Book details
Hiawatha And Megissogwon
Description
Hiawatha, grown to manhood, is a powerful figure, righting wrongs and vanquishing demons. Inspired by his grandmother, he travels into a desolate land to challenge an evil magician. Legendary Hiawatha, son of the West Wind, ventures into a desolate land to battle an evil magician in this compelling episode from Longfellow's epic, The Song of Hiawatha. Action-packed drama combines with magic as the brave young hero slays serpents, evades ghosts, and finally confronts the mighty Megissogwon. Jeffrey Thompson's powerful blend of scratchboard and computer illustration enhances the magic of Longfellow's stirring poetry, drawing a new generation of children into this classic tale. An afterword by prominent Native American author Joseph Bruchac answers the question: Is this an authentic Native American legend?
Age
8-12
Text complexity
beginner
Length
32 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Enrichment: Reading 'Hiawatha and Megissogwon' offers insight into Native American culture and mythology, as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow drew inspiration from the legends and stories of the Ojibwe and other indigenous tribes.
- Literary Appreciation: Longfellow is a celebrated American poet, and this work showcases his talent in narrative poetry. Readers can appreciate the rhythmic cadence and the use of trochaic tetrameter, which is a departure from the more commonly used iambic pentameter.
- Moral Themes: The book explores universal themes such as good versus evil, courage, and heroism. Hiawatha's battle with the evil spirit Megissogwon is a metaphor for the struggle between light and darkness, providing readers with moral and philosophical reflections.
- Historical Significance: 'Hiawatha and Megissogwon' is part of the larger epic poem 'The Song of Hiawatha,' which has played a significant role in American literature. Understanding this work helps readers gain a deeper understanding of the 19th-century literary landscape and its impact on American cultural identity.