All language subtitles for Hiawatha 1952

(male narrator)
Should you ask me,
whence these stories?

Whence these
legends and traditions

with the odors of the forest

with the dew
and damp of meadows

with the curling smoke
of wigwams

with the rushing
of great rivers

with their frequent repetitions

and their wild reverberations

as of thunder in the mountains?

I should answer,
I should tell you

from the forests
and the prairies

from the great lakes
of the Northland

from the land of the Ojibwes,
from the land of the Dakotas

there they sang of Hiawatha.

Sang the song of Hiawatha.

Sang his wondrous
birth and being.

How he prayed
and how he fasted.

How he lived
and toiled and suffered

that the tribes of men
might prosper.

That he might
advance his people.

Hiawatha,
we found tracks already.

Look at these.

Deer tracks not more than
two hours old.

There'll be fresh venison
in our lodges tonight.

Not a very large one
from the size of the hoofmark.

Good.
Then, he will be more tender.

Here's another set,
these are bigger.

- Here are more.
- It's a whole family of deer.

Let's spread out.

They're Illinois.
Maybe a war party.

They're Illinois alright,
but they're not painted for war.

They're just a peaceful
hunting party like us.

What are they doing
in our territory?

Maybe they're lost.

What are you going to do?

- Talk to them.
- Be careful. They're Illinois.

[dramatic music]

Pau PukKeewis!

You fool. They were willing
to be friends.

They're friends no longer.

Put them to flight.
Follow them.

Wait. Step aside.

Are you mad?
Going into their territory?

He's right.
There are too few of us.

Fine warriors all of you.

We did not come here
as warriors.

We came here to hunt.

And that's what they were doing
until you lost your head.

Lost my head?
I saved your life.

'That Illinois was reaching
for an arrow--'

He was not.

He was unslinging his quiver
as I did so we could talk.

An Illinois? Our enemy for years
wanting to talk instead of kill?

It's only a flesh wound.

Can you make it
with Kwasind's help

or shall we build you a litter?

I'll be alright.

We better return to the village.

If there were any deer nearby,
they are long gone by now.

We'll take the deer they killed.

At least, we'll have something
to show for our trip.

And then the enemy turned
and fled before our arrows.

We did not follow them

because we did not want
to enter their territory.

You acted wisely, Pau PukKeewis.

He acted wisely!

If we had listened to him,
we'd still be pursuing them.

Tell them, Hiawatha.

Never mind, Chibiabos. Listen.

My brothers,
obviously the Illinois

are planning another war
against us.

'Scouting party so close to our
borders can mean only one thing'

they're looking for the best
approach to our village.

I say let us strike first.

Before they can organize
an attack against our people.

I would speak, Megissogwon.

The group of Illinois
we encountered today

was not a scouting party.

They were hunting
just as we were.

The deer Pau PukKeewis brought
was shot by them, not us.

'You saw the Illinois arrow
in its breast.'

(Megissogwon)
'If they were hunters,
why did they attack?'

I went to talk
to their leader.

He reached up to remove
his quiver, and Pau PukKeewis

'thinking he meant harm,
killed him.'

That's how it started.

Perhaps he saved my life.

If so, I'm very grateful.

Regardless of whether
our young braves encountered

a scouting party
or merely a group of hunters

we have learned
one thing my brothers

we have learned that shutting
ourselves from our neighbors

for so long has not been wise.

I would speak, Megissogwon.

My brothers, Megissogwon
has put into words

a fear that has long been
in my own heart.

That because our war drums
have remained silent

for so many moons

we grow complacent and soft.

While our enemies,
the Illinois

and the Dakotas
make plans for war.

We have no proof of this.

Nor do we have assurance
that it is not so.

I would speak, Megissogwon.

Fear of our neighbors

or of things unknown
and strange is understandable.

There is but one way to conquer
such doubts and fears.

Through knowledge.

I propose that we send our
bravest young men to explore

and scout the Illinois
and the Dakota territories.

I agree with Iagoo.

We grow old, we Ojibwe chiefs

and the young men
who will succeed us

how many of them
have been outside

our own tribal boundaries?

[indistinct chattering]

It is agreed then

that the exploration
as Iagoo wisely suggests

will be undertaken immediately.

[whispering indistinctly]

For leader of an expedition
into the land of our enemies

the Illinois,
we have selected Pau PukKeewis.

