His community recognized the deed.

The same principle applies to his other wartime exploits.

Medicine Crow became a legendary figure because his real life already had the structure of legend.

That makes responsible storytelling more important, not less.

He deserves accuracy precisely because the facts are so extraordinary.

There is also a deeper reason to resist exaggeration.

Native historical figures have often been transformed into symbols that serve non-Native fantasies.

Warriors become superhuman.

Chiefs become noble stereotypes.

Spiritual traditions become magic.