The Blessing Way

Bergen McKee is the text’s protagonist. He is a tenured anthropology professor at the University of New Mexico who specializes in witchcraft in Navajo culture and plans to write a book on the subject. McKee used to have a lot of enthusiasm for his academic work and looks back fondly on his years as a young researcher. McKee’s ex-wife, Sara, left him for a man in Las Vegas, leaving only a short note. Since then, McKee has only felt disappointed in his monotonous life. He is lonely but resents others’ attempts to find him a romantic partner; the trauma of Sara’s sudden departure gave him an unfavorable view of women. He frequently comments on the mystery of women’s minds, as he thinks there is an insurmountable difference between the men and women. This initially prevents McKee from forming a relationship with Ellen Leon, even though he secretly likes her.

McKee takes up Leaphorn’s invitation and visits the Navajo Nation to get his old enthusiasm back. The situations McKee is thrust into force him to be resourceful, and he proves that he can think quickly to get out of difficult situations. He evades capture by the Wolf, who prides himself on his tracking abilities; he escapes from the Anasazi dwelling to ambush Eddie with a rudimentary trap; and he makes a catapult out of wire tubing and a sharpened stick.