'And to accompany him,
Chunung...and Hiawatha.'

Are there any in the council who
disapprove of this selection?

Wait.

- 'You object, Pau PukKeewis?'
- I do.

Since I have been selected
to lead this party

I must have full confidence
in my men.

'Therefore, I ask for another
in place of Hiawatha.'

What is your reason,
Pau PukKeewis?

He isn't experienced in battle.

I prefer Neyadji
whose deeds I know

and is of pure Ojibwe blood.

[indistinct chattering]

We are all Ojibwe here, my son.

'However, since you
will be leader of the mission'

'it is right you be granted
your choice of men.'

Wait, Hiawatha.

With the approval
of the council

I select you to lead
a scouting party

into the territory
of the Dakotas.

I need not ask
if you're willing, my son.

'You may chose two companions.'

I select Chibiabos and Kwasind.

Pau PukKeewis,
I wish to speak with you.

Yes.

I demand to know the meaning of
the word you spoke in council?

Demand is a strong word from one
who claims to be so peaceful.

What did you mean
by pure Ojibwe blood?

I was speaking
of my friend, Neyadji.

- I know, but you meant me.
- Yes.

That's exactly who I meant.

- I'm warning you Pau--
- It is I who warn you.

I say what I believe.

If you think that you can
stop me, you're free to try

any place, any time.

What is troubling you,
Pau PukKeewis?

What is the cause
of this hatred you bear me?

We have never seen things
through the same eyes, Hiawatha.

We never will.

We will fight one day,
Pau PukKeewis.

I will be ready.

I still would like to know
what Pau PukKeewis

meant by pure Ojibwe blood.

He said it,
and in open council too.

Strange. Everybody seemed
to know what he meant by it

but nothing more
was said about it.

Grandmother, what did he mean?

It grows late.

You should rest
for your journey tomorrow.

Nokomis, I must know.

I had hoped that time
would erase certain memories

but it has not.

Yes, grandson..

...I think the time has come
when you should know.

Wenonah, who was your mother
and my daughter

was the most beautiful
and gentlest of our tribe.

She could've chosen
any young man for her husband

any brave in the village.

But there came into our midst
a stranger from another tribe.

And when she saw him

Wenonah became as one bewitched.

She married him.

Were they happy?

They seemed but to live
and breathe for one another

until a messenger
from his tribe came one day

to say that his father
had died and he was now chief.

He left Wenonah.

Who was then carrying you
and could not travel easily.

He promised to return for her.

Wenonah waited..

...and waited.

He never returned.

Day and night,
she yearned for him

until finally she died of grief.

He killed her.

As if he'd done it
with his own hands.

Who is my father?

Tell me.
I'll find him and destroy him.

I've often dreamed of such.

Wenonah's son growing up
to avenge her death.

Tell me who is he?

No. You might be killed,
and this I could not have.

Tell me where is he.

He lives in a distant land.

Forget your thoughts
of vengeance.

It is better now
to prove yourself worthy

of being called an Ojibwe.

Be careful. I will not be with
you this time to protect you.

[instrumental music]

You know, I don't think
we will find much excitement.

Don't be too sure.

We still have a lot
of ground to cover.

Speaking of that, I think..

It's a Dakota.

No, Kwasind.
It's just a peaceful hunter.

The Illinois planned
a war against us.

Why kill a Dakota
and stir up more trouble?

As I started to say before
instead of traveling together

we should separate and cover
three times as much ground

'and we can meet here
two dawns from now.'

- You mean each one of us alone?
- Why not?

Are you afraid? There's nothing
here, but Dakotas.

They would only cut your throat.

There are other things
around here besides Dakotas.

If you would use your eyes more
instead of your mouth

you would've seen
the bear tracks.

We will draw to decide
our directions.

The longest goes north

the shortest, south
and the next, west.

- North.
- South

West.

Remember. Two dawns
from now. Here.

[dramatic music]

[growling]

[growling]

[growling]

Father, what has happened?
Who is he?

'An Ojibwe brave.
A bear attacked him.'

Ojibwe, our enemies.

- We must send word.
- First, we tend his wounds.

Get ointments.
Start making poultices.

Bring water.
Help me carry him inside.

He's sleeping soundly.

- His head feels cool.
- He's a spy.

Sooner you send word to
Mudjekeewis of his capture.

the safer Iwill feel.

Perhaps he wandered
into our lands accidently.

