Oglala Sun Dance: Translations of Texts: The Four Great V...
THE FOUR GREAT VIRTUES.
The four great virtues that all Lakota should practise are, bravery, generosity, truthfulness, and begetting children.
Bravery is the greatest virtue a Lakota can practise. If one is brave, he may transgress in many other things and still keep his tipi in the camp circle and sit in the council of the camp. A brave man is eligible to the positions of blotaunka (leader of a war party), wakiconza (magistrate or leader of civil matters), mihunka (elder or arbitrator) and akicita (marshal). His voice will be listened to with respect by everyone and all will do him honor. If he has earned the right to wear the quills of the eagle, he will be consulted in all matters relative to the common welfare, and if he may carry the scalp staff or coup stick, the women will sing songs in his praise.
