By the shores of Gitche Gumee, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow paints a vivid picture of farewell and cultural exchange in his epic poem, The Song of Hiawatha. This excerpt encapsulates a pivotal moment where Hiawatha, the noble Native American hero, bids adieu to his people and embarks on a symbolic journey westward, coinciding with the arrival of a “Black-Robe chief,” a missionary, and his companions. This scene is rich with symbolism and serves as a powerful commentary on the changing world and the intersection of different cultures.
A Morning of Anticipation and Omens
The poem opens with a serene and vibrant morning scene. Hiawatha stands waiting at the doorway of his wigwam, by the “shining Big-Sea-Water,” Gitche Gumee, which is Longfellow’s poetic name for Lake Superior. The air is described as fresh, and the earth is “bright and joyous,” setting a tone of peace and expectation. This idyllic setting is further animated by the “golden swarms” of bees, the “Ahmo,” passing towards the forest, described as “burning, singing in the sunshine.” This imagery not only enriches the scene but also subtly hints at the industrious and harmonious nature of the natural world, a world that Hiawatha is deeply connected to.
The lake itself is a mirror of tranquility, reflecting the “great forest” on its margin. The sturgeon leaping from its bosom, “sparkling, flashing in the sunshine,” adds dynamism to the otherwise still scene. This detailed description of the natural environment is characteristic of Longfellow’s style and emphasizes the harmony between Hiawatha and his surroundings. The removal of sorrow from Hiawatha’s brow, likened to fog and mist dissipating, suggests a moment of clarity and acceptance, preparing him for the events to unfold.
The Arrival of the Black-Robe Chief
Hiawatha’s anticipation is palpable as he gazes towards the horizon. Something “in the hazy distance” looms and lifts from the water, initially indistinct and mysterious. Longfellow toys with the reader’s expectations, posing questions about whether it could be Shingebis the diver, or other familiar birds like the pelican, heron, or white goose. This builds suspense before revealing the true nature of the approaching entity.
It is not a creature of the natural world but “a birch canoe with paddles,” carrying people from the “distant land of Wabun,” the land of the morning. This canoe brings the “Black-Robe chief, the Prophet,” a “Pale-face,” along with his guides. The term “Black-Robe chief” is a clear reference to a Christian missionary, emphasizing the cultural and religious differences between Hiawatha’s people and the newcomers. The arrival is described with a sense of otherworldliness, “Through the shining mist of morning,” highlighting the significant and perhaps transformative nature of this encounter.
A Welcoming Gesture and Words of Peace
Hiawatha, in a gesture of noble welcome, extends his hands towards the sun as the canoe approaches. This is a sign of peace and openness, underscoring his inherent hospitality and dignity. He waits with “exultation” until the canoe reaches the shore and the Black-Robe chief, bearing a cross, lands on the sandy margin.
Hiawatha’s welcoming speech is filled with warmth and poetic generosity. He declares, “Beautiful is the sun, O strangers, When you come so far to see us!” He emphasizes the peace and openness of his town, inviting them into their wigwams and offering the “heart’s right hand,” a symbol of sincere welcome. He poetically suggests that nature itself rejoices at their arrival, stating that the earth has never bloomed so “gayly,” nor the sun shone so “brightly.” He even attributes the tranquility of the lake and the removal of obstacles to the passing of their birch canoe, showcasing an almost exaggerated level of hospitality and respect.
The Black-Robe chief’s response is hesitant, he “stammered in his speech a little,” indicating his unfamiliarity with Hiawatha’s language and customs. He offers a message of “Peace be with you, Hiawatha,” and introduces concepts of “peace of prayer, and peace of pardon, Peace of Christ, and joy of Mary!” This marks the introduction of Christian religious concepts into Hiawatha’s world, a pivotal moment of cultural and religious exchange.
Farewell to Nokomis and Departure into the Sunset
After the initial welcome and exchange, the poem shifts towards Hiawatha’s departure. As the day progresses, and the guests rest in the wigwam, Hiawatha prepares to leave. He bids farewell to old Nokomis, his grandmother, in whispers, not wanting to disturb the guests. He announces his “long and distant journey, To the portals of the Sunset,” a symbolic westward journey towards the unknown. He entrusts the care of his guests to Nokomis, emphasizing his continued responsibility and hospitality even in his absence.
Hiawatha then addresses his people, reiterating his long absence and urging them to listen to the “words of wisdom” and “truth” of his guests, whom he presents as sent by the “Master of Life.” This reinforces the idea of cultural exchange and perhaps hints at an acceptance of the new teachings. His departure is described with poignant imagery as he launches his birch canoe westward into the sunset. The setting sun “Set the clouds on fire with redness, Burned the broad sky, like a prairie,” creating a dramatic and symbolic backdrop for his journey.
The people watch as Hiawatha sails “into the fiery sunset, Sailed into the purple vapors, Sailed into the dusk of evening,” until his canoe disappears into the horizon, likened to the new moon slowly sinking. Their farewell cries, “Farewell, O Hiawatha!” echo through the forests and are echoed by nature itself – the sighing forests, sobbing waves, and the heron’s scream. This collective farewell emphasizes the significance of Hiawatha’s departure, not just for his people but for the natural world around them.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
This excerpt from The Song of Hiawatha is a powerful depiction of farewell, cultural encounter, and the changing times. Hiawatha’s departure westward into the sunset is symbolic of the fading of the traditional Native American way of life, while the arrival of the Black-Robe chief signifies the incoming influence of European culture and Christianity. Longfellow masterfully uses vivid imagery and poetic language to create a scene that is both beautiful and melancholic. The poem leaves the reader contemplating the themes of change, cultural exchange, and the poignant beauty of a world in transition, making The Song of Hiawatha a timeless exploration of these universal themes.
