Early Years
Origins of the Bear
Momaday was surrounded by an incredibly active community. When he was an infant, his parents took him to Tsoai, or Devils Tower, in Wyoming. A sacred place in Kiowa tradition.
Momaday's Kiowa name, Tsoai-Talee, comes from the Kiowa oral tradition about the formation of the sacred butte. The story revolves around seven sisters and their brother, who became a bear. As Momaday grew up, he began to see himself in that boy turned bear.
Family Influence
Momaday and his family moved frequently due to their work. Even though Momaday moved often, he was still successful in his studies. He often remarked on having little difficulty with school and easily finding friends anywhere he moved.
From the time he was 8 years old, Momaday knew that he wanted to become a writer, like his mother. He began writing poetry first. Momaday was also inspired by his father, and he would watch him paint for hours.
