Hiawatha & Minnehaha
"Laughing Water," the love that joined two peoples
In Longfellow's epic poem, the Ojibwe hero Hiawatha marries Minnehaha, "Laughing Water," of the Dakota people, joining two nations; she dies of famine in a terrible winter, and he departs toward the sunset.
01Why it matters
The poem spread an idealized image of Native American love around the world.
02The conflict
The rivalry between peoples and the famine of winter.
03The iconic moment
Hiawatha carrying Minnehaha through the forest after the wedding.
04What survived
"The Song of Hiawatha"; the Minnehaha Falls of Minneapolis.
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Hiawatha & Minnehaha famous?
The poem spread an idealized image of Native American love around the world.
How does the story of Hiawatha & Minnehaha end?
Hiawatha carrying Minnehaha through the forest after the wedding. "The Song of Hiawatha"; the Minnehaha Falls of Minneapolis.
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