The Myth of Hiawatha, and Other Oral Legends, Mythologic and Allegoric, of the North American Indians

This is a compendium of oral legends and tales passed down by various Native American tribes, with an emphasis on the famous myth of Hiawatha. From the preface: There is but one consideration of much moment necessary to be premised respecting these legends and myths. It is this: they are versions of oral relations from the lips of the Indians, and are transcripts of the thought and invention of the aboriginal mind. As such, they furnish illustrations of Indian character and opinions on subjects which the ever-cautious and suspicious minds of this people have, heretofore, concealed. They place the man altogether in a new phasis. They reflect him as he is. They show us what he believes, hopes, fears, wishes, expects, worships, lives for, dies for. They are always true to the Indian manners and customs, opinions and theories.