We have no proof of his spying.

That's for Mudjekeewis and his
council to decide, not us.

You know what would happen
if we sent word to the chiefs.

He'd be put to death.

Seems wrong somehow.

'He's already been
so close to death'

and he's very young.

And may be very evil.

[water splashing]

Oh! You're awake.

What is this place?
Who brought me here?

You're a prisoner
captured by my father.

Your father?

Where is your father?

Lie still and open your mouth.

- I'm not hungry.
- Eat!

[coughs]
But I'm really not
very hung--

Father said if you woke up,
you were to be fed.

I went through
trouble to make this

and now you're
going to eat it.

It's really very good.

Father, he's waking up.

You feeling better?

Yes. You and your daughter
have been very good to me.

Your wounds heal quickly.

You're healthy and strong

but nobody is strong enough
to wrestle a bear that size.

The wrestling was not my idea.

I owe you my life.

I suppose that's true.

'You were unwise to hunt
so far from your own lands.'

'My daughter believes that
you were not hunting at all.'

She thinks you're a spy.

Your daughter's right.

I am a spy.

I see.

Then your people are planning
war upon the Dakotas?

No. My mission was to learn
what preparations for war

you were making against us.

And what did you learn?

Not very much.

I saw one Dakota hunter
and one bear.

That's as far as I got.

What is your name?

Hiawatha.

I am Lakku, the arrow maker.

Hiawatha, if I were to tell you
we make no plans for war

would you believe me?

Yes. I would.

Then, should you be allowed
to return to your own people

what would you tell them?

I would tell them how Lakku,
maker of arrows

rescued me from certain death

and how he and his lovely
daughter cared for my wounds.

And I'd tell them
it would be impossible

for people like
that to want war.

You think he speaks
the truth, my daughter?

He talks with a fast tongue

but then captive spies
always do.

You, of course, have listened
to a great many captive spies

so you know what
you're talking about.

Alright.

Do whatever you want with him

but don't be surprised
if he tells

a completely different story
when he gets home.

What else could he tell?

Why do you keep
asking me questions?

Who's the spy?
He or I?

You will learn
if you haven't already

that women, even when they
know they're wrong

seldom admit it.

My daughter is no exception.

It's a beautiful day.

- It is.
- 'Really a wonderful day.'

There's just enough breeze
to make it pleasant.

You know, I think this is the
most beautiful time of year

and you're the most beautiful
girl I've ever seen.

Looks like this has been washed
a little too long in one place

Let us hope it is not going
to be a cold winter.

It's your fault.

You should be inside
recovering from your wounds

instead of annoying busy women.

You're not that busy.
Talk to me for a while.

That is unless you're
still afraid of me.

Hiawatha, are the other
Ojibwe people like you?

Of course. Why?

I've always thought your people
to be fierce and very evil.

And for as long
as I can remember

I thought the same
of the Dakotas.

I know better now.

I do too. I'm glad.

Coming here and meeting you has
been the most wonderful thing

that ever happened to me.

I wish I could find
words to tell you.

Please. Don't try.

But we're friends now,
you and I.

I find that being friends
with you isn't enough.

I love you.

No, you're just grateful
to me for what I've done.

You haven't known me
long enough.

Besides, I'm betrothed.

Oh, who is he?

His name is Ogeema.

He's a very brave and kind man.

I'm sure he is.

Please ask your chief to accept
these arrows as a gift from me.

I've made them with great care.

With the hope of peace
in my heart.

I will be very proud to, Lakku.

There's nothing more
to say except thank you

and may the great spirit
go with you always.

And with you, Hiawatha.

I tried not to see you again

but I couldn't let you go
without telling you.

Without telling me what?

I want you to stay.

I can't do that,
but I can come back.

- When?
- When the leaves fall.

- Will you be waiting?
- Yes.

- What will you tell Ogeema?
- The truth.

That I love Hiawatha.

[flute music]

Why don't you stop making
those foolish noises?

Don't be so nervous.
Hiawatha will be here.

What makes you so sure?
He's already a day late.

I know.

If he's not here by dark,
we'll search for him.

In the meantime, one of us
better do a little hunting.

You've eaten every bit of this
huge beast of bear you killed.

Well, he was a very fierce
animal for its size.

He probably chased you until
he dropped from exhaustion.

(Hiawatha)
'Chibiabos, Kwasind.'

Hiawatha.

