Speaking of the Dead: Analyzing “Mythology”, “Monsters”, and the Power of Matriarchy on Stolen Land in Darcie Little Badger’s Elatsoe

Abstract

This essay seeks to examine the impact and influence of Indigenous mythology in how it guides the main character Ellie, her family and friends through their daily lives and generational experiences with colonization. Ellie’s America unveils its monsters as figures of authority who wield their magic as a source of power to uplift majorities and further diminish minorities. With frequent reference to Cohen’s take on “Monster Theory”, this essay looks at what the presence and absence of monsters means throughout Ellie’s history and how her psychic gifts can help those around her to better understand the connections between her family and the land she has laid claim to since time immemorial.