Henry Longfellow

summary

Longfellow’s Song of Hiawatha (written 1854–55) draws on Ojibway and other Algonquian legends collected chiefly by Henry R. Schoolcraft (with significant contribution from his wife Jane) to present an epic narrative of the culture-hero Hiawatha. The poem recounts his wondrous birth and upbringing, feats and friendships (Chibiabos, Kwasind), quests and battles (winds, monsters, magicians), the gift of Mondamin and picture‑writing, his marriage to Minnehaha, trials of famine and spirits, and his farewell at the arrival of the White missionary.