The Song of Hiawatha

The Song of Hiawatha tells the epic story of a legendary Ojibway warrior and his people. It begins with the creation myth, where Gitche Manito, the Great Spirit, smokes the Peace Pipe to call all the tribes together, urging them to live in peace and sending a Prophet to guide them. This Prophet is Hiawatha, born of the West Wind (Mudjekeewis) and Wenonah, the daughter of Nokomis. His mother dies in sorrow, abandoned by his faithless father, and Hiawatha is raised by his grandmother, Nokomis, by the shores of Gitche Gumee (Lake Superior). Hiawatha grows up skilled in the ways of nature, learning the languages of birds and beasts, and mastering the crafts of hunting and warfare. He seeks out his father, Mudjekeewis, the West Wind, and after a great battle, learns of his destiny as a leader. He then undergoes a trial of fasting and wrestling with Mondamin, the spirit of the corn, from whom he learns the secret of cultivating maize, a gift to his people. Hiawatha finds companions in Chibiabos, the musician, and Kwasind, the strong man. He builds a swift canoe from birch bark and cedar and sails the rivers. He fishes for the great sturgeon, Nahma, and eventually slays him. He then embarks on a quest to defeat Megissogwon, the magician who brought disease and death to his people, and after a fierce battle, emerges victorious. He then journeys to the land of the Dacotahs and woos Minnehaha, Laughing Water, the daughter of the Arrow-maker. Despite tribal animosities, they are united, and Hiawatha brings her back to his people. Their wedding feast is celebrated with music, dancing, and stories. Hiawatha blesses the cornfields, teaching his people how to protect their crops. He also introduces picture-writing to preserve their history and traditions. However, tragedy strikes when his beloved Minnehaha succumbs to famine and fever during a harsh winter, a consequence of the arrival of the white man and his influence. Hiawatha mourns her deeply. The poem also recounts the adventures of Pau-Puk-Keewis, a trickster who brings mischief and is eventually killed. The story of Kwasind’s death at the hands of the Puk-Wudjies, the Little People, is told, highlighting the fatal weakness in his crown. As the white man's influence grows, Hiawatha foresees a future of change and displacement for his people. Recognizing that his task is complete, and seeing the coming of the Black Robe chief, the Prophet, Hiawatha departs from his people. He sails his canoe westward into the sunset, towards the land of the spirits, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, peace, and a forewarning of the changes to come.