The Legends of the Iroquois

Book excerpt: It is not the purpose of this volume to deal to any considerable extent with the history of the Indians, but simply to present some of the legends of the Iroquois. To the reader or student, however, is due a brief statement as to the authority from which the folk-lore contained herein has been drawn, that there may remain no question as to its reliability. Contents: About Indian Legends The Authority The Confederation of the Iroquois Birth of the Arbutus A Legend of the River Legends of the Corn The First Winter The Great Mosquito The Story of Oniata The Mirror in the Water The Buzzard's Covering Origin of the Violet The Turtle Clan The Healing Waters The Sacrifice of Aliquipiso Why the Animals do not Talk The Message Bearers The Wise Sachem's Gift The Flying Head The Ash Tree The Hunter Hiawatha The Peacemaker An Unwelcome Visitor Bits of Folk-Lore The Happy Hunting-Grounds The Sacred Stone of the Oneidas