Longfellow's "The Song of Hiawatha"

Longfellow's "The Song of Hiawatha" is an epic poem that narrates the legendary life of Hiawatha, a Native American hero. Drawing on Ojibwe and other Indigenous stories, it explores themes of love, bravery, spirituality, and harmony with nature. The poem combines lyrical language and storytelling to honor Native American culture, portraying Hiawatha's journey from childhood to his roles as a leader and prophet. While sentimental and romanticized, it aims to celebrate Indigenous traditions and values, fostering appreciation and understanding of Native American heritage through a poetic lens.