What happened to you?

A great deal.

First, I encountered a bear.

Look.

Look at the size
of those claw marks.

That was a bear.

Did you kill him?

No. He almost killed me.

If it hadn't been for Lakku,
I wouldn't be here.

Lakku? That's a strange name.

- Who is he?
- Maker of arrows.

He gave me these to present
to Megissogwon.

Those are Dakota arrows.

Right. But let us head for home.

I'll tell you
about it on the way.

[flute music]

I've come to a decision I ought
to tell you about, my friends.

I'm going to take a wife.

Don't feel too bad about it.
It happens to us all.

Who is she?

I've told you about
the arrow-maker's daughter.

A Dakota woman?

Wait till you meet her.

She's beautiful and good.

Perhaps she is

but you know what our people
think of outsiders.

Especially the Dakotas.

All the more reason.

When they know her,
they'll realize the Dakotas

are the same as we are.

Did you see anything?

No. Everything seems quiet.

Yes. Too quite.

I still don't trust them.

- What did you find?
- Nothing.

I saw no preparations for war.

It would be better if you had.

Our people are growing soft.

Let's start back.

Illinois.

They're just hunters.
They're in their own territory.

They are now, yes

but they're coming from our
country with all that game.

Killed within our boundaries.

Make ready, both of you.

[dramatic music]

That one will not go far.

I'll report that we killed them
within our own boundaries

because that's where their
bodies will be found.

This might really
start a war.

It'll have to start sometime.
We all know that.

We can defeat the Illinois.

And after we do, we'll move
against Mudjekeewis

and his Dakotas.

I'm hungry.

Why don't we camp for the night?

With an early start,
we can reach home by noon.

To shore.

We are heroes, my friends.
Just as I said we would be.

- Did the chiefs believe you?
- Of course they did.

Did you tell them
of the Illinois who escaped?

No, he didn't escape us.

How far could he have gone?

Maybe as far as
his own village.

If he did,
you know what that means.

I tell you he couldn't have.

And even so,
do we fear the Illinois?

- No.
- Well, then stop worrying.

We all now there'll be war
between us someday.

The council of chiefs listened

when I advised
making preparations.

There'll be a war council
in the village tomorrow.

[dramatic music]

[whispering]
Chibiabos, Kwasind.

- What is it?
- Illinois.

A war party.

The canoe will get us
to the village first.

[dramatic music]

They will attack at dawn.

We'll never reach
the village before that.

I might get there first
if I cut across the river.

- Yes.
- You follow the Illinois.

You may find a way
to get past them.

[dramatic music]

Are you alright?

[dramatic music]

Megissogwon, Megissogwon.

The Illinois have surrounded
the village.

They're waiting
to attack at dawn.

The Illinois have surrounded
the village. Wake the others.

[screaming]

[dramatic music]

[screaming]

[dramatic music]

Hiawatha.

Iagoo, why didn't you stay
where you'd be safe.

- I had to do my part.
- We'll take you home.

No. No, while I still
have breath, let me speak.

I am a stubborn old man.

I burdened you
with my endless words

even in the face of death.

Do not speak such words, Iagoo.

It is my time now,
and I'm ready.

In my youth,
I was a great warrior.

In battle, I was first. Always.

And this was my pride.

But I have seen the snows
of many winters.

And they have brought me
a wisdom I..

...did not have in my youth.

I have learned to grieve at the
suffering and waste of our wars.

Perhaps if we did not make our
tribe feared by others

'we in turn would not
need to fear.'

Now, you, Hiawatha,
will lead our clan.

Remember my...words.

[women humming]

Oh, Iagoo, your feet
are now upon a different path.

The old trail leading
you homeward.

For four days and four nights

you will journey to the
land of the hereafter

where the spirits
of our ancestors dwell.

Here's food to sustain
you on that journey.

And here, a fire which
shall light your night.

When your spirit reaches
that distant land

speak to the great Manitou
for us, his children.

That our tribe
may dwell in peace.

And men may meet his friends.

Speak with naked
hearts together.

Spirit of Iagoo, farewell.

[humming continues]

My brothers, we have honored
the dead who gave their lives

in our defense.

The period of mourning is over.

Tonight, we meet
to honor the living

whose courage and bravery
won victory over the Illinois.

Ajawac will speak.

[indistinct murmuring]

You know who saved our people.

Who warned us in time
to destroy the enemy

who sought to destroy us.

