Books: Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois, or Six Nations, and History of the Tuscarora Indians
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Elias Johnson >> Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois, or Six Nations, and History of the Tuscarora Indians
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Ta-ren-ya-wa-go (the Holder of the Heavens), who was the patron of the
five home bands, did not fail, in this crisis, to direct them their way
also. He instructed those on the eastern bank the art of the bow and
arrows, to use for game and in time of danger. After giving them suitable
instructions, he guided their footsteps in their journeys, south and
east, until they had crossed the Alleghany Mountains, and with some
wanderings they finally reached the shores of the sea, on the coast which
is now called the Carolinas. By this time their language was changed.
They were directed to fix their residence on the banks of the Gow-ta-no
(that is, pine in the water) now Neuse River, in North Carolina. Here Ta-
ren-ya-wa-gon left them to hunt, increase and prosper, whilst he returned
to direct the other five nations to form their confederacy.
Tarenyawagon united in one person the power of a God and a man, and gave
him the expressive name of the Holder of the Heavens, and was capable of
assuming any form or shape that he chosed, but appeared to them only in
the form of a man, and taught them hunting, gardening, and the knowledge
of the arts of war. He imparted to them the knowledge of the laws and
government of the Great Spirit, and gave them directions and
encouragement how to fulfill their duties and obligations. He gave them
corn, beans, and fruits of various kinds, with the knowledge of planting
those fruits. He taught them how to kill and to cook the game. He made
the forest free to all the tribes to hunt, and removed obstructions from
the streams. He took his position, sometimes, on the top of high cliffs,
springing, if needs be, over frightful chasms; and he flew, as it were,
over great lakes in a wonderful canoe of immaculate whiteness and of
magic power.
Having finished his commission with the Tuscaroras at Cautanoh, in North
Carolina, and the other five families, which were left at the north, he
came down to closer terms and intimacy with the Onondagas. He resolved to
lay aside his divine character and live among them, that he might
exemplify the maxims which he had taught. And for this purpose he
selected a handsome spot of ground on the southern banks of Cross Lake,
New York. Here he built his cabin, and from the shores of this lake he
went into the forest, like the rest of his companions, in quest of game
and fish. He took a wife of the Onondagas, by whom he had an only
daughter, whom he tenderly loved, and most kindly and carefully treated
and instructed, so that she was known far and near as his favorite child,
and was regarded almost as a goddess. The excellence of his character,
and his great sagacity and good counsels, led the people to regard him
with veneration, and they gave him, in his sublunary character, the name
of Hi-a-wat-ha (a wise man). People came to him from all quarters, and
his abode was thronged by all ages and conditions who came for advice.
He became the first chief of all the land, and whomsoever he made his
companions and friends were likewise clothed with the authority of chiefs
in the tribe. In this manner all power came naturally into his hands, and
the tribe rejoiced that they had so wise and good a man as their ruler.
For in those days each tribe was independent of all others; they had not
yet formed a league, but fought and made war with each other.
Nothing that belonged to Hiawatha, in his character of Tarenyawagon, was
more remarkable than his light and magic canoe, which shone with a
supernatural lustre, and in which he had performed so many of his
extraordinary feats. This canoe was laid aside when he came to fix his
residenee at Cross Lake, and never used it but for great and
extraordinary purposes. When great councils were called, and he assembled
the wise men to deliberate together, the sacred canoe was carefully
lifted from the grand lodge; and after these occasions were ended, it was
carefully returned to the same receptacle, on the shoulders of men, who
felt honored in being the bearers of such a precious burden.
Thus passed away many years, and every year saw the people increasing in
numbers, skill, arts and bravery. It was among the Onondagas that
Tarenyawagon had located himself, although he regarded the other tribes
as friends and brothers; he had become indentified as an adopted member
of this particular tribe. Under his teaching and influence they became
the first among all the original tribes, and rose to the highest
distinction in every art which was known to or prized by the Akonoshuni
(Iroquois). They were the wisest counsellors, the best orators, the most
expert hunters, and the bravest warriors. They also afforded the highest
examples of obedience to the laws of the Great Spirit. If offences took
place, Hiawatha redressed them, and his wisdom and moderation preserved
the tribe from feuds. Hence, the Onondagas were early noted among all the
tribes for their pre-eminence. He appeared to devote his chief attention
to them, that he might afterwards make them examples to the others, in
arts and wisdom. They were foremost in the overthrow of the Stonish
Giants and the killing of the great Serpent. To be an Onondaga was the
highest honor.
