The Song of Hiawatha: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Song of Hiawatha" is an epic poem that explores various major characters rooted in Native American culture and mythology, particularly focusing on the life and adventures of Hiawatha, a figure endowed with magical powers. Hiawatha, who grows up in the Lake Superior region, emerges as a prophet and guide, defeating evil entities and uniting his people throughout his journey. Central to the narrative is Nokomis, Hiawatha's mother, who provides wisdom and guidance, and Wenonah, Hiawatha’s mother, whose tragic love story with the West Wind, Mudjekeewis, adds emotional depth to the tale.
Supporting characters like Minnehaha, Hiawatha's beloved, who faces hardships, and Kwasind, his strong friend, contribute to the rich tapestry of relationships and community that highlight themes of love, loss, and resilience. Pearl-Feather, the antagonist, represents the darker forces that threaten Hiawatha's people, while Iagoo provides entertainment through storytelling, emphasizing the cultural importance of oral traditions. Overall, the characters in "The Song of Hiawatha" symbolize various aspects of life and the struggle between good and evil, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of human experience within the larger context of Native American heritage.
The Song of Hiawatha: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
First published: 1855
Genre: Poetry
Locale: Around Lake Superior
Plot: Folklore
Time: Aboriginal period
Hiawatha, an Indian with magic powers who grows up in the Lake Superior region and becomes a prophet and guide. From the body of a stranger he conquers, Hiawatha gets corn. He defeats disease-bearing Pearl-Feather with the help of a woodpecker, whose feather tuft he streaks with red. He invents picture writing. Following the death of Minnehaha and the coming of the white man, Hiawatha leaves his tribe to travel through the Portals of the Sunset to the Land of the Hereafter.
Nokomis, who falls to Earth from the full moon to become the mother of Wenonah and the counselor of Hiawatha.
Wenonah, who, despite her mother's warning, listens to the wooing of faithless Mudjekeewis and bears him a son, Hiawatha. When Mudjekeewis deserts her, she dies of grief.
Mudjekeewis, the immortal and fickle West Wind. He battles his vengeful son for three days, then sends him back to his people, as the prophet promised by the Great Spirit, to teach and unite them.
Minnehaha, the lovely daughter of a Dacotah arrowmaker, whom Hiawatha sees on his journey to avenge his mother's death, and whom he marries despite Nokomis' advice to chose a woman of his own tribe. She dies of fever during a winter famine.
Pearl-Feather, the evil magician who sends fever, pestilence, and disease to the Indians and is vulnerable only at the roots of his hair.
Kwasind, the strong friend of Hiawatha who helps him dredge the rivers of roots and sandbars and rid the lake of its greatest menace, the sturgeon.
Chibiabos, a singer of love songs.
Iagoo, the teller of fanciful tales who entertains at Hiawatha's wedding feast.