We owe much to Hiawatha.

(Ajawac)
'Tonight, following after Iagoo
as chief of his clan'

we welcome him to his place
among the chieftains.

And to honor you
for the great deed

you have done for your people

the council of chiefs
give you the feather of Kaneu.

A mighty eagle.

You have the right
to wear it as a mark

of your courage and daring.

My brothers, you've heard.

Are there any who think
this should not be?

[indistinct chattering]

Ajawac will continue.

Another we honor
is Pau PukKeewis.

We have long known Pau PukKeewis
bravery and daring.

'Always he's been among
the tribes leading warriors.'

He slew many of the Illinois

and was foremost in pursuing
those who sought to escape.

It is thought good he'd take
his place in the war council.

You have heard. Are there anyone
who think this should not be?

Hold. I would speak.

I would not have it so.

That Pau PukKeewis has
great courage, no one doubts.

'It is his judgment
I question.'

Had he not killed
the Illinois hunters

there would've been no attack
on our people.

'And my son would not
have been killed.'

I fear you speak hastily
out of grief.

As you know I've been
in many battles.

I brought honor
to my clan and to my tribe.

What our brother said is true.

Pau PukKeewis did not stop to
think what was good for us all.

He should've avoided killing
the Illinois hunters.

Since when among our people
has it been wrong

to slay one of an enemy tribe?

Was I to run and hide
from the Illinois?

I come from burying Iagoo,
best loved of our chiefs.

He died in my arms.

His last words were
"He who does not want to fear

must not live to be feared."

Iagoo was an old man.

With the wisdom
of many winters.

In his youth, he was always
in the forefront of battle.

In his age,
he would've undone it all.

He died praying to
the great Manitou

that Ojibwe might learn
the wisdom of peace.

And did he think he could ever
tread a friendly trail

to the campfire of the Illinois?

- Or the Dakotas?
- He did.

- And you agree?
- More than that.

I've already done so.

I've waited for this opportunity

to announce something
to the council.

'I intend marrying
a Dakota maiden.'

A Dakota maiden?

The daughter of Lakku,
the arrow maker.

Are you not aware this may cause
trouble between the tribes?

Why should it?

Megissogwon, a gift from Lakku,
the arrow maker.

'He said he made them with peace
in his heart.'

Love has made fools
out of men before.

The council has the right to ban
you from the tribe for this.

I know.

It is a decision
not to be made in open council

but among the chiefs alone.

If you withhold your consent,
I will still marry her.

Even if we have to live alone
in the woods. Outcasts.

Without a tribe.

[dramatic music]

Oh, daughter,
bring me the arrow heads.

Your unhappiness grieves me.

I do not like to see you
clinging to a dream.

He promised
he would return, father.

Promises are lightly made
and soon forgotten.

Do not waste
your nights in tears.

Would it not be better to accept
the love of Ogeema

rather then to yearn in vain?

I do not love Ogeema, father.

How long will you wait?

Moons have passed
and still you crave.

For your own sake and mine

will you name a time
when you'll put away this hope?

And make contentment
for yourself.

Hiawatha said he'd be back
when the leaves began to fall.

If he isn't,
then I will marry Ogeema.

[dramatic music]

Chiefs haven't given
their consent to my marriage.

But they haven't
withheld it either.

Are there no women among us that
you must seek this stranger?

I love her.
And promised her I'd return.

I won't have her wait in vain
as you for my father.

The Dakotas keep no promises.
Why should you?

Then I don't have
your consent either?

You're a chief now.
You don't need my consent.

Once I agreed
to such a marriage.

It brought only
heartbreak and despair.

Like the Illinois

Mudjekeewis and all
his Dakotas are devils.

I wish your heart were not
so set against her.

I shall accept her as your wife.

But I can never give her love.

[dramatic music]

You sent for me, Megissogwon?

Yes, my son.
Seat yourself.

The council of chiefs has given
its consent your marriage.

Thank you, Megissogwon.
Thank you.

The discussions have taken
several moons, as you know

and there was much disagreement.

I can understand this.

I am grateful to those that have
decided in my favor.

I have been one of those
from the beginning.

I believe in your dream of peace
between us and the Dakotas.

It need no longer be a dream.

I've seen these people,
and I know they're good.

It was mentioned
often in the council

that the judgment of a young man
in love was not to be trusted.

But it was also mentioned..

