Legends of the Northwest

"Legends of the Northwest" by Hanford Lennox Gordon is a collection of stories that honors the Dakota people through their traditional tales, possibly written near the end of the 1800s. The book celebrates Dakota culture, history, and stories, touching on ideas like courage, affection, and how Native and colonial worlds met. Stories such as "The Feast of the Virgins" and "Winona," introduce figures from Dakota stories, showing both their good qualities and their hard times during a period of change. The book starts with a thoughtful moment alongside the Mississippi River, important to the Dakota. The author shares in the beginning his commitment to telling the Dakota stories accurately, having learned from Dakota experts and missionaries. We're introduced to Wiwâstè, a main character in "The Feast of the Virgins," as a respected young woman enjoying a lively event. These stories switch between happy legends and the difficult situations the Dakota faced, creating a deep look into a life filled with spirit and strength.