While Hiawatha was thus living in domestic life quietly among the people
of the hills, and administering their simple government with wisdom, they
became alarmed by the sudden news of the approach of a furious and
powerful enemy from north of the great lakes. As the enemy advanced, they
made an indiscriminate slaughter of men, women and children. The people
fled from their villages a short time before them, and there was no heart
in the people to make a stand against such powerful and ruthless
invaders. In this emergency, they fled to Hiawatha for his advice. He
counseled them to call a general council of all the tribes from the east
and west. "For," said he, "our strength is not in the war club and arrows
alone, but in wise counsels." He appointed a place on the banks of
Onondaga Lake for the meeting. It was a clear eminence from which there
was a wide prospect. Runners were dispatched in every direction, and the
chiefs, warriors and headmen forthwith assembled in great numbers,
bringing with them, in the general alarm, their women and children.
Fleets of canoes were seen on the bosom of the lake, and every inteterior
warpath was kept open by the foot-prints of the different tribes,
hurrying to obey the summons of Hiawatha. All but the wise man himself
had been there for three days, anxiously awaiting the arrival of
Hiawatha, when a messenger was dispatched after him. They found him
gloomy and depressed. Some great burden appeared to hang on his mind. He
told them that evil lay on his path, and that he had fearful forebodings
of ill-fortune. He felt that he was called to make some great sacrifice,
but he did not know what it was, it seemed to be hid from him. Least of
all did he think it was to be his daughter: ever careful of her, he bade
her kindly to accompany him. Nothing happened to hinder, or at all
interrupt their voyage. The Talismanic canoe, which held them, gllded
silently down the waters of the Seneca; not a paddle was necessary to
give it impetus, while it pursued the downward course of the stream till
they reached the point of the lake outlet. At this point Hiawatha took
his paddle and gave it impetus against the current, until they entered on
the bright and calm surface of the Onondaga, cradled, as this blue sheet
of water is, among the lofty and far-swelling hills. When the white canoe
of the venerable chief appeared, a shout of welcome rang among those
hills. The day was calm and serene. No wind ruffled the lake, and
scarcely a cloud floated in the sky above. But while the wise man was
measuring his steps towards the place designated for the council, and
while ascending from the water's edge, a rumbling and low sound was
heard, as if it were caused by the approach of a violent, rushing wind.
Instantly all the eyes were turned upwards, where a small and compact
mass of cloudy darkness appeared. It gathered in size and velocity as it
approached, and appeared to be directed inevitably to fall in the midst
of the assembly. Every one fled in consternation but Hiawatha and his
daughter. He stood erect, with ornaments waving in his frontlet, and
besought his daughter calmly to await the issue, "for it is impossible,"
said he, "to escape the power of the Great Spirit. If he has determined
our destruction we cannot, by running, fly from him." She modestly
assented and they stood together, while horror was depicted in the faces
of the others. But the force of the descending body was that of a sudden
storm. They had hardly taken the resolution to halt when an immense bird,
with long, extended wings, came down with swoop. This gigantic agent of
the sky came with such force that the assembly felt the shock. The girl
being in a nature, and embodied in the combination of the Terrestial and
Celestial nature, was beautiful and fascinating in her looks and form,
was borne away by this Celestial Bird to be seen no more upon the earth.
But Hiawatha was inconsolable for his loss. He grieved sorely, day and
night, and wore a desponding and dejected countenance. But these were
only faint indications of the feelings of his heart. He threw himself
upon the ground, and refused to be comforted. He seemed dumb with
melancholy, and the people were concerned of his life. He spoke nothing;
he made no answers to questions put to him, and laid still as if dead.
After several days the council appointed a certain merry-hearted Chief to
make him a visit, and to whisper a word of consolation in his ears to
arouse him from his stupor. The result was successful. He approached with
ceremonies and induced him to arise, and named the time when the council
would convene. Yet haggard with grief, he called for refreshments and
ate. He then adjusted his wardrobe and head-dress and went to the
council. He drew his robe of wolf-skin gracefully around him, and walked
to his seat at the head of the assembled chiefs with a majestic step.
