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In this book, Rice offers a comprehensive history based on the oral traditions of the Rotinonshonni Longhouse People, also known as the Iroquois. Drawing upon J. N. B. Hewitt's translation and the oral presentations of Cayuga Elder Jacob Thomas, Rice records the Iroquois creation story, the origin of Iroquois clans, the Great Law of Peace, the European invasion, and the life of Handsome Lake. As a participant in a 700-mile walk following the story of the Peacemaker who confederated the original five warring nations that became the Rotinonshonni, Rice traces the historic sites located in what are now known as the Mississippi River Valley, Upstate New York, southern Quebec, and Ontario. The Rotinonshonni creates from oral traditions a history that informs the reader about events that happened in the past and how those events have shaped and are still shaping Rotinonshonni society today.… (more)
User reviews
This is the fundamental canon of the Rotinonshonni people and understandably carries a lot of spiritual weight. It tells the story of Rotinonshonni from the myths of the Sky World to the history of the Peacemaker and Ayenwatha (now remembered as Hiawatha) as they encountered French and British travelers. It is a rich tale and almost relentless in its gravitas. The language is naturally stilted because many concepts in the Rotinonshonni languages do not have a direct English translation. That being said, it is a collection worth telling and listening to. A dense but enlightening book.