...perhaps the eyes of love
see more clearly

than do the eyes of hate.

Go then, my son. To the land of
the Dakotas with my blessings.

And return here with your bride.

[instrumental music]

I think it'd be better
if we went with you.

In case of trouble,
you wouldn't be alone.

I wont' have any trouble.

And I don't expect to be
alone for long.

[instrumental music]

'Good luck.'

Come home soon.

Come, let us start
to build that..

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

It's Hiawatha!

'Hiawatha!'

'It's Hiawatha!'

This is Kwasind and Chibiabos.
I've told you about them.

And this is Nokomis,
my grandmother.

I'll take you to meet
our chief, Megissogwon.

[pleasant music]

You're welcome, my daughter.
When is the marriage feast?

In two suns.
If the hunting is good.

[pleasant orchestral music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Good. Did Kwasind get his deer?

I don't know. He was still
trailing it when I left him.

They will be enough.

[tribal music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Why isn't Kwasind here?

Not like him
to miss a feast.

[music continues]

(PukKeewis)
'Megissogwon!'

What is it?
What happened?

It is Kwasind, he's dead.

Kwasind!

He was found near
the west boundaries.

- Killed.
- By the Dakotas.

(Pau)
'By the cursed men
of Mudjekeewis'

'An evil deed but no surprise'

'to those who do not
forget Dakota treachery.'

You're the chief
of Kwasind's clan.

When do you plan
to lead a party in revenge?

I love Kwasind as a brother.

If I knew who killed him,
I'd hunt him down.

But to charge the entire Dakota
nation with this crime

would only fill both our lands
with suffering and death.

The Dakota woman makes you
forget your duties.

This is the way of weaklings.
Not of men.

This is a matter for my clan.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

You notice how much easy it is
to feed me now

than it was the first time?

Remember the broth you forced me
to eat when I was wounded?

I remember. Those were happy
days in my fathers lodge.

Are not these happy days
in your husband's lodge?

Oh, you know I'm happy
with you, Hiawatha.

But during the day when you're
not by my side..

I know.

The women, the men,
even the children turn from me

when I approach them.

What must I do, Hiawatha?

You must be patient, my wife.

And believe as I believe that
one day my people will love you.

For yourself, as I do.

Hope that day comes soon.

It will.
I know it will.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Why do you fetch me water?

Your basket was empty.

Why are you always doing things
for me? I have never asked it.

I don't know. Maybe it's because
we both love Hiawatha.

(Nokomis)
Wait here.

- You like these?
- They're beautiful.

Wear them.

- Oh, Nokomis--
- Go now. I have things to do.

[pleasant music]

[music continues]

Did I spoil your fishing?

I have plenty.

Something's made you happy.

Nokomis gave me these.

- Nokomis?
- Yes.

She made this necklace
for Wenonah, my mother

but she died before
it was finished.

This means Nokomis thinks
of you as her daughter.

[slow-paced tribal drums]

Another bad one.

This one is bad too.

- Crop is blighted.
- What should we do?

Summon the men.
Call the chiefs.

[faced-paced tribal drums]

[drumming continues]

[drumming stops]

Not one ear in five is good.

And winter's almost upon us.

There will be hunger.

Any luck?

- What should we do?
- I'll try again tomorrow.

He's back.

We had to beyond the swamp
for this one.

Cold is driving them south.

It will not last long when
divided with others who need.

- Greetings. May I enter?
- Welcome.

Some deer meat.
We had better luck today.

A fine gift these days.
Daughter, put this away.

Bring tobacco for our guest.

Evil days are upon us.

Our people suffer much
from the lack of grain.

What else can we expect?

Wasn't Kwasind slain
why the Dakotas?

Doesn't his death
remain unavenged?

And still some accept
the Dakota woman among us.

Too many listen to Hiawatha.

Forget the ways of our fathers.

We're guilty of many sins.

'This is our punishment.'

Our fathers did not sit around
and wait for starvation.

I know the Dakotas have many
buffalos in their territory.

And keep much dried meat.

We ought to raid their village.

Not only avenge our dead

we'd be acting as men
and warriors.

Once when I was young,
there was hunger.

We made such a raid, and our
people ate well after that

and won much glory.

That's why I came to you,
Wabeek.

Since the trouble
with the Illinois

Megissogwon listens to Hiawatha.

Not to me.

But you're respected
by everybody.

