Subject
Indians of North America -- Poetry Books
Best books
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Song of Hiawatha
"The Song of Hiawatha" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is an epic poem published in 1855. Written in trochaic tetrameter, it tells the fictional adventures of Ojibwe warrior Hiawatha and his tragic love for Minnehaha, a Dakota woman. Set near Lake Superior's Pictured Rocks, the poem follows Hiawatha from childhood through heroic deeds including slaying an evil magician, inventing written language, and discovering corn. The story culminates with the arrival of Christian missionaries and Hiawatha's mysterious departure westward into the sunset.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Song of Hiawatha: An Epic Poem
"The Song of Hiawatha" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is an epic poem published in 1855. Set along Lake Superior's shores, it follows the fictional adventures of Ojibwe warrior Hiawatha and his tragic love for Minnehaha, a Dakota woman. Through childhood adventures, battles with evil magicians, and cultural innovations, the poem weaves together Native American legends that Longfellow adapted from various sources. The story concludes with Hiawatha's departure as European missionaries arrive, marking a moment of cultural transformation.
Hanford Lennox Gordon
The Feast of the Virgins and Other Poems
"The Feast of the Virgins and Other Poems" by H.L. Gordon is a collection of poetry written in the late 19th century. The poems delve into themes surrounding Native American culture, particularly that of the Dakota people, as well as reflections on nature, love, and the human experience. The collection appears to be influenced by the author's personal encounters with the scenes and traditions of these indigenous communities. At the start of the volume, the prelude introduces the Mississippi River, characterized by its grandeur and the historical significance of the lands it traverses. The river serves as a metaphor for the passing of time and the intersections of history, nature, and human endeavor. Following this, the opening legend, "The Feast of the Virgins," commences with a vivid description of a game played by Dakota maidens amid the icy landscape. The story quickly unfolds to showcase themes of rivalry, honor, and tragedy as characters grapple with societal expectations and personal desires, particularly through the eyes of the main character, Wiwâstè, who seeks to navigate her life amid cultural traditions and the consequences of betrayal.
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American Indian love lyrics, and other verse, from the songs of the North American Indians
"American Indian Love Lyrics and Other Verse" by Nellie Barnes is a collection of lyrical poetry derived from the songs of North American Indigenous peoples, published in the early 20th century. The work showcases a variety of love songs and other verse forms, aiming to explore the rich tradition of poetic expression among Native Americans. Through this collection, readers are introduced to the unique rhythms and emotional depth embedded in these ancient songs, reflecting themes of love, loss, and communion with nature. At the start of the collection, the author presents an introductory context about the influence of Native American song literature on contemporary American poetry. The pieces include various love songs that express yearning and devotion, such as an Ojibwa love song where a lover seeks their beloved across a still lake, and a Zuñi "Lover’s Wooing," where the joy of intimate togetherness is celebrated. Other poems touch on sorrow and loss, such as the "Lament of a Man for His Son," which captures a father's intense grief. This opening portion sets the stage for a rich exploration of Indigenous poetic traditions and their emotive resonance.
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Indian Legends of Minnesota
"Indian Legends of Minnesota" by Mrs. Cordenio A. Severance is a collection of folklore written in the late 19th century. This work serves as a compilation of various Native American legends, particularly focusing on tales linked to the state of Minnesota, often highlighting themes of love, bravery, and the bond between man and nature. The book features stories that include vividly descriptive characters and settings, showcasing a rich tapestry of indigenous history and culture. At the start of this collection, the opening legend, "The Lone War-Path," introduces readers to a young Sioux warrior on a quest for honor and identity after the death of his twin brother. The tale unfolds with the warrior receiving a vision from his deceased brother that leads him on a solitary journey into enemy territory. It is characterized by a blend of supernatural elements and the warrior's encounter with a beautiful Blackfoot maiden, revealing the complexities of love and tribal relations amidst the backdrop of conflict. This sets the stage for a series of interconnected stories that not only entertain but also promote an understanding of the cultures and traditions of the Native American peoples of Minnesota.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Story of Hiawatha, Adapted from Longfellow
"The Story of Hiawatha" by Winston Stokes is an adaptation of the well-known poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, likely written in the early 20th century. This work is a prose retelling that aims to engage both younger and older audiences with the rich legends of Native American culture, particularly focusing on the life of Hiawatha, who is depicted as a great leader and hero. The text weaves themes of wisdom, nature, and the importance of community, as it follows Hiawatha's journey from childhood to his pivotal role among the tribes. The opening of this adaptation introduces the Great Manito, who calls for peace among the tribes and sets the stage for the birth and upbringing of Hiawatha. We learn about Hiawatha's mother, Wenonah, and his nurturing grandmother, Nokomis, who instills in him a deep respect for nature and communication with animals. As Hiawatha grows, he learns skills like hunting and fishing, and his character begins to develop through interactions with the forest creatures around him. The stage is set for his adventures, indicating that his journey will involve quests, battles, and a deep connection to the land and its legends—all while unifying the tribes. This brief beginning establishes Hiawatha's early life and hints at the struggles he will face as he grows into a legendary figure.
