Tadodaho Character Analysis in Braiding Sweetgrass

Tadodaho was an ancient Onondaga leader who, according to legend, was so filled with hatred that his body was twisted and his hair was full of snakes. Messengers from the Peacemaker were able to transform him with their medicine and message of peace, however, and they combed the snakes from his hair. After the formation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Onondaga chieftains and some spiritual leaders traditionally take the name Tadodaho.

Tadodaho Character Timeline in Braiding Sweetgrass

The timeline below shows where the character Tadodaho appears in Braiding Sweetgrass. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...peace to all the tribes, traveling among them as they fought. An Onondaga chief named Tadodaho initially refused his message. At first Tadodaho was so poisoned by hatred that his hair... (full context)

Gifts, Gratitude, and Responsibility Theme Icon

...planet,” in which all five tribes agreed to abide by the Great Law of Peace. Tadodaho was honored for the special role that the Onondaga played in this act, and the... (full context)

...Onondaga Lake and its waterways to the snakes that needed to be combed out of Tadodaho’s hair. All these waters are supposed to be part of the Onondaga Nation, but “water... (full context)