'If you spoke,
it might do some good.'

There is a better way.

First, enlist the men
who would follow you.

Megissogwon will have
to listen to you.

Then my words will have weight.

You are right, Wabeek.

Why should we wait here
until we're starving?

Game is scarce now.

It'll be scarce after
the first big storm.

I've spoken to many,
and everyone agrees.

By doing this,
we avenge Kwasind's death.

Spirits of our fathers
will be appeased.

There'll be no more
hunger among us.

So I speak to you
as Ojibwes and warriors.

Will you join me?

- I'm for it.
- I will join.

Why should the Dakotas
live in plenty

while your child hungers?

Hiawatha..

Pau PukKeewis is gathering men
to make up a war party.

Are you sure?

He's going to see Megissogwon,
to seek his consent.

Is there any way
to stop them?

Our people are hungry.

He's promised them that a raid
would provide food.

(Hiawatha)
'It's only an excuse.'

It's war he wants
and glory for himself.

My people have
always had plenty.

I'm sure they'd give us
food if they knew our need.

I think so too.
I know they would.

If only we could meet together,
not as tribes but as people..

'Then we might understand
each other.'

Chibiabos, you must
leave at once.

- Go to the Dakotas.
- Find Lakku, my father.

He will take you
to Mudjekeewis, our great chief.

Tell them that my life
with Hiawatha's been good.

But tell them
also of our need.

And I ask that there be
friendship between our tribes.

Hurry, if you succeed, you'll
stop Pau PukKeewis and the war.

- I'll leave right now.
- And I'll go to Megissogwon.

Already more than a 100 warriors
have agreed to follow me.

With your consent,
there'll be more.

Many of our men will die.

What do you think, Wabeek?

I agree with those who prefer
to die bravely than starve.

(Hiawatha)
'I would speak, Megissogwon.'

It's true there is
not much food.

But if our entire tribe
hunted together

we might get enough
so no one would starve.

That can only last
a short while.

After that,
there'll be heavy snows.

It'll be difficult, maybe
impossible to raid the Dakotas.

It would be too late,
the sooner it's done the better.

Can it be you're speaking
for your Dakota wife?

That you'd rather see
your own people starve

than make war against hers?

I don't war for anybody.

If we go to them
as friends

'I know they'll give us food
out of their stores.'

- I'd rather die than beg.
- It would not be begging.

It'd be asking as friends..

...willing to repay
when we have plenty.

I ask one thing.

Chibiabos has gone to Lakku
to speak for this.

'Please wait until he returns.'

When will that be?

Seven suns, no longer.

If Chibiabos succeeds,
there need be no war.

If he fails, you have
my consent to make the raid.

Your mind is not in
what we're doing.

I'm impatient
for Chibiabos' return.

- You think he'll succeed?
- He must.

With Lakku's help,
he will.

You think of it too much.

Let's finish with
this honeycomb.

Do not be so troubled, Hiawatha.

Chibiabos will be successful,
I know he will.

You think I'm wrong
to worry about him?

Of course.

Now eat..

...or must I feed you again?

With food as scarce as it is,
no one can waste a morsel of it.

I hope there will soon
be plenty.

Chanung, come,
let's prepare our canoe.

There's another day yet.
There may not be a raid.

Pau PukKeewis said to be ready.

I'll be ready.

Pau PukKeewis, I wish
to talk with you.

I have no words to say
to a Dakota woman.

I'm a Dakota woman
no longer.

I'm the wife of an
Ojibwe brave, you know that.

Besides, the Dakotas are not
your enemies, you know that too.

- We shall see.
- Yes, we shall see.

As soon as Chibiabos returns
with provisions.

Pau PukKeewis, I wanted to talk
to you about my husband.

- He sent you?
- 'No, of course not.'

I want to know what it is
that makes you hate him so.

Because he is weak..

...traitor and a coward.

[birds chirping]

[dramatic music]

- Any word of Chibiabos?
- No.

Don't be impatient,
there's still time.

This is the seventh sun.

I see Pau PukKeewis' followers
getting their canoes ready.

They won't use them.

I know my father prevailed upon
Mudjekeewis to give us food.

I would not put my trust
in Mudjekeewis.

[women singing softly]

Chibiabos..

My son.

The Dakotas
have killed my son.

[fast-paced drumming]

[drumming continues]

My son has been killed
by the Dakotas.

