"When the Legends Die" is a novel written by Hal Borland, first published in 1963. The book tells the story of Thomas Black Bull, a Ute Indian who grows up in the Colorado mountains during the early 1900s.
The novel explores themes of identity, tradition, and cultural heritage, as Thomas struggles to reconcile his Native American heritage with the pressures of a rapidly changing world. As a young man, Thomas becomes a successful rodeo rider, but he eventually becomes disillusioned with the exploitative nature of the sport and decides to return to his ancestral lands.
Throughout the novel, Borland vividly portrays the natural beauty of the Colorado mountains and the rich cultural traditions of the Ute people. He also provides a nuanced and complex portrayal of Thomas's character, showing his strengths and weaknesses and the conflicts he faces as he tries to find his place in the world.
"When the Legends Die" is a powerful and moving novel that offers a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the complexities of Native American identity and the challenges faced by indigenous communities in the face of cultural and economic change. It is a classic of American literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
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