The Enigmatic Nirumbee:

Legends of the Little People of the Pryor Mountains

The rugged landscape of the Pryor Mountains in Montana, a relatively small range straddling Carbon and Bighorn counties, holds a unique place in the cultural tapestry of the region, particularly for the Crow Tribe. For generations, stories have been passed down about the Nirumbee or Awwakkulé, often referred to as the "Little People" of the Pryor Mountains. These diminutive beings, standing no more than eighteen inches tall, are not mere figments of fancy but integral figures in Crow oral history, embodying a complex blend of supernatural power, territorial protectiveness, and mischievous behavior. The enduring legends of the Little People paint a vivid picture of a world coexisting with our own, a world that demands respect and offers a glimpse into the ancient beliefs and understanding of the land held by the Crow people.   

The Crow perspective on the Little People is multifaceted. They are often described as having large, round bellies, disproportionately strong but short arms and legs, and either little or no neck (Metis Museum n.d.). Some accounts portray them with large heads and pointy teeth, further emphasizing their distinct and somewhat unsettling appearance (Wikipedia, “Little People of the Pryor Mountains” 2024). Despite their small stature, the Nirumbee are attributed with incredible strength. One Crow legend even recounts a Little Person killing a full-grown bull elk and carrying it off with ease, leading to the Crow expression "strong as a dwarf" (Wikipedia, “Little People of the Pryor Mountains” 2024).   

While their strength might seem formidable, the Little People are often depicted as fiercely protective of their homeland in the Pryor Mountains and generally harmless to the Crow people, provided they are treated with respect. However, any perceived encroachment or disrespect could provoke a violent reaction. Stories circulate of the Nirumbee stealing children, food, medicine, and tobacco, highlighting their capricious nature (Metis Museum n.d.). Some legends even suggest they could rip the heart right out of a horse (Toren 2022). This duality of being both potentially helpful and harmful underscores the complex relationship the Crow have historically had with these beings.   

The significance of the Pryor Mountains to the Crow is deeply intertwined with the legends of the Little People. The Crow consider the mountains sacred due to the belief that the Nirumbee reside there (Metis Museum n.d.; Wikipedia, “Little People of the Pryor Mountains” 2024). This reverence is further evidenced by the tradition of leaving offerings for the Little People at specific locations within the mountains, such as the Medicine or Castle Rocks (Hoodoos), believed to be dwelling places of some Nirumbee (Metis Museum n.d.). These offerings, made annually, were a sign of respect and a plea for safe passage through the area.   

The Crow also attributed the creation of certain artifacts to the Little People. Notably, they believed the Nirumbee were responsible for crafting stone arrowheads, a skill the Crow themselves purportedly did not possess, only knowing how to make bone arrowheads (Metis Museum n.d.). This belief further cements the Little People's role as active agents within the Crow's understanding of their environment and the objects found within it.

While the Crow have a distinct understanding of the Nirumbee, other Native American tribes in the region also have traditions of small, often supernatural beings. The Shoshone people, for instance, speak of the Nimerigar, a legendary race of little people inhabiting the Rocky Mountains. According to their folklore, the Nimerigar were an aggressive people known for using poisoned arrows shot from tiny bows. The name "Nimerigar" roughly translates to "people eaters" in Shoshone and Paiute languages. Their legends also include the grim practice of killing their own people with a blow to the head if they became too ill to contribute to their society (Wikipedia, “Nimerigar” 2024). While distinct from the Crow's depiction of the Nirumbee, the existence of similar legends among neighboring tribes suggests a broader regional phenomenon of folklore surrounding diminutive humanoids.   

The enduring nature of these legends has also sparked interest and speculation beyond Native American cultures. The discovery of mummified remains of a small stature in the region has occasionally been linked to these stories, though such claims are often met with scientific skepticism. One notable instance is the story of "Pedro the Mountain Mummy," a tiny mummified figure discovered in Wyoming in the 1930s. While some proponents of the Little People legends pointed to this as potential evidence, its authenticity and connection to the folklore remain highly debated (Cat Country 102.9 2014).   

More recently, some individuals interested in paranormal phenomena have also focused on the Pryor Mountains, drawn by the long-standing legends of the Little People and reporting unusual occurrences in the area (Bozeman Magazine 2024). These accounts, often anecdotal, contribute to the ongoing mystique surrounding the mountains but lack the deep cultural and historical context found within the Crow traditions.

The significance of the Little People of the Prior Mountains extends beyond mere storytelling. For the Crow, these legends serve as a vital link to their past, their understanding of the land, and their spiritual beliefs. The stories teach respect for the natural world, the importance of honoring sacred places, and the potential consequences of disrespect. The Nirumbee embody the unseen forces that the Crow have long recognized as shaping their world.

In conclusion, the legends of the Little People of the Pryor Mountains, particularly the Crow traditions surrounding the Nirumbee, offer a rich and fascinating glimpse into the folklore and worldview of the Indigenous people of Montana. These stories, passed down through generations, speak of a complex relationship between humans and the supernatural, where small beings wield great power and the landscape itself is imbued with spiritual significance. While the existence of such beings remains firmly in the realm of legend, their enduring presence in the cultural memory of the Crow Tribe underscores the power of storytelling to shape understanding, preserve history, and connect people to the land they inhabit.

Bibliography

Cat Country 102.9. 2014. “There Are Pygmy’s Living Near Billings… Or Are There?” Cat Country 102.9, February 20, 2014. https://catcountry1029.com/there-are-pygmys-living-near-billings-or-are-there/.

Metis Museum. n.d. “Metis Folklore: Little People, Ma-ma-kwa-se-sak or Memeguayiwahk.” Metis Museum. Accessed April 29, 2025. https://www.metismuseum.ca/media/document.php/14521.M.

Toren, Tammie. 2022. “Do You Know The Legend Of The Little People Of Pryor Mountain?” The River 97.9, December 1, 2022. https://theriver979.com/do-you-know-the-legend-of-the-little-people-of-pryor-mountain/.

Wikipedia. 2024. “Little People (Mythology).” Wikipedia. Accessed April 29, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_people_(mythology).

Wikipedia. 2024. “Little People of the Pryor Mountains.” Wikipedia. Accessed April 29, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_People_of_the_Pryor_Mountains.

Wikipedia. 2024. “Nimerigar.” Wikipedia. Accessed April 29, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimerigar.

Zapier, Brian. 2024. “Montana’s Most Haunted Hikes.” Bozeman Magazine, October 1, 2024. https://bozemanmagazine.com/articles/2024/10/01/122299-montanas-most-haunted-hikes.