Stiliness and the most profound attention reigned in the council while he
presided, and the discussion opened and proceeded. The subject of the
invasion was handled by several of the ablest counselors and the bravest
warriors. Various plans were proposed to defeat the enemy. Hiawatha
listened with silence until all had finished speaking. His opinion was
then asked. After a brief allusion of the calamity which had befallen him
through the descent of the great bird by the Great Spirit, he spoke to
the following effect:
"I have listened to the words of the wise men and brave chiefs, but it is
not fitting that we should do a thing of so much importance in haste; it
is a subject demanding calm reflection and mature deliberation. Let us
postpone the decision for one day. During this time we will weigh well
the words of the speakers who have already spoken. If they are good, I
will then approve of them. If they are not, I will then open to you my
plan. It is one which I have reflected on, and feel confident that it
will insure safety."
When another day had expired, the council again met. Hiawatha entered the
assembly with even more than ordinary attention, and every eye was fixed
upon him, when he began to address the council in the following words:
"Friends and Brothers:--You being members of many tribes, you have come
from a great distance; the voice of war has aroused you up; you are
afraid of your homes, your wives and your children; you tremble for your
safety. Believe me, I am with you. My heart beats with your hearts. We
are one. We have one common object. We come to promote our common
interest, and to determine how this can be best done.
"To oppose those hordes of northern tribes, singly and alone, would prove
certain destruction. We can make no progress in that way. We must unite
ourselves into one common band of brothers. We must have but one voice.
Many voices makes confusion. We must have one fire, one pipe and one war
club. This will give us strength. If our warriors are united they can
defeat the enemy and drive them from our land; if we do this, we are
safe.
"Onondaga, you are the people sitting under the shadow of the _Great
Tree_, whose branches spread far and wide, and whose roots sink deep
into the earth. You shall be the first nation, because you are warlike
and mighty.
"Oneida, and you, the people who recline your bodies against the
_Everlasting Stone_, that cannot be moved, shall be the second
nation, because you always give good counsel.
"Seneca, and you, the people who have your habitation at the foot of the
_Great Mountain_, and are overshadowed by its crags, shall be the
third nation, because you are all greatly gifted in speech.
"Cayuga, you, whose dwelling is in the _Dark Forest_, and whose home
is everywhere, shall be the fourth nation, because of your superior
cunning in hunting.
"Mohawk, and you, the people who live in the open country, and possess
much wisdom, shall be the fifth nation, because you understand better the
art of raising corn and beans and making cabins.
"You five great and powerful nations, with your tribes, must unite and
have one common interest, and no foes shall disturb or subdue you.
"And you of the different nations of the south, and you of the west, may
place yourselves under our protection, and we will protect you. We
earnestly desire the alliance and friendship of you all.
"And from you, Squaw-ki-haws (being a remote branch of the Seneca
Nation), being the people who are as the _Feeble Bushes_, shall be
chosen, a Virgin, who shall be the peacemaker for all the nations of the
earth, and more particularly the favored Ako-no-shu-ne, which name this
confederacy shall ever sustain. If we unite in one band the Great Spirit
will smile upon us, and we shall be free, prosperous and happy; but if we
shall remain as we are we shall incur his displeasure. We shall be
enslaved, and perhaps annihilated forever.
"Brothers, these are the words of Hiawatha. Let them sink deep into your
hearts. I have done."
A deep and impressive silence followed the delivery of this speech. On
the following day the council again assembled to act on it. High wisdom
recommended this deliberation.
The union of the tribes into one confederacy was discussed and
unanimously adopted. To denote the character and intimacy of the union
they employed the figure of a single council-house, or lodge, whose
boundaries be co-extensive with their territories. Hence the name of Ako-
no-shu-ne, who were called the Iroquois.
The great bird which visited them from heaven brought a precious gift to
the warriors in the white plumes which she shed at the visit. Every
warrior, as he approached the spot where they fell, picked up a feather
of snowy white to adorn his crown; and the celestial visitant thus became
the means of furnishing the aspirants of military fame with an emblem
which was held in the highest estimation. Succeeding generations imbibed
the custom from this incident to supply themselves with a plumage
approaching it as nearly as possible; they selected the plume of the
white heron.
At the formation of the confederacy Ato-ta-rho, being considered next in
wisdom and all other traits of character which constitutes the necessary
qualifications of an honored Sachem, was ordained as the head Sachem of
the confederacy, which office has been transmitted down to succeeding
generations of the Onondaga Nation to the present time.
Hiawatha, the guardian and founder of the league, having now accomplished
the will of the Great Spirit, and the withdrawal of his daughter having
been regarded by him as a sign that his mission was ended, he immediately
prepared to make his final departure. Before the great council, which had
adopted his advice just before dispersing, he arose, with a dignified
air, and addressed them in the following manner:
"Friends and Brothers:--I have now fulfilled my mission here below; I
have furnished you seeds and grains for your gardens; I have removed
obstructions from your waters, and made the forest habitable by teaching
you how to expel its monsters; I have given you fishing places and
hunting grounds; I have instructed you in the making and using of war
implements; I have taught you how to cultivate corn, and many other arts
and gifts. I have been allowed by the Great Spirit to communicate to you.
Last of all, I have aided you to form a league of friendship and union.
If you preserve this, and admit no foreign element of power by the
admission of other nations, you will always be free, numerous and happy.
If other tribes and nations are admitted to your councils, they will sow
the seed of jealousy and discord, and you will become few, feeble and
enslaved.
"Friends and brothers, these are the last words you will hear from the
lips of Hiawatha. The Great Creator of our bodies calls me to go; I have
patiently awaited his summons; I am ready to go. Farewell."
As the voice of the wise man ceased, sweet strains of music from the air
burst on the ears of the multitude. The whole sky appeared to be filled
with melody; and while all eyes were directed to catch glimpses of the
sights, and enjoy strains of the celestial music that filled the sky,
Hiawatha was seen, seated in his snow-white canoe, amid the air,
_rising, rising_ with every choral chant that burst out. As he rose
the sound of the music became more soft and faint, until he vanished amid
the summer clouds, and the melody ceased. Thus terminated the labors and
cares of the long-cherished memory of Ta-ren-ya-wa-gon.
I will now resume the history of the sixth and last family, the Tuscarora
On-gwe-hon-wa, that were left at the Neuse river, or Gan-ta-no. Here they
increased in numbers, valor and skill, and in all knowledge of the arts
necessary in forest life. The country was wide and covered with dense
wilderness, large rivers and lakes, which gave shelter to many fierce
animals and monsters which beset their pathways and kept them in dread.
Now the Evil Spirit also plagued them with monstrous visitations. They
were often induced to change their locations; sometimes from fear of
enemies and sometimes from epidemics, or some strange visitations.
I will now relate a few of the monsters that plagued them: The first
enemy that appeared to question their power or disturb their peace was
the fearful phenomenon of Ko-nea-rah-yah-neh, or the flying heads. The
heads were enveloped in beard and hair, flaming like fire; they were of
monstrous size, and shot through the air with the speed of meteors. Human
power was not adequate to cope with them. The priests pronounced them a
flowing power of some mysterious influence, and it remained with the
priests alone to expel them by their magic power.
[Illustration: Flying head and woman sitting by the fire]
Drum and rattle and enchantments were deemed more effective than arrows
or clubs. One evening, after they had been plagued a long time with
fearful visitations, the flying head came to the door of a lodge occupied
by a single female and her dog. She was sitting composedly before the
fire roasting acorns, which, as they became cooked, she deliberately took
from the fire and ate. Amazement seized the flying head, who put out two
huge black paws from under his streaming beard. Supposing the woman to be
eating live coals he withdrew, and from that time he came no more among
them.
And they were also invaded by a still more fearful enemy, the Ot-nea-yar-
heh, or Stonish Giants. They were a powerful tribe from the wilderness,
tall, fierce and hostile, and resistance to them was vain. They defeated
and overwhelmed an army which was sent out against them, and put the
whole country in fear. These giants were not only of great strength, but
they were cannibals, devouring men, women and children in their inroads.
[Illustration: Stonish giant chasing indians.]
It is said by the Shawnees that these giants were descended from a
certain family which was journeying on the east side of the Mississippi.
After some of them had crossed the river on a vine it broke, which left
the main body on the east bank of the river. Those who were on the west
side of the river went toward the northwest. Being abandoned in their
wanderings, and being vagrants, without any knowledge of the arts of
life, they forgot the rules of humanity. They at first began to eat their
game in the raw flesh, which led them finally to become cannibals, and
they practiced to roll themselves in the sand, which caused their bodies
to be covered with a hard skin, so that the arrows of the Tuscaroras only
rattled against their rough bodies and fell at their feet. And the
consequence was, that they were obliged to bide in caves and glens, and
were brought into subjection by those fierce invaders for many winters.
