Each one supposes the other to be possessed of supernatural powers, by which they can, cause the death of any individual, though he may live at a great distance.

This belief is the cause of a great deal of bloodshed.

When a Dahcotah dies, it is attributed to some one of another clan, and revenge is sought by the relatives of the deceased.

All their supposed supernatural powers are invoked to destroy the murderer.

They first try the powers of their sacred medicine, imagining they can cast a fatal spell on the offender; if this fail, they have recourse to more destructive weapons, and the axe, knife or gun may be fatally used.