Pryor Mountains Are Home To The Mysterious Little People – Native Americans Say

Ellen Lloyd- AncientPages.com - Belief in the existence of the Little People is not limited to a particular region of the world. We encounter fascinating stories of enigmatic tiny beings who have lived among us for as long as anyone can remember on all continents. These Little People are usually tricksters, and they can be hostile when facing humans. However, they can also act as guides and help humans find their path in life.

Most Native American tribes have intriguing stories about the hidden race of the Little People. Those little beings often dwell in woods, mountains, and secret places where humans cannot find them.

"According to stories, these "little people" are very tiny creatures from about 20 inches to three feet tall.

Some Native tribes called them "tiny people eaters" while others believed they were healers or probably spirits or mythological creatures similar to fairies and leprechauns.

The tradition of "little people" was widely known among the Native people, long before the European settlers came to North America." ¹

The Shoshone Indians of Wyoming tell about the Nimerigar, who were aggressive little people one should definitely avoid due to their hostile nature.

The Cherokee remember the Yunwi-Tsunsdi, a race of Little People who are mostly invisible but sometimes reveal themselves to humans. The Yunwi-Tsunsdi are believed to possess magical powers, and they can help or harm humans depending on whether we treat them with respect.

"The Catawba Indians in South Carolina have stories about the spirit world that reflects their native traditions and Christianity. According to the Catawba Indians, the Yehasuri ("wild little people") live in the woods." ²

Stories of stories the Pukwudgies, grey-faced humanoid creatures with large ears, are told throughout the northeastern United States, southeastern Canada, and the Great Lakes region.

Many Native American tribes believe a race of Little People lives among us. 

The Crow Indians tell the race of the Little People live in the Pryor Mountains, a mountain range in Carbon and Big Horn counties of Montana. The Pryor Mountains are located on the Crow Indian Reservation, and the Natives inform the Little People created petroglyphs found on rocks in the mountains.

Other Native American tribes are also convinced the Pryor Mountains are home to the Little People. According to the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804, sightings of tiny little beings have occurred along the Indians White Stone River (the present Vermillion River).

Lewis wrote in his journal, "this river is about 30 yards wide and runs through a plain or prairie in its whole course. In a northerly direction from the mouth of this creek in an immense plain a high hill is situated, and appears of a conic form. By the different nations of Indians in this quarter it is supposed to be the residence of devils. They are in human form with remarkable large heads and about 18 inches high, they are very watchful, and are armed with sharp arrows with which they can kill at a great distance.

They are said to kill all persons who are so hardy as to attempt to approach the hill. They state that tradition informs them that many Indians have suffered by these little people. Among others three Omaha men fell a sacrifice to their merciless fury not many years since." ³

Pryor Mountains. Credit: Betty Jo Tindle - CC BY-SA 3.0

It is said the Spirit Mound is also home to the Little People, and some Indians fear this race of tiny beings that refuse to go near the mound.

To the Crow Indians, the Little People are sacred and are credited with shaping the destiny of their tribe. The Crow tribe describes the Little People as small demon-like creatures who can be vicious and capable of killing animals and humans. However, the Crow tribe also says the Little People can sometimes be compared to spirit dwarves; when it happens, they can offer blessings or spiritual guidance to chosen people.

The Little People are sacred beings, and they are connected to the Crow practice of the Sun Dance, an important religious ceremony of the Plains Indians of North America.

Hostile or helpful and kind, visible or rarely sighted, the Little People always made an impression on humans, and many are still convinced these elusive little beings are real.

Updated on April 27, 2024

Written by Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com

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