Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois Confederacy or Six Nations

The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Six Nations, is a powerful Native American confederacy that has existed in the northeastern United States for centuries. The Iroquois people have a rich culture and history, and their legends, traditions, and laws are an important part of their identity.

Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois, or Six Nations, and History of the Tuscarora Indians

by Elias Johnson

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	503 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	155 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Legends

The Iroquois people have a rich oral tradition, and their legends have been passed down from generation to generation. These legends tell stories about the creation of the world, the origins of the Iroquois Confederacy, and the lives of their ancestors. Some of the most popular Iroquois legends include:

• The Creation of the World: According to Iroquois legend, the world was created by a powerful being named Sky Woman. She fell from the sky and landed on the back of a giant turtle. The turtle carried her on its back and created the land from the mud that fell from its shell.
• The Origin of the Iroquois Confederacy: The Iroquois Confederacy was founded by five different nations: the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk. According to legend, these five nations were united by a powerful leader named Hiawatha. Hiawatha convinced the nations to put aside their differences and form a confederacy that would protect them from their enemies.
• The Life of Handsome Lake: Handsome Lake was a Seneca prophet who lived in the late 18th century. He had a vision of a new world that was free from war, poverty, and disease. Handsome Lake's teachings helped to revive the Iroquois Confederacy and strengthen the unity of the Iroquois people.

Traditions

The Iroquois people have many traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. These traditions include:

• The Longhouse: The longhouse is a traditional Iroquois dwelling. It is a long, rectangular building that is made of wood and bark. Longhouses can be up to 100 feet long and can house up to 50 people.
• The Clan System: The Iroquois people are divided into clans. Clans are groups of people who are related to each other through a common ancestor. Each clan has its own name, symbol, and responsibilities.
• The Iroquois Confederacy Council: The Iroquois Confederacy Council is the governing body of the confederacy. It is made up of representatives from each of the six nations. The council meets regularly to discuss important issues and make decisions that affect the entire confederacy.

Laws

The Iroquois people have a complex system of laws that have been developed over centuries. These laws are based on the principles of peace, harmony, and respect. Some of the most important Iroquois laws include:

• The Great Law of Peace: The Great Law of Peace is the constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy. It was adopted in the 16th century and it outlines the principles of peace, harmony, and respect that govern the confederacy.
• The Code of Handsome Lake: The Code of Handsome Lake is a set of laws that was developed by Handsome Lake in the late 18th century. The code prohibits alcohol consumption, gambling, and other activities that are harmful to the community.
• The Law of the Iroquois Confederacy: The Law of the Iroquois Confederacy is a set of laws that governs the internal affairs of the confederacy. It includes laws on everything from marriage and divorce to property ownership and criminal justice.

History

The Iroquois Confederacy has a long and rich history. The Iroquois people have been living in the northeastern United States for thousands of years. They were first encountered by Europeans in the 16th century. The Iroquois played a major role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Today, the Iroquois Confederacy is still a thriving community with a population of over 100,000 people.

The Iroquois Confederacy is a powerful Native American confederacy with a rich culture and history. The legends, traditions, and laws of the Iroquois people are an important part of their identity and continue to shape their lives today.

Legends, Traditions, and Laws of the Iroquois, or Six Nations, and History of the Tuscarora Indians

by Elias Johnson

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	503 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	155 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE