Goble, Paul. 2003. MYSTIC HORSE. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060298138

In this picture book version of a traditional tale, Goble retells the story of young boy who is rewarded for his generosity and bravery, earning the name Piraski Resaru, Boy Chief. The legend is based on the oral traditions of the Pawnee people of the Nebraska and northern Kansas region. The tale illustrates the spiritual connection between people and animals and shows how kindness and generosity is rewarded.

While travelling on a buffalo hunt, a poor Pawnee boy and his grandmother discover an old abandoned horse, sad and sickly. The boy takes good care of the horse and nurses him back to health. When a rival group threatens the tribe’s herds, the horse speaks to the boy, advising him to count coup on the enemy four times with a willow branch. Following the horse’s instructions, the boy demonstrates his bravery and earns the admiration of the tribe’s warriors. But, caught up in the excitement, the boy ignores the horse’s instructions and tries to count coup a fifth time. The horse is pierced by an enemy arrow and dies. The boy is devastated and remorseful.

The boy’s regret and humility earn the mercy of the Pawnee god Tirawahat, who enables the horse to return to life, endowed with the mystical ability to bring together a herd of spirited horses of every color, “beautiful bays, chestnuts, shiny blacks, whites, grays, and paints.” The mystic horse brings enough horses to enrich the boy and his grandmother and to provide for other tribal members in need.

This tale follows the traditional formula of a kind person offering help or performing a good deed and being rewarded by an animal that possesses a special helping power, which brings about a well-deserved change in the protagonist’s circumstances. The main character is simple and straightforward, even while making typically human mistakes, and follows by honestly admitting and regretting his/her error. This purity of character is found worthy, earning success and happiness. The humble hero(ine) remains in character, forgiving those who acted wrongly and sharing the reward unselfishly. Despite being predictable, the story’s resolution is still satisfying.

Goble’s white-outline pen and India ink illustrations are distinctive and detailed. Painted with watercolor and gouache, the artwork complements and extends the story, accurately depicting Pawnee designs, clothing, and customs. The book’s images of the Great Plains landscapes authentically show the ecological environment of the native Pawnee people.

Endpaper illustrations depict the Pawnee belief that Spirit horses, the Arusa, travel from the spirit world every season to replenish the wild horse herds. The Kingfisher bird, Rikutski, leads the horses in his role as the messenger who passes between worlds.

References for this legend and the illustrations as well as background information on Plains Indian culture is included in the book’s front matter. More information on this aspect of the book can be found in an interview with editor Cori Trudeau published in the online journal The Five Owls, in which Paul Goble relates details of his research for Mystic Horse and his other Great Plains Native American tales (http://www.fiveowls.com/goble.htm).

Reviews and Awards

Kirkus Starred review: “Goble's storytelling is superb; his illustrations extraordinary and filled with fascinating detail. From an exceptional talent: a sure classic.”

Booklist: “The ink, watercolor, and gouache paintings make full use of color, texture, and form, both in the minutely detailed naturalistic flora and fauna and in the exquisite abstract patterning. A lovely rhythm makes the story good for reading aloud.”

School Library Journal: “Powerful, evocative endpapers showing surging horses, winging their way across raging seas and starry skies, draw readers into the spirit world of the Pawnee.”

Connections

This book could be used in a history or social studies unit on Plains Indian culture with elementary students or included in studies of traditional literature for high school students.

For creative writing, students could chose a magical story animal and describe what supernatural powers it might possess.

Other books by Paul Goble:

THE GIRL WHO LOVED WILD HORSES. 1978. New York: Simon & Schuster. *

*1979 Caldecott Medal Winner

THE GIFT OF THE SACRED DOG. 1982. New York: Simon & Schuster.

STAR BOY. 1991. New York: Simon & Schuster.

BUFFALO WOMAN. 1984. New York: Simon & Schuster.

DREAM WOLF. 1990. New York: Bradbury Press.