The Song of Hiawatha

Here is a link to the complete text of Longfellow's "Hiawatha." The imagery is beautiful and the story is lovely, hauntingly hopeful, but clearly the work of a Romantic and naive 19th century white author. Because of both its content and its form, it is one of the most frequently parodied works of American poetry, and I think you will be able to figure out why.

Having just finished Tracks, a 20th century story of the same people, The Ojibwe Indians of North Dakota and Minnesota, you should notice quite a contrast in tone. Longfellow, one of the "fireside poets" of 19th century America, set the story of Hiawatha in the time before the coming of the white man. However, that is not be the only explanation for the very stark differences in style, character, theme and tone.

It is a long poem and you do not have to read it all to get the feel of it. Like any epic poem, it is filled with adventures or episodes. Choose some that look interesting. Read at least the Introduction and sections III and IV about Hiawatha's childhood, his courageous meeting with his father, Mudjekeewis, and the first time the young hero lays eyes on his future wife, the Arrow-Maker's beautiful "dark-eyed daughter," Minnehaha. You might also find it interesting to read the final two chapters about the coming of the white men and the departure of Hiawatha as an old man. Notice how Longfellow creates the image of "the noble savage" that ruled American thinking about Indians in the 19th century. Think about the difference between Longfellow's portrayal of the Ojibwe culture and Louise Erdrich's 20th century picture.

"The Song of Hiawatha"

Written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1855

A Disney Version (You Tube)