Working from the historical existence of the brave Tehuelche tribe, who fought the South American settlers in Patagonia at the turn of the century, Jim Berry ahs created a powerful, mythic novel of courage and the warrior spirit.
The Moon Stallion is the story of a tribe of noble warriors and their charismatic leader, Harkana the Orphan. Exiled for one hundred moons for the killing of his father, Harkana returns to the Tehuelches riding the moon stallion, and takes his place as their rightful leader. He is of them, but changed. Living where his people have not, Harkana has learned of things beyond their understanding. Imprisoned by white men, he ahs learned their language and their ways. Alone, through dreams and visions, he has come to understand that the great battle prophesied by his ancestors--that of the slaughter and ultimate annihilation of his people--must come to pass.
Driven by a vision of this destiny that is both triumphant and brutal, Harkana prepares for the fatal battle with the white conquerors. He draws together the splintered Indian factions and meets Pandra, the strong and beautiful daughter of a neighboring chieftain, The lovers' story--the Tehuelches' story--reveals the philosophy of a time past with depth and emotion: love, community, respect for a sacred wilderness, and acceptance of one's fate. Harkana leads his people into death, yet they triumph; this is the way of the Tehuelche.