movingstarvoices.org – The Song of Hiawatha, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and first published in 1855, is a seminal work that blends Native American mythology with Romantic literary traditions. The poem tells the story of Hiawatha, a legendary hero from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) culture, and it explores themes of love, struggle, spiritual power, and the deep connection between humans and nature. Through its vivid portrayal of Native American stories and customs, Longfellow’s work helped introduce broader audiences to indigenous mythology, even as it has been critiqued for its appropriation and romanticization of Native cultures.
The Structure and Style of The Song of Hiawatha
The Song of Hiawatha is written in a narrative, epic poem style, employing trochaic tetrameter—an uncommon meter that creates a rhythm resembling the beats of Native American music and oral traditions. This choice reflects Longfellow’s intention to mimic the musical quality of the storytelling traditions that were central to Native American cultures.
The poem is divided into numerous sections, each telling a part of Hiawatha’s life and adventures. The structure follows the typical trajectory of the hero’s journey, with Hiawatha being born of a supernatural union, growing into a wise and powerful leader, and encountering both trials and triumphs. Longfellow drew inspiration from various Native American myths and legends, particularly those of the Ojibwe, but he also synthesized elements from other tribal traditions, weaving them into a cohesive narrative.
While The Song of Hiawatha is a fictionalized version of the character, Hiawatha is based on a real historical figure: a leader of the Iroquois Confederacy and a peacemaker known for helping to unite different tribes. However, Longfellow’s portrayal of Hiawatha is more mythological and idealized, making the work a blend of history, folklore, and poetic imagination.
The Life and Adventures of Hiawatha
Hiawatha is born to the daughter of the moon, Wenonah, and the great spirit, Gitche Manitou, who is the creator deity of the Ojibwe people. His early life is marked by supernatural events, with the death of his mother and the heroic guidance of his grandfather, Nokomis, who raises him in the forests of the north. This beginning highlights the spiritual connection between Hiawatha and the natural world, a central motif throughout the poem.
As Hiawatha grows older, he becomes a hero among his people, showing wisdom and courage in his endeavors. One of his most important missions is to unite the warring tribes of the region. The poem chronicles his efforts to create peace and establish a sense of unity, mirroring the work of the historical Hiawatha, who was instrumental in the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy. Through Hiawatha’s wisdom, diplomacy, and courage, the poem emphasizes the importance of peace, collaboration, and the power of words.
Hiawatha’s love story with Minnehaha, a beautiful maiden of his tribe, is another central aspect of the narrative. Their love and the challenges they face together highlight themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the bond between nature and human life. Minnehaha’s death, caused by a harsh winter and famine, marks a turning point in Hiawatha’s life. His grief at her passing is portrayed as a moment of profound emotional and spiritual transformation, one that signifies the inevitability of death in the cycle of life.
In addition to his efforts to bring peace to his people, Hiawatha encounters a series of spiritual and physical challenges, facing enemies like the evil sorcerer, Pearl-Feather, and undertaking quests that require great strength and moral fortitude. These trials, coupled with his role as a leader and peacemaker, present him as both a figure of human vulnerability and divine power.
Themes and Symbolism
The Song of Hiawatha explores several key themes that reflect the complex relationship between humans, nature, and spirituality. One of the central themes of the poem is the reverence for nature and the land. The natural world is portrayed as a place of deep spiritual significance, where animals, plants, and natural phenomena hold meaning and power. This respect for nature is in line with traditional Native American beliefs that the Earth is a living, sacred entity deserving of respect and stewardship.
The poem also deals with the importance of language and oral traditions. Hiawatha’s ability to speak and communicate effectively is a recurring motif. His words carry power, and his eloquence serves as a means of achieving peace and solving conflicts. This theme underscores the significance of storytelling and the spoken word in Native cultures, where oral history is vital to the transmission of knowledge and cultural practices.
Another central theme of The Song of Hiawatha is the idea of heroism. Hiawatha is depicted as a great leader and warrior, yet his heroism is not solely based on physical prowess. Instead, his wisdom, empathy, and commitment to justice are what elevate him as a heroic figure. This portrayal of a hero who is as much a spiritual and moral leader as a warrior reflects the values of many Native American cultures, where leaders were often chosen for their wisdom, integrity, and connection to the community, not just for their ability to fight.
In addition to these themes, the poem also includes elements of tragedy, particularly in the story of Hiawatha’s loss of Minnehaha and the eventual departure of Hiawatha from the world of men. His departure to join the spirit world signifies the cyclical nature of life and death, and serves as a reminder of the inevitability of change and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.
Criticism and Legacy
While The Song of Hiawatha has been celebrated for its lyrical beauty and its introduction of Native American themes to a broader audience, it has also been criticized for its portrayal of Native American cultures. Critics argue that Longfellow, while drawing inspiration from Native myths, often misrepresented or oversimplified these cultures, blending them into a homogenized vision of “Indian-ness” that disregarded the diversity of tribes and their distinct traditions. Additionally, Longfellow’s portrayal of Native characters often falls into the realm of romanticization, stripping away the complexities of indigenous life and history.
Despite these criticisms, The Song of Hiawatha remains an important cultural artifact. Its popularity helped spark greater interest in Native American stories and folklore, and it played a role in shaping the American literary canon. The poem introduced readers to the richness of Native American mythology, although filtered through a Western lens, and helped lay the groundwork for future works of Native American literature.
Today, the poem is recognized not only for its literary value but also for its role in perpetuating an idealized and sometimes flawed vision of Native American life. Nevertheless, The Song of Hiawatha continues to be read and studied, and it serves as a reminder of the power of myth, storytelling, and the enduring legacy of Native American culture, even in the face of colonial history.
Conclusion
The Song of Hiawatha is a work that blends Native American myths with the artistic sensibilities of Western Romanticism, creating an epic that has captured the imagination of readers for over a century and a half. Through the character of Hiawatha, Longfellow explores themes of heroism, peace, love, and loss, while also reflecting the spiritual and natural worldview that is central to many indigenous cultures. Despite its romanticized portrayal, the poem remains a significant work that continues to shape the way Native American stories are told and understood in the broader context of American literature.