be quite powerful beings. Sometimes I believe it is an interesting twist folklore playing on our perceptions to get us to act a certain way--like not being afraid of something smaller than us. I think folklore, and the Nirumbee, is a reminder not to trust only what we see in the world. Now, back there to their strength...I wasn't playing around. It was said they were able to carry a full-grown elk some distance and even tear a horse's heart out (now what person would get close enough to see that seems terrifying).
If they were mistreated, or imposed upon, they could be quite violent. They were known to steal children as punishment, but also food, medicine, and even tobacco as they needed it. They were also known to destroy people's belongings if anyone in that family had slighted them. Some believe the crow made this story up to ensure other tribes wouldn't encroach upon their own territories. Others believed that the aggressive acts and impressive feats were just strange enough to believe.
However, there were some benefits in respecting, supporting, and living nearby (but not too close) to the Nirumbee. They were said to teach medicine and special treatment to the crowds. Additionally, they were also said to pass on other wisdom and crafts. To keep the peace, in addition to respecting their space, the Crow made regular offerings to them at the base on the Medicine Rocks where it is said they dwelled but allowed some visitors. If you did, for whatever reason, have to travel through their territory it was essential that you bring presents for the Nirumbee to help secure your passable. In particular, they enjoyed tobacco and weapons.
Additionally, several prominent members of the Crow were said to have been approached by the Nimrubee, either in reality or via a dream, to have wisdom, guidance, and spiritual insights shared with them. One of the most popular stories is that of Chief Red Plume. When Chief Red Plume was a child, and just known as Red Plume, he traveled into the domains of the Nirumbee. He fasted for four days at the top of Big Horn, and was taken inside the mountain by four little people. These people told him that his red eagle feather would protect and guide him and that, one day, he would lead the Crow people. However, when he returned to tell his fascinating story he was met with ridicule and teasing. They taunted him and said he wouldn't be a great leader. That was until he was in a raid taking an enemy Lakota camp and he slaughtered them all, himself. From that day on, he would win almost every battle he was in and the prophecy of the Nirumbee came true.
Some believe that the Nirumbee may be some kind of forest spirit or elemental, others believe that they are a figment of one’s imagination if left to the elements too long, and others believe that the Nirumbee are simply real…and to stay out of those mountains.
The blog image is of the Pryor Mountains and this image or media file contains material based on a work of a National Park Service employee, created as part of that person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, such work is in the public domain in the United States. See the NPS website and NPS copyright policy for more information.
Thanks to Joshua S for this blongstonishing idea!