Character Analysis: When The Legends Die By Hal Borland

In When the Legends Die by Hal Borland, the main character Thomas Black Bull goes through a series of different identities. His name changes to fit each of those identities. Throughout the book, he reminisces on the boys of his past while changing to become someone new. The book explores how Little Black Bull became Bear’s Brother, Thomas Black Bull, and Tom Black. First, Little Black Bull became Bear’s Brother. His mother told him he must choose his own name when he was ready. He chose the name Bear’s Brother. “...‘I shall call myself Bear’s Brother. That is a good name.’” (22). He found inspiration for his name when he became friends with a she-bear. Later, he would become friends with her baby cub. The symbol of a bear plays a very important role in his identity and past.

He was told he must revert back to his birth name to fit in with his classmates. “Benny told the boy, who shook his head. ‘He says he already has a name, Bear’s Brother.’ ‘He will be Thomas Black Bull here…’” (53). He did not want to become Thomas Black Bull. The name was forced upon him. The old ways were over and he had to learn the new ways. Killer Tom Black was a name known and feared by bronc riders. The legend was that he killed 11 horses and he was friends with the devil. “Wherever there was a big-time rodeo, Tom Black’s name was known, Killer Tom Black,” (148). The name smelled of violence and masculinity. His name told his story. Finally, Killer Tom Black was killed himself and Thomas Black Bull was reborn. His rodeoing days were over and he returned to Pagosa, where he was born. “‘I’m Tom Black Bull.’ He said the name without thinking,” (181). He is offered a job as a sheepherder and takes it. During that time he reflects on his past and his violence to other people and the horses he rode. The memories of his past are rekindled and he often feels bothered by