At the time of his birth Hiawatha was either Mohawk or Onondaga. Little is known of his early life. However when he became an adult the Iroquois Nations were constantly at war. Hiawatha helped to organize five competing tribes into the Five Nations which initiated a time of peace, The Great Peace. Hiawatha was opposed by Atotarho of the Onondaga. He killed Hiawatha's daughters, so Hiawatha eventually left the Onondaga and visited the other tribes. He convinced the leaders of the Mohawks, Oneidas and Cayugas to give up their warring ways if the Onondaga would join as well in giving up their evil ways. They all visited him and with the help of the peace god, Daganidah, they were able to restore Atotarho and redeem him.
The life of Hiawatha is surrounded by myth and legend. Who knows how much of it is factual.
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