The men of all the clans are
gathering to avenge his death.

All the clans but his own.

'Still you have not given
your consent.'

When Kwasind died,
what you said seemed fair.

But how can we disregard
the murder of Chibiabos

who went to them
on an errand of peace?

By this, they challenge
us to war.

What you say is true.
Those who wish to join may go.

And you, Hiawatha?
You were like brothers.

'In our lodge, you were
like a second son.'

'It was on a journey for you
that he gave his life.'

'Will you not seek
to avenge his death?'

Chibiabos and I both believed
there could be peace.

Not while Mudjekeewis
is their chief.

He has evil in his heart, a man
of deceit and false promises.

Long ago when I told you of
who caused your mother's death

'I told you he lived
in a distant land.'

I thought you'd seek revenge
and might be killed.

But I withheld the truth.

He is Mudjekeewis,
chief of the Dakotas.

He must have sanctioned
Chibiabos' death.

He must be
what you say he is..

I know what I have
to do now.

I'm going,
not to kill Dakotas

but to bring death
to Mudjekeewis.

What did you find?

Their village is beyond
the next hill.

Everything is quiet.

We better rest here,
move in just before dawn.

Tell the men.

Mudjekeewis!

Who calls my name?

One who has come
to take your life.

You are Ojibwe?

Yes.

[knife clatters]

I'll kill you with my
bare hands, Mudjekeewis.

It's better that way.
For Wenonah, my mother..

You are my son.

No! I'm Wenonah's son.

Wenonah whom you killed.

My son..

[exhales sharply]

You are still my son.

When I came back here,
they made me chief.

I wanted to return to your
village for Wenonah, my wife.

But the council of my chiefs
would not permit it.

I was determined to find
a way in spite of this.

Then I learned that
your mother was dead.

Because of my love for her,
I never had hatred for Ojibwe.

I always fought to discourage
warlike acts against them.

Your people killed Kwasind,
whom I loved

and murdered Chibiabos
who was like a brother to me

and whom I sent
as a friend.

That is not true.

I would've learned
of Kwasind's death

had the Dakotas killed him.

As for Chibiabos,
I heard his words

and sent him back with a promise
that we'd willingly give food

if he would return with men
to carry it away.

If he was slain,
it was not by Dakota hands.

Then it must've been done
by someone

who'd like to see war
between our tribes.

We have little time.
A big war party of my people

are outside your village
waiting for dawn.

It's time we move up.

Wake up.
We move.

(male #1)
'Wake up.'

It's Hiawatha.

Wait here.

Megissogwon, there is
no need for bloodshed.

The Dakotas are willing to help
us, give us the food we need.

Can this be true?

As proof of friendship,
Mudjekeewis, their great chief

and members of his council have
come unarmed to welcome you.

Wait.

How can we forget the deaths
of Kwasind and Chibiabos?

Are we going to accept
their gifts

as bribe for their punishment?

Time to strike is now.
They're unarmed.

'Capture them,
the village will be easy.'

They're unarmed because
they have no fear.

Or no sense of guilt.

Chibiabos and Kwasind
were not killed by Dakotas.

Chibiabos was returning home
with promise of aid

when he was killed.

Murdered by one of our tribe.

You're defending
the Dakotas again.

This time by accusing
one of our own tribe.

But you forget, in the bodies
of Kwasind and Chibiabos

were Dakota arrows.

Megissogwon, as a gift I once
brought three Dakota arrows.

Where are they?

Pau PukKeewis asked
to try them.

Where are the arrows?

I lost two of them hunting.

I still have one left.

Useo, did you not say you have
the arrow that killed Chibiabos?

Yes, I saved it to return
to the Dakotas myself.

Lakku made only three of these
as a gift for our chief.

They are the same.

Pau PukKeewis, our brother's
blood is on your hands.

[dramatic music]

Go forth now to the Fox,
the Ottoway, and the Illinois

bearing the gifts
we send them.

Let them,
with their own eyes

behold that the Ojibwe
and the Dakota

come together in peace.

And that they therefore too
can meet in friendly council.

And may the great spirit
guide you on your way.

[instrumental music]

(male narrator)
Thus departed Hiawatha,
in the glory of the sunset

in the purple mist of evening..

Summoning the tribes together

saying..

"All your strength
is in your union..

"...all your danger
is in discord."

"Therefore, be at peace
hence forward..

"...and as brothers,
live together."

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]