Poem Analysis - The Song Of Hiawatha 2 The Four Winds

Introduction

The Song of Hiawatha 2: The Four Winds by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is an epic poem that celebrates the mythical origins of the four winds. The poem begins with a triumphant tone, recounting the heroic deeds of Mudjekeewis, who becomes the West-Wind. However, the mood shifts as the poem delves into the personal lives and struggles of the four winds, each with their unique characteristics and challenges. The narrative is rich with vivid imagery and symbolic elements that convey deeper themes of love, isolation, and the passage of time.

Themes of Heroism and Transformation

The poem begins with a celebration of Mudjekeewis triumph over the Great Bear, Mishe-Mokwa. This section highlights the theme of heroism and the transformation of Mudjekeewis into the West-Wind, Kabeyun. The imagery of Mudjekeewis stealing the Belt of Wampum and defeating the bear underscores his bravery and cunning. The transformation of Mudjekeewis into the West-Wind symbolizes the transition from a mortal hero to a divine entity, emphasizing the idea of change and evolution. This theme is further developed as Mudjekeewis assigns the other winds to his children, establishing their roles in the natural world.

Themes of Love and Isolation

The theme of love is explored through the stories of Wabun and Shawondasee. Wabun, the East-Wind, falls in love with a maiden and transforms her into a star, symbolizing his eternal love. The imagery of Wabun's silver arrows chasing the dark and his crimson cheeks painting the morning sky conveys his vibrant and passionate nature. However, the theme of isolation is also present, as Wabun is lonely in heaven until he finds his beloved. Similarly, Shawondasee, the South-Wind, is depicted as fat and lazy, longing for a maiden he sees from afar. His inability to act on his feelings leads to his sorrow, highlighting the theme of unrequited love and the isolation it brings.

Themes of Conflict and Defeat

The theme of conflict is evident in the interactions between the winds and other characters. Kabibonokka, the North-Wind, is fierce and cruel, challenging Shingebis, the diver, to a wrestling match. The imagery of Kabibonokka's icy breath and the frozen landscape underscores his harsh and unyielding nature. However, Shingebis's warmth and laughter ultimately defeat Kabibonokka, symbolizing the triumph of resilience and joy over adversity. This theme of conflict and defeat is further explored through Shawondasee's delusion, where his unrequited love leads to his downfall, emphasizing the consequences of inaction and longing.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with recurring symbols and vivid imagery. The four winds themselves are powerful symbols, representing different aspects of nature and human experience. Wabun's silver arrows and crimson cheeks symbolize the beauty and vitality of the morning, while Kabibonokka's icy breath and snow-drifts represent the harshness of winter. The maiden that Wabun and Shawondasee both long for is a symbol of love and desire, highlighting the universal human experience of longing and loss. The Belt of Wampum stolen by Mudjekeewis is a symbol of power and triumph, underscoring the theme of heroism and transformation.

Conclusion

The Song of Hiawatha 2: The Four Winds is a rich tapestry of myth, symbolism, and vivid imagery. Through the stories of the four winds, Longfellow explores themes of heroism, love, isolation, conflict, and transformation. The poem's narrative structure and symbolic elements convey a deeper message about the human experience, highlighting the universal struggles and triumphs that define our lives. The poem's significance lies in its ability to connect the mythical with the mundane, offering insights into the natural world and the human condition.