Tenskwatawa :: essays research papers fc

History has not been kind to Tenskwatawa, differentwise known as Lalawethika or The Prophet. He is needfully compared to his heroic fellow Tecumseh and fails to measure up in both corporal and moral stature. He seems hidden in the shade of his brothers name, whereas his brother would never have had the stature he received if it were not for The Prophets devotion of important Indian heritage. Lalawethika seemed to be plentiful of both physical and social shortcomings. An unimpressive-looking earthly concern of below-average height, fond of wearing jewelry, especially small medals, which he hung from his pierced dig and ears. His most striking physical characteristic was his damaged right eye, which was for good closed after he injured it with a bow and arrow. Lalawethika was not a likable person. He was not accepted by the other Shawnee youths and refused to take part in traditionally prestigious male activities such(prenominal) as hunting and fighting. As a young man he boa sted of his abilities but seemed to lack anyambition. He attempted to compensate for his misfortunes but was notwithstanding counterproductive in making &quota truculent, bragging temperament that earned him his nickname Lalawethika (The Rattle or Noisemaker)" (p. 73). Two activities Lalawethika liked were inebriety and talking. He wasnt as gifted a speaker as his brother Tecumseh, but he was nonetheless manipulative and forceful. Using these qualities he became a medicine man in Tecumsehs village. Lalawethikas transformation from a lazy drunk into a powerful spiritual leader came after a breathing in in which he claimed to have been visited by the Great Spirit. He announced his new name to be Tenskwatawa meaning "The Open Door." White settlers began to border him The Prophet because he said the gods had shown him the path to redemption for his people. This new religion called upon Natives to reject white culture and return to the traditional way of life. Tensk watawa gave up alcohol and urged his followers to do the same. The distinguished changes apparent in Tenskwatawa immensely supported his new way of life. When those sent by The master key of carriage took Lalawethika in his dream, they showed him a very fertile land full of high as well as a large wigwam where eternal fires burned. "The Master of Life had chosen him to lead the Indians back down the road toward salvation" (p. 76). At the heart of these new teachings was the belief that the land was held in reciprocal by all the tribes.