Seba Smith
Powhatan; A Metrical Romance, in Seven Cantos
"Powhatan; A Metrical Romance, in Seven Cantos" by Seba Smith is a metrical romance written in the early 19th century. This narrative poem explores the life and character of Powhatan, an influential Native American leader during the early colonial period in Virginia, as witnessed through the eyes of various characters, including his daughter Metoka, and the English settlers. The text promises to delve deep into themes of power, cultural clash, and the fraught relationships between indigenous peoples and European colonizers. At the start of the poem, the author sets the stage, presenting Powhatan as a venerable and powerful chief who has achieved significant territorial consolidation at an advanced age. The opening canto depicts a peaceful moment in Powhatan’s life, where he reflects on his past victories and the favor he enjoys among his tribes. His daughter, a symbol of youth and beauty, is introduced alongside a sense of foreshadowing regarding future conflicts as tensions arise with the arrival of the English settlers and their aspirations. Through Powhatan's character sketch and the lively depictions of his surroundings, the groundwork is laid for the exploration of his reign and the eventual encounters with the colonizers that redefine his legacy.
Hartley Burr Alexander
God's drum, and other cycles from Indian lore
No description available.
Silas Tertius Rand
The Dying Indian's Dream: A Poem
"The Dying Indian's Dream: A Poem by Silas Tertius Rand" is a narrative poem written in the late 19th century. The work revolves around the final moments of an Indigenous man named John Paul, who reflects on his life's journey and his faith as he faces death. The poem explores themes of spirituality, cultural identity, and the hope for salvation, providing insight into the interactions between the Mic-Mac Indians and Christian missionaries during that era. In the poem, John Paul lies on his deathbed, recounting his life as a skilled hunter and loving father. While in his final moments, he experiences a vivid dream of heaven, filled with joy and the embrace of divine figures. As he transitions from life to death, he shares his visions with those around him, expressing immense peace and joy. His dream conveys a powerful sense of hope and comfort, as he envisions a welcoming and radiant afterlife where he will be reunited with loved ones. Ultimately, the poem serves as an uplifting testament to faith and the belief in eternal life amidst suffering and hardship.
Gene Stratton-Porter
The Fire Bird
"The Fire Bird" by Gene Stratton-Porter is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores themes of love and tribal life among Indigenous peoples, emphasizing the cultural practices and emotions of the characters in a fictional setting influenced by various Native American traditions. The book reads as both a love story and a reflection on nature's beauty and the human spirit's struggles. The story follows Yiada, the daughter of Chief White Wolf of the Canawacs tribe, as she navigates her feelings for Mountain Lion, a young brave destined to become a great leader, while facing the competition posed by the beautiful Coüy-oüy from the northern tribes. As Yiada dances a ceremonial love dance to win Mountain Lion's heart, her world is disrupted by external threats and personal betrayals. The plot unfolds through Yiada's poignant journey of love, jealousy, and sacrifice, ultimately leading her to seek her identity and place among the Mandanas tribe. The novel richly portrays the internal and external conflicts of its characters against the backdrop of their natural surroundings, examining the interplay between individual desires and cultural expectations.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Laulu Hiawathasta
"Laulu Hiawathasta" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is an epic poem published in 1855. Set along Lake Superior's shores, it follows the fictional adventures of Ojibwe warrior Hiawatha—from his miraculous birth and childhood exploits to his tragic love for Minnehaha, a Dakota woman. The poem weaves together Native American legends with Longfellow's own innovations, chronicling Hiawatha's heroic deeds, cultural discoveries, and ultimate farewell as Christianity arrives in his village. Drawing from oral traditions and ethnographic sources, this trochaic tetrameter epic became an immediate bestseller despite scholarly debates about its authenticity.
Mary Gardiner Horsford
Indian Legends and Other Poems
"Indian Legends and Other Poems" by Mary Gardiner Horsford is a collection of poems written in the mid-19th century, exploring themes rooted in American Indigenous culture and history. The book presents an array of poetic narratives that delve into legends and folklore, aiming to capture the essence of the lives, beliefs, and struggles of Native American tribes. It also includes miscellaneous poems that reflect on broader themes of love, loss, and nature. Throughout the collection, Horsford weaves rich imagery and emotional depth into her verse, presenting stories such as "The Phantom Bride," where a lover's tragedy unfolds amidst the chaos of war, and "The Laughing Water," which tells of an Indian mother who embraces her fate with resolve. The poems often emphasize the intersection of nature and spirituality, revealing the profound connection between the Indigenous people and their environment, encapsulating their historical narratives, traditional beliefs, and the philosophical reflections of life and death. Each piece resonates with a lyrical quality, generating a timeless reverberation that speaks to the human experience.
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