Characters
Who is the main boy who tells the story and learns about the Great Peace?
Okwaho
What is the main goal of the Peacemaker’s mission?
To bring peace among the warring nations
What does Okwaho see at the beginning that makes him wish for peace?
The taking of his friend.
The nations united under the Great Peace later became known as what?
The Haudenosaunee or Iroquois Confederacy
This was the name of the leaders chosen by the clan mothers to represent their nations in the council.
Who are the royaners (chiefs)?
Who is the man who brings the message of peace to the warring nations?
The Peacemaker
What symbolizes the unity of the Five Nations under peace?
The Great Tree of Peace
What do the people see coming across the lake to meet Atatarho?
A thousand canoes
How did Okwaho change from the beginning to the end of the story?
He went from wanting revenge to believing in peace
This nation’s council fire was at the center of the Confederacy, and it was where all council meetings were held.
What is the Onondaga Nation?
Who helps the Peacemaker spread his message by speaking to the people?
Hiawatha
What did the Peacemaker teach about decision-making in the council?
Everyone must agree before action is taken (consensus)
What does Hiawatha do to show he accepts the message of peace?
He helps spread the Peacemaker’s message to other nations
What lesson does the Peacemaker’s story teach about forgiveness?
That forgiveness is necessary to heal and end war
This principle guided all decisions in the council — no action was taken until all members agreed.
What is consensus (unity of minds)?
Who was once a fierce and feared leader but becomes the head of the Great League?
Atatarho
Who says, "A fire that is left burning and not properly put out is like anger or revenge. It may end up destroying everything."
The Peacemaker
What did the women of each clan have the power to do?
Choose the royaners (chiefs) to represent their clans
How many nations are in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy today?
6
These women held the power to choose and remove the men who served as council representatives.
Who are the clan mothers?
Who gives Okwaho a string of shells to help him remember the message of healing?
Carries
What feeling does Atatarho express after being freed from his anger and thirst for revenge.
What is Relief?
What happens to Atatarho’s twisted hair when he accepts peace?
It is combed smooth to symbolize his calm mind
Which tribe has the final say in the Haudenosaunee today.
The Onondaga.
This powerful symbol represented the unity and peace of the council, with roots spreading in all directions.
What is the Great Tree of Peace?