Bruchac chooses to open the novel by recounting of the legend of the Skeleton Man, and this stylistic decision serves to emphasize the importance of traditional stories that are handed down through generations. The early inclusion of the Mohawk tale also serves as foreshadowing for the primary events of the novel. As she fights against the Skeleton Man, Molly draws repeatedly on her cultural heritage to gain access to traditional knowledge. As she draws on her cultural heritage, she recognizes that the man posing as her great-uncle is like the Skeleton Man of legend, and her respect for her family’s traditions also prepares her to accept the messages she receives in her dreams. Finally, after her foe is defeated, she uses her heritage to recover from the trauma of her experiences and place them in a useful framework.

Molly’s father has told her many stories that stem from the family’s Mohawk heritage, and the legend of the Skeleton Man is initially one of Molly’s favorites. Because her father has told her this story so many times, she immediately recognizes the appearance of these story elements within her own life, and she easily realizes that the man posing as her great-uncle is really a supernatural monster.