Cheyennes Attack Pawnees on Loup River, 1830

In 1830 the Cheyenne, bolstered by their two great medicines, their Medicine Arrows and their Sacred Buffalo Hat, traveled to attack the Skidi Pawnees at the head of the Loup River. The Skidis were gathered for their ceremonial killing of a captive as a sacrifice to the Morning Star. The Cheyenne first attacked some Skidi buffalo hunters but soon the entire Pawnee force arrived on the scene ready for battle. An old Pawnee who was ill and wished to die went out between the two battle lines, sat down and began to sing his death song. Bull, the keeper of the Sacred Arrows, had the bundle of Medicine Arrows tied to his spear. As he attempted to lance the lone Pawnee the old man jerked the lance from Bull's grasp. Other Skidi's hurried up and carried off the Sacred Arrow bundle, the loss of which totally demoralized the Cheyennes, who gave up the fight.