Hiawatha Quotes

A collection of quotes by Hiawatha.

Hiawatha is a legendary figure in Native American folklore and has been immortalized in Longfellow's epic poem, "The Song of Hiawatha." Said to have lived during the 15th century, Hiawatha was a mythical hero of the Iroquois Confederacy, a powerful alliance of Native American tribes in present-day New York state.

According to tribal legends, Hiawatha was a skilled orator and peacemaker who played a crucial role in bringing together the five nations of the Iroquois Confederacy – the Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca – to form a lasting alliance. His efforts aimed to unite the tribes and establish a peaceful coexistence, laying the foundation for the "Great Peace" and the formation of the confederacy.

While much of Hiawatha's life is shrouded in myth, his wisdom, leadership, and diplomacy have become an integral part of Native American folklore and an emblem of Native American resistance and unity. His character has been woven into numerous cultural works, highlighting his legendary status and significance.

It is important to note that Hiawatha's existence as an individual historical figure is still debated among scholars, as his story has evolved over centuries through oral tradition and literary adaptations. Therefore, the biography of Hiawatha remains rooted in a mixture of folklore, myth, and historical interpretation.