By the shining Big-Sea-Water, lived the hero Hiawatha;
Swift and strong and very wise he, friend to everything in nature.
Written for children, this introduction to "The Song of Hiawatha" includes many of the trochee metrical stanzas from the poem. Longfellow weaved several Ojibwa Indian words and myths into his narrative, producing a compelling, sentimental, 'noble savage' imagery for his invented hero, which continues to inspire romantic artists and musicians.
By the shining Big-Sea-Water, lived the hero Hiawatha;
Swift and strong and very wise he, friend to everything in nature.
Written for children, this introduction to "The Song of Hiawatha" includes many of the trochee metrical stanzas from the poem. Longfellow weaved several Ojibwa Indian words and myths into his narrative, producing a compelling, sentimental, 'noble savage' imagery for his invented hero, which continues to inspire romantic artists and musicians.