Geronimo’s Story of His Life · Chapter
II: Subdivisions of the Apache Tribe explained
Geronimo describes the six sub-tribes of the Apache, their territories, and relationships, emphasizing the Bedonkohe's bonds with the Chihenne, Chokonen, and Nedni, and the spiritual belief that Usen created each tribe with a purpose and ho
What happens
Geronimo describes the six sub-tribes of the Apache, their territories, and relationships, emphasizing the Bedonkohe's bonds with the Chihenne, Chokonen, and Nedni, and the spiritual belief that Usen created each tribe with a purpose and homeland.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Preservation and Identity
Geronimo details the subdivisions of the Apache tribe, their territories, and the enduring bonds among the four allied tribes, emphasizing their shared identity and the threat of dissolution.
Spirituality and Religion
Geronimo explains Usen's creation of the Apaches and their homeland, providing them with everything needed for survival, and asserts that removal from this land leads to sickness and death.
Characters to notice
- Geronimo
Narrator and member of the Bedonkohe sub-tribe.
- Victoria
Chief of the Chihenne (Ojo Caliente) Apaches, friend to Geronimo, killed defending his people.
- Naiche
Son of Cochise, hereditary chief of the Chiricahua Apaches, Geronimo's companion in arms and in bondage.
- Cochise
Former chief of the Chokonen (Chiricahua) Apaches.
- Asa Deklugie
Son of Nedni chief Whoa, interpreting Geronimo's story.
Key passages
“Victoria, their chief, was always a friend to me. He always helped our tribe when we asked him for help. He lost his life in the defense of the rights of his people. He was a good man and a brave warrior.”
Geronimo describes Victoria, the Chihenne chief, as a loyal ally who aided the Bedonkohe and died fighting for his people's rights, calling him a good man and brave warrior.
Geronimo honors Victoria's friendship and sacrifice.
“Naiche, who was my companion in arms, is now my companion in bondage.”
Naiche, once Geronimo's fellow warrior, is now his fellow prisoner.
Geronimo reflects on their shared past and present captivity.
“When Usen created the Apaches He also created their homes in the West. He gave to them such grain, fruits, and game as they needed to eat.”
Usen made the Apaches and their western homeland together, providing all necessary food.
Geronimo expresses the spiritual connection between his people and their land.