The Fascinating Tale of Hiawatha: Unraveling the Myth and Discovering the History

Long before the arrival of the European settlers, the Native American tribes had their own legends and heroes. One such legendary figure is Hiawatha, a central character in the Iroquois Confederacy's oral tradition. Over time, Hiawatha's story has acquired mythical proportions and has been immortalized in literature and popular culture, but what is the true story behind this iconic figure?

A Legend Born: Hiawatha's Beginnings

According to the Iroquois people's belief, Hiawatha was born during a turbulent time when their nation was engulfed in internal conflicts. His mother, Wenonah, was a young Mohawk woman who tragically lost her husband and two sons during a battle.

The True Story of Hiawatha: Founder of the Iroquois Confederacy (Annotated)

by Phoebe Robinson (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	155 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	10 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Recaps	:	Included

FREE

Stricken with grief, Wenonah sought solace in the forest, where she had a vision of a great chief who would bring peace and unity to their warring tribes. It was during this vision that she conceived Hiawatha, who would go on to fulfill this prophecy and become a legendary figure in Native American folklore.

Hiawatha's Journey: From Outcast to Leader

Hiawatha's upbringing was not an easy one. As a child, he was born with a speech impediment, which made him an outcast among his peers and often subjected him to ridicule.

Determined to overcome his challenges, Hiawatha sought wisdom from the elders and spiritual leaders of his tribe. Through their guidance and his unwavering perseverance, Hiawatha eventually found his voice and became a powerful orator.

Empowered by his newfound ability to communicate, Hiawatha traveled from tribe to tribe, sharing his vision of unity and peace. His words resonated with the people, and slowly but surely, he began to unite the warring factions of the Iroquois Confederacy.

The Formation of the Iroquois Confederacy

Hiawatha's efforts to unite the tribes led to the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy, a powerful alliance that consisted of five Native American nations: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca.

The Confederacy was founded on the principles of peace, governance, and mutual respect. It established codes of conduct and a system of governance that promoted equality and justice among its member nations, serving as a shining example of democracy long before the concept existed in the Western world.

The Impact of Hiawatha's Legacy

Hiawatha's legacy extends far beyond the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy. His teachings and vision had a profound impact on the Native American tribes of North America.

His philosophy of peace, unity, and respect for nature resonated with many tribes, influencing their own governance systems and cultural practices. The story of Hiawatha also inspired numerous literary works, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem, "The Song of Hiawatha."

Separating Fact from Fiction

Over time, the legend of Hiawatha has been expanded upon and embellished, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction. It is essential to approach the story with a critical eye and separate the historical truths from mythical elements.

While the specific details of Hiawatha's life may be shrouded in the mists of time, the core essence of his message remains relevant today. His journey from outcast to revered leader serves as an inspiration for all who face adversity, and his pursuit of unity and peace reminds us of the timeless values that transcend cultural boundaries.

The true story of Hiawatha is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability of one individual to bring about positive change. He stands as an enduring figure in Native American history, symbolizing unity, peace, and the strength of the human spirit.

The True Story of Hiawatha: Founder of the Iroquois Confederacy (Annotated)

by Phoebe Robinson (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	155 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	10 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Recaps	:	Included

FREE

Originally published in 1861 as a portion of the author’s larger “Legends, Traditions and Laws of the Iroquois,” this Kindle edition, equivalent in length to a physical book of approximately 16 pages, describes the character of real-life Indian Chief Hiawatha and recounts how he established the Iroquois Confederacy (the “Five Nations”) by uniting New York’s Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, and Seneca tribes. Note: This edition does not concern the fictional hero of Longfellow’s 1855 narrative poem, “The Song of Hiawatha.”

Includes supplemental material:
•About Hiawatha in Brief
•About the Iroquois Indians and the “Five Nations” in Brief
•About the Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora Tribes in Brief

Sample passage:
But while the wise man was measuring his steps towards the place designated for the council, and while ascending from the water’s edge, a rumbling and low sound was heard, as if it were caused by the approach of a violent, rushing wind. Instantly all the eyes were turned upwards, where a small and compact mass of cloudy darkness appeared. It gathered in size and velocity as it approached, and appeared to be directed inevitably to fall in the midst of the assembly. Everyone fled in consternation but Hiawatha and his daughter. He stood erect, with ornaments waving in his frontlet, and besought his daughter calmly to await the issue, “for it is impossible,” said he, “to escape the power of the Great Spirit. If he has determined our destruction, we cannot, by running, fly from him.” She modestly assented and they stood together, while horror was depicted in the faces of the others. But the force of the descending body was that of a sudden storm. They had hardly taken the resolution to halt when an immense bird, with long, extended wings, came swooping down. This gigantic agent of the sky came with such force that the assembly felt the shock. The girl, beautiful and fascinating in her looks and form, was borne away by this Celestial Bird to be seen no more upon the earth. But Hiawatha was inconsolable for his loss. He grieved sorely, day and night, and wore a desponding and dejected countenance.

About the author:
Elias Johnson (1837-1913), born near Buffalo, New York, was a chief of the Tuscarora Indians.