“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. » - Lao Tzu. In Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko, Tayo's journey is told. The reader travels back in time with Tayo to learn about pre- and post-war life and, to some extent, the role played by Native Americans during that time. Through Tayo's life, we see the importance of storytelling and how, without it, a culture is lost. Silko uses Tayo's perception as a model to explain how storytelling guides a person mentally, strengthens them physically, and supports them emotionally. Without the cultural aspect of tradition and story, there would be no journey because Tayo would not have known how to take this first step. At the beginning of the novel, it is obvious that Tayo is weak. “All this time, while I was sitting in my chair. These white doctors didn't help you at all. Maybe we'd better bring in someone else. When aunt returned from the store, the old grandmother said to her: "This boy needs a healer." Otherwise, he will have to leave. Look at him. (30) From the beginning it is evident how much impact tradition has...