INTRODUCTION. 
The Arikara traditions in this volume were collected during the 
year 1903, with funds provided by the Carnegie Institution. The work 
was part of a systematic and extended ‘study of the mythology and 
ceremonies of the various tribes of the Caddoan stock. All of the tales 
here presented were secured through James R. Murie, of the Skidi 
band of Pawnee. The slight differences in language between the Ari- 
kara and Skidi were soon overcome by Mr. Murie, who, when a boy 
at school, had learned to speak Arikara fluently. 
The Arikara belong to the Caddoan linguistic stock, and were for- 
merly closely allied with the Skidi band of Pawnee, from which tribe 
they separated about 1832. After that time they made their home at 
various points along the Missouri River until, in 1854, they were 
placed on what is known as Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, 
along with the Mandan and Minitaree or Grosventres, the latter two 
tribes being of Siouan stock. With the Mandan the Arikara had been 
closely associated even before their removal to the Fort Berthold 
Reservation. Their dwellings and general mode of life had much in 
common with the Skidi. Like the Skidi, they constructed the earth- 
lodge, and their social organization and religious ceremonies in gen- 
eral were also similar to those of the Skidi. Inasmuch as the author 
has prepared a somewhat extended discussion of the Skidi in his in- 
troduction to the “Traditions of the Skidi Pawnee,” it will not be neces- 
sary here to do more than to refer to that volume.* 
‘The Arikara to-day number about 380, as against 435 in 1890, and 
725 in 1880. Owing to the continued severe hostility of the Indian 
Department, but little evidence of their former method of life remains. 
It is said that the last earth-lodge in use fell into ruins in 1900. In 
possession of certain members of the tribe are some of the sacred bun- 
dles or altars; but the people have been so intimidated that their re- 
ligious ceremonies are, as a rule, held secretly. 
In physique they seem hardier than their Skidi brethren on the 
south, and in disposition, more tractable. In dealings with the Gov- 
ernment they have, as a rule, proved themselves men of high honor, 
and not since about 1820 have they manifested an unfriendly disposition 
toward the whites. 
An examination of the tales here presented shows, as we might 
expect to find, many points of resemblance with those of the Skidi 
and other Pawnee tribes. It is apparent at once, however, that the 
mythology of the Arikara contains many elements not found among 
1Traditions of the Skidi Pawnee, Volume 8, Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society, 1904. 
5 
