
The Boy Who Made Dragonfly
A Zuni Myth
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Narrated by:
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Shaun Taylor-Corbett
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By:
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Tony Hillerman
About this listen
As fans of Tony Hillerman's detective novels know, he is a skilled interpreter of southwestern Indian cultures. In this book, first published in 1972, he recounts a Zuni myth first recorded a century ago by the anthropologist Frank Hamilton Cushing. Hillerman's version of the story, written to be listened to by children ten years old and up, will have equal appeal for adults with an interest in Native American culture.
"In our society," Hillerman explains, "this would be called a 'Bible story.' Like stories based on the Old Testament, this narrative is intended to teach both the history and morality of a people." It tells the consequences of a drought in which Zuni crops were ruined and the tribe was forced to accept charity from neighboring Hopis.
©1972 Tony Hillerman (P)2023 Recorded BooksListeners also enjoyed...
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-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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-
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- By Carole T. on 03-15-16
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-
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- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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-
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- By James on 07-18-04
By: Tony Hillerman
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The Fallen Man
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- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When a human skeleton is discovered on sacred Navajo land, the publicity surrounding the find sets in motion a widespread investigation and a series of attempted murders. After a Washington group hires Leaphorn to investigate the "fallen man's" past, he joins Chee in unraveling a deadly intrigue that finally involves players from both the FBI and a suspicious corporation.
-
-
Another great Leaphorn / Chee tale
- By Pamela on 03-11-19
By: Tony Hillerman
-
The Fly on the Wall
- By: Tony Hillerman
- Narrated by: Erik Bergmann
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ace reporter John Cotton is a fly on the wall, seeing all, hearing all, and keeping out of sight. But the game changes when he finds his best friend's corpse sprawled on the marble floor of the central rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Suddenly Cotton knows too much about a scandal centered around a senatorial candidate, a million-dollar scam, and a murder. And he hears the pursuing footsteps of powerful people who have something to hide... and a willingness to kill to keep their secrets hidden.
-
-
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- By Laura T on 02-17-16
By: Tony Hillerman
-
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- By: Tony Hillerman
- Narrated by: George Guidall
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A phone call in 1975 changes Moon Mathias’s life forever, as a voice on the line tells him his dead brother’s baby daughter—a child Moon never knew existed—is waiting for him in Southeast Asia. A task he believes beyond his meager talents is pulling Moon to Vietnam. In a chilling world of mystery and silence, disguise and deception, he’ll risk everything for the sake of one little girl—and discover a Moon Mathias who’s a better man than he ever thought he could be.
-
-
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- By Christy Gardner on 08-19-24
By: Tony Hillerman
-
The Great Taos Bank Robbery
- And Other True Stories of the Southwest
- By: Tony Hillerman
- Narrated by: Jack Garrett
- Length: 5 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This classic collection of nonfiction essays about life in New Mexico by the great Tony Hillerman remains a must listen for anyone looking to understand the state's unique charm. The engaging pieces in The Great Taos Bank Robbery unveil the life and magic one experiences in the Land of Enchantment.
-
-
An entertaining book for exploring the southwest
- By Mark on 05-20-15
By: Tony Hillerman
-
The Blessing Way
- By: Tony Hillerman
- Narrated by: George Guidall
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Homicide is always an abomination, but there is something exceptionally disturbing about the victim discovered in a high, lonely place: a corpse with a mouth full of sand, abandoned at a crime scene seemingly devoid of tracks or useful clues. Though it goes against his better judgment, Navajo tribal police lieutenant Joe Leaphorn cannot help but suspect the hand of a supernatural killer.
-
-
A 'Blessing' Indeed!
- By Carole T. on 03-15-16
By: Tony Hillerman
-
Dance Hall of the Dead
- By: Tony Hillerman
- Narrated by: Michael Ansara
- Length: 2 hrs and 52 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A Zuni Indian boy dies in a bizarre ritual slaying - and his best friend, a Navajo youth, is missing. Navajo police lieutenant Joe Leaphorn tracks the friend from Zuni village to Navajo hogan, from anthropological dig to hippie commune, across the desert of New Mexico and Arizona.
-
-
Pace was off
- By James on 07-18-04
By: Tony Hillerman
-
The Fallen Man
- By: Tony Hillerman
- Narrated by: George Guidall
- Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When a human skeleton is discovered on sacred Navajo land, the publicity surrounding the find sets in motion a widespread investigation and a series of attempted murders. After a Washington group hires Leaphorn to investigate the "fallen man's" past, he joins Chee in unraveling a deadly intrigue that finally involves players from both the FBI and a suspicious corporation.
-
-
Another great Leaphorn / Chee tale
- By Pamela on 03-11-19
By: Tony Hillerman
What listeners say about The Boy Who Made Dragonfly
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- jangmn
- 09-06-24
Wonderfull way to understanding other cultures
The narrator was easy to listen to and did an excellent job of narrating this book period. The book is another example what you're an amazing versatile author Tony Hillerman is. This book is a pure joy to listen to.
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- Diane G
- 11-18-24
Wonderful story, told so well!
It is so good that some of the oral histories have been recorded.
Wonderful story, told so well!
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- Ty H.
- 10-22-24
Absolutely Charming!!!
This is now one of my all time favorites. I love Tony Hillerman’s books but this is by far my favorite! I do not think that anyone could have read it any better either. Thank you
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- Katy Oliverson
- 05-05-24
Loved the symbolism
I enjoy all of Tony Hillerman's works and this telling of the Zuni myth of the dragaonfly (and epilogue comparison to Christian origin stories) is no exception. i appreciate the narrator's talent and gift of pacing, placing emphasis and gravity where needed, and skill in pronouncing the Dine' words. it is a short read, but very enjoyable and helpful in understanding some of the culture surrounding the native peoples of the American southwest.
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- Jon Risser
- 06-15-24
Legendary myth never written
Dragonfly gives everyone a reason to strive for kindness towards others, especially those less fortunate. A good bed time story.
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- Janet L
- 01-30-25
Poor narration of a white man’s story
Neither Hillerman nor Cushing were Zuni. Neither the text nor the reading of it sound authentic. If you want Zuni stories as told by the people themselves, read the book The Zunis Self Portrayals. That’s how they tell their stories.
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