A Legend of The Northland Poem Question & Answers Class 9: Get here answers to exercise given in the Class 9 NCERT English textbook Beehive. Click here for other poems of Class 9.
Thinking About The Poem
I:
1. Which country or countries do you think “the Northland” refers to?
Ans. “The Northland” in the poem does not refer to a specific country but symbolizes a cold, northern region, possibly in a folklore context rather than a geographical one.
2. What did Saint Peter ask the old lady for? What was the lady’s reaction?
Ans. Saint Peter asked the old lady for a cake because he was hungry. The lady was hesitant and reluctant to give him even a small cake, showing her ungenerous nature.
3. How did he punish her?
Ans. Saint Peter punished the old lady by transforming her into a woodpecker. This transformation forced her to bore into trees for food, symbolizing hard labour and eternal punishment for her selfishness.
4. How does the woodpecker get her food?
Ans. The woodpecker gets her food by boring into trees. Woodpeckers use their strong beaks to drill into wood, searching for insects and larvae as a food source.
5. Do you think that the old lady would have been so ungenerous if she had known who Saint Peter really was? What would she have done then?
Ans. The old lady’s ungenerous nature seems to be a deep-seated character flaw, so even if she had known Saint Peter’s identity, it might not have changed her behaviour. However, if she had recognized him, she might have acted out of fear or reverence, giving him a cake to please him.
6. Is this a true story? Which part of this poem do you feel is the most important?
Ans. The poem is not a true story but a legend, a traditional tale passed down through generations. The most important part of the poem is the transformation of the old lady into a woodpecker as a consequence of her selfishness, serving as a moral lesson about the importance of generosity.
7. What is a legend? Why is this poem called a legend?
Ans. A legend is a traditional story or narrative that explains the actions or beliefs of a group or culture. Legends often involve extraordinary events and characters. This poem is called a legend because it tells a tale of Saint Peter and the old lady, incorporating supernatural elements and moral lessons, making it a part of folklore.
8. Write the story of ‘A Legend of the Northland’ in about ten sentences.
Ans. In a distant Northland, Saint Peter, seeking food, approached an old lady baking cake. Hungry, he asked for a cake, but the lady, selfish and unwilling to share, