The Song of Hiawatha

Drawing from the rich tapestry of North American Indian legends, particularly those of the Ojibway tribe, the narrative weaves together historical and cultural threads. Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, a key figure in the collection of these tales, was instrumental in documenting the stories during his tenure as superintendent of Indian affairs in Michigan. His wife, Jane, played a crucial role in authenticating and compiling these narratives, which ultimately inspired Longfellow’s celebrated poem. The work highlights the intersection of history, culture, and literature.