“ ‘O Butterflies, lend me your grace and swiftness!’ I repeated, rubbing the broken wings over my pounding heart. If this would give me grace and speed I should catch many butterflies, I knew. But instead of keeping the secret I told my friends, as my grandfather knew I would.” “We chased butterflies to give us endurance in running, always rubbing our breast with their wings, asking the butterflies to give us a portion of their power.”
PLENTY-COUPS (Apsaalooke Chief)
Training began at a young age for boys, preparing them for their lives ahead. This important task was carried out by the uncles or a close family friend. The butterfly game was one of many to build endurance and strength. Boys worked very hard at this, because running was necessary for hunting and also war.
