The Song of Hiawatha

Nature is a constant in each canto, either as a backdrop or an essential plot device. Most often, Hiawatha is shown as living in familial harmony with nature. For example, while in “Hiawatha’s Fasting” and “Hiawatha’s Sailing” Hiawatha proves his mastery over the natural world, nature is never an antagonistic force, but rather something to learn from and adapt to.

When Hiawatha goes into the forest to pray for enlightenment in “Hiawatha’s Fasting,” he treats the wilderness as a sacred place where wisdom can be gained by intention and immersion. There, he meets Manito, the spirit who will teach him about agriculture after a trial of strength and endurance. Hiawatha’s journey here echoes other traditions of attempting enlightenment after undergoing a stamina-testing ordeal to conquer any weakness within. With the help of Manito, Hiawatha gains new knowledge of using natural resources; the practice of agriculture evolves further when Minnehaha casts a circle of protection around the corn in the 14th canto, “Blessing the Cornfields.” Honoring nature while showing mastery over its bounty mark Hiawatha’s highest achievements for his people.

In “Hiawatha’s Sailing,” Hiawatha again turns to the natural world for new discoveries that will ease life for him and his people.