The Song of Hiawatha characters

Also known as Master of Life

Appears from the start

The divine figure who calls the peoples together, rebukes their warfare, and asks them to live in peace while awaiting a teacher who will guide them.

Also known as West-Wind

First appears in chapter 2

The powerful father of the winds. He overthrows his own father, becomes ruler of the western wind, and wins Wenonah despite Nokomis's warning that he cannot be trusted.

First appears in chapter 2

Hiawatha's grandmother, born after falling from the moon to the earth. She raises him with affection and teaches him the names and ways of the natural world.

First appears in chapter 2

The daughter of Nokomis and mother of Hiawatha. She is warned against the West-Wind but is abandoned by Mudjekeewis and dies after giving birth.

First appears in chapter 3

The central hero, raised beside the great lake by his grandmother Nokomis. As a child he learns from her and from the old storyteller Iagoo, listens closely to animals and birds, and begins developing the strength and understanding expected of a future leader.

First appears in chapter 3

An elderly storyteller and skilled maker of bows who teaches the young Hiawatha traditional tales and helps equip him for his first hunt.

Also known as Laughing Water

First appears in chapter 4

The daughter of a Dakota arrow-maker. Hiawatha first sees her when he visits her people's lodge during his journey to confront Mudjekeewis.

First appears in chapter 5

A spirit associated with maize who comes to Hiawatha during his fast. Their repeated contests test Hiawatha's endurance and offer an answer to his prayer for a reliable source of food for his people.

First appears in chapter 6

Hiawatha's closest friend, a gifted musician whose singing brings peace and beauty to those who hear him.

First appears in chapter 6

A friend of Hiawatha renowned for extraordinary physical strength and a generous, straightforward nature.

First appears in chapter 9

A wealthy magician protected by water spirits and associated with the pearl-like wampum that Hiawatha seeks for his people. Hiawatha goes to confront him after learning the secret of his vulnerability.

First appears in chapter 11

A handsome, boastful wanderer and accomplished dancer who entertains the guests at Hiawatha and Minnehaha's wedding feast.

First appears in chapter 12

The youngest of four sisters in a story told at the wedding feast. She chooses the mysterious Osseo despite his age and the ridicule of her sisters.

First appears in chapter 12

Oweenee's elderly-looking husband, mocked by her sisters but loved faithfully by his wife. His outward condition conceals a supernatural history connected with the Evening Star.