Arrows
The Iroquois and the Huron nations are in a bloody conflict that runs throughout the narrative. In their culture, arrows represent the defense and protection of the tribe; hence, the broken arrow symbolizes peace between tribes. The two tribes are connected through Snow Falls a Haudenosaunee girl adopted into the Wendat tribe after her parents are murdered. Therefore the Iroquois are aware of the counter-attacks that can take place at any moment. The symbol of the arrow symbolizes the relentless war between the tribes that only escalates with every attack.
Raven
In Native American culture, the raven symbolizes their way of life and prestige, yet it also represents transformation. Snow Falls is presented with a dead raven by a boy from the Wendat tribe, which symbolizes the imminent demise of their culture. In that, the European are introducing their culture and religion to the natives obliterating their heritage. The village women assist Snow Fall to preserve the dead raven, representing the conservation of their culture despite external pressures.
Wampum
The wampum belts and strings are offered as tokens of cooperation and unity between tribes. Within the Iroquois nation, the people use wampum to draw the tribes together against their common enemies. Moreover, the bible is referred to as wampum and therefore acts as a symbol for the unity built between the Wendat tribe and the Jesuits.
The Plague
The Iroquois and Huron people are constantly attacking each other to avenge the killings and kidnapping of their tribesmen. However, the epidemic that incapacitates both tribes momentarily ceases the clashes for the sake of survival. Thus, they come together towards fighting the plague before it consumes tribesmen from both clans. The plague symbolizes human nature to prioritize survival over territorial conflicts and revenge.
Snow Falls
After Snow Falls is adopted by the Iroquois people who killed her family, the conflict with the Wendat nation intensifies. She is the connection between the two tribes and her return perhaps would foster peace. However, she has embraced her new family and stays with Iroquois after observing the violence of her people. She symbolizes the energy that connects the people as Bird believes she is spiritually gifted and the orenda lives within her
