Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Maurice Kenny’s "Aiionwatha" is a poetic reimagining of the legendary figure Hiawatha (Aiionwatha), who, under the guidance of Deganawidah, the Peacemaker, helped unite the Iroquois nations and establish the Great Law of Peace. The poem distills a moment of transformation, capturing the weight of responsibility, the call to action, and the vision of unity that Hiawatha carried forward. Kenny’s spare yet resonant lines invoke the historical and mythic dimensions of the story, emphasizing themes of reconciliation, renewal, and the power of language to shape destiny.

The poem begins with a declaration of listening:
"I have listened / and I will aid the stutterer to unite the people of this river country."
These opening lines acknowledge Deganawidah’s role as the Peacemaker while also establishing Aiionwatha as his voice. The phrase "I have listened" is significant—before he can speak, Aiionwatha must first receive the message, internalize it, and make it his own. The reference to Deganawidah as "the stutterer" points to a key aspect of the Iroquois tradition: the Peacemaker, though wise and visionary, struggled with speech. Because of this, Aiionwatha became his spokesperson, ensuring that the message of peace could be effectively communicated and spread among the warring Iroquois nations.

The next lines outline Aiionwatha’s mission:
"I will start with the Mohawk, / carry the word to Atotarho of the Ononda, / advise him to take the bones from the pot and water the pine."
Here, Aiionwatha sets forth on his journey, beginning with the Mohawk, the first of the Five Nations (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca) to embrace the Peacemaker’s vision. The reference to Atotarho of the Ononda (Onondaga) introduces one of the most formidable challenges of this mission. Atotarho was a feared leader, depicted in legend as a powerful and malevolent figure with snakes entwined in his hair, symbolizing chaos and violence. He represents the deep divisions and brutality that plagued the Iroquois before their unification.

The phrase "advise him to take the bones from the pot and water the pine" alludes to a critical aspect of the Peacemaker’s teachings—the renunciation of cannibalism and intertribal warfare. The bones in the pot are human remains, a sign of past violence that must be abandoned. The act of watering the pine invokes the White Pine, a symbol of the Iroquois Confederacy, whose "white roots of peace" extend in all directions, signifying the far-reaching nature of their newfound unity. By taking the bones from the pot, Atotarho would be turning away from war and destruction; by watering the pine, he would be nurturing the future of a peaceful nation.

Aiionwatha’s mission continues:
"I will travel and tell this to both the younger brothers and the elder brothers."
This distinction refers to the traditional ordering of the Five Nations. The Mohawk, Onondaga, and Seneca were considered the Elder Brothers, while the Oneida and Cayuga were the Younger Brothers. Aiionwatha’s duty is to carry the message to both, ensuring that the vision of unity reaches all members of the confederacy.

The final lines reaffirm his purpose:
"I will show them the white roots of peace as he has instructed. / We will mold a Nation."
The white roots of peace encapsulate the fundamental philosophy of the Iroquois Confederacy: a commitment to unity, diplomacy, and governance rooted in mutual respect. The shift from "I" to "we" in the final line—"We will mold a Nation."—marks the culmination of Aiionwatha’s mission. He is not just a messenger; he is an active participant in the creation of a new order. This shift reflects the communal nature of the Iroquois system, in which leadership is collective, decisions are made through consensus, and the welfare of the people is paramount.

Kenny’s poem is structured with short, declarative lines that mirror the gravity and clarity of Aiionwatha’s mission. There is a sense of movement in the poem—the journey from one nation to another, the transformation of violence into peace, the molding of a nation from disparate factions. The deliberate simplicity of the language conveys the weight of oral tradition, reflecting the way such messages were passed down through generations.

The poem’s historical and cultural grounding makes it more than just a retelling of legend—it is an affirmation of Indigenous governance, diplomacy, and resistance. The Great Law of Peace, which Aiionwatha helped establish, influenced the democratic ideals later enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, though its Indigenous origins are often overlooked. In reclaiming this history, Kenny not only honors the Iroquois legacy but also challenges dominant narratives that ignore the sophistication of Indigenous political systems.

"Aiionwatha" is a powerful distillation of a foundational moment in Indigenous history, capturing the resolve and vision of a leader who helped unify his people. Maurice Kenny’s portrayal of Aiionwatha as a determined messenger and builder of peace reinforces the idea that words, when wielded with wisdom and purpose, can reshape nations. The poem reminds us that peace is not passive—it requires action, persuasion, and a willingness to confront the past in order to build a more just future.

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