The Song of Hiawatha
“The Song of Hiawatha” is an epic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which recounts the fictional adventures of an Indian warrior named Hiawatha and the tragedy of his love for Minnehaha, a Dakota woman. It is based on the legends of the Ojibwe tribes and other Native American peoples.
About This Ebook
Composed in trochaic tetrameter, “The Song of Hiawatha” draws its inspiration from the Kalevala, the national epic of Finland. The narrative follows Hiawatha’s life from birth to his heroic deeds for his people, including his efforts to bring peace and prosperity to his tribe. Throughout the poem, Longfellow emphasizes themes of nature, spirituality, and cultural conflict between Native Americans and European settlers. His portrayal of Native American life was influential in shaping perceptions during the 19th century, although it has been criticized for romanticizing and simplifying complex indigenous cultures.