At length the Holder of the Heavens visited his people, and finding that
they were in great distress, he determined to relieve them of these
barbarous invaders. To accomplish this he changed himself as into one of
those giants. As you will remember, it is said that he was able to change
himself into any shape that he wished. He then joined himself with the
invaders, and brandishing his heavy war club, led them on under the
pretence of finding the other five nations, which they were also in the
habit of visiting. When they came near to the strong fort at Onondaga,
they being weary of the long journey, and the night being dark, their
leader bade them lie down at the foot of a mountain until the customary
time to make the attack, which was at the break of day. But during the
night the Indian benefactor ascended the height and overwhelmed the
slumberers below with a vast mass of rocks. At this catastrophe only one
escaped to carry the news of their dreadful fate, and he fled toward the
north.
The Tuscaroras and the other five nations were so much troubled with
giants and other monsters that they were obliged to build forts to
protect themselves. The way they built them was always by selecting an
eminence, or rocky cliff, and on the back part was dug a trench according
to the plan of the fort. Then timbers were set in the trench upright,
projecting above the ground several feet, and being adjusted together as
close as possible, and the trench being filled in again. They had two
gates, one way to get their water, the other for a sally port.
They were also molested by a terrific animal which they called Ro-qua-ho
--a variegated lizzard--a swift runner and strikes very violent blows with
its tail, which destroyed many hunters while lying in lurk for them. One
day while a party of hunters were on their journey to camp-out for the
purpose of hunting, the party consisting of four, they came to a very
large hollow tree where they noticed quite a number of great marks of
claws on the bark of the tree. Supposing it to be the lodge of bears,
they laid their bundles down and made ready for their game. One of them
bounded on the tree and climbed it, and he struck the trunk of the tree
several times. When the supposed bear appeared, to their consternation it
was found to be the enemy they so much dreaded, the Ro-qua-ho. The person
on the tree only stepped behind it and the other three ran away for their
lives. The Ro-qua-ho came down and pursued them, and while yet in sight
one was caught, killed and brought back, and he carried the body into the
tree. Then he went after the second which was brought in a short time,
after which, he went for the third; then the one on the tree came down
and ran away also. While on his way he heard a voice calling him; he
stopped, and behold, a man of stately form, with long flowing hair stood
and said, "Why run? I have seen the distress of my people, I have come to
deliver them out of trouble; now confide in me and we will prevail. I am
your benefactor, Tarenyawagon. Get behind me, the enemy is approaching."
In the twinkling of an eye this Celestial being was changed, and assumed
himself into a great white bear. When the Roquaho came a great struggle
ensued, but with the help of the man the enemy was killed.
They were again molested by an extraordinary and ferocious animal in
various places--a mammoth bear. One morning while a party of hunters were
in their camp, they were alarmed by a great tumult breaking out from the
forest. Upon going to ascertain the cause of this extraordinary noise,
they saw the great monster on the bank pawing and rolling stones and logs
in every direction, exhibiting the utmost rage. Another great animal of
the cat kind appeared, and seized the bear and a dreadful fight ensued.
In the end the bear got the worst of it and retired horribly mangled, and
never was heard of afterwards.
After a while a pestiferous and annoying creature of the insect kind
appeared in the guise of the Ro-tay-yo (a huge mosquito). It first
appeared among the Tuscaroras along the Neuse river. It flew about with
vast wings, making a loud noise, with a long stinger; and on whomsoever
it lighted it sucked out all the blood and killed them. Many warriors
were destroyed in this way, and all attempts made to subdue it were vain;
but at length it retired of itself. Next they heard that it appeared
about the fort at Onondaga, where it also destroyed many lives, until
Tarenyawagon made a visit to the ruler of the Onondagas. The great
mosquito happened to come flying about the fort as usual at that time.
Tarenyawago immediately made his attack, but such was the rapidity of its
flight, that he could scarcely keep in sight of it. He chased it around
the borders of the great lakes, towards the sun-setting, and around the
great country at large, east and west. At last he overtook it, and took
his strong bow and sent an arrow which struck him through the heart and
killed him, near Gen-an-do-a (the salt lake of Onondaga). From the blood
flowing out on this occasion were the present species of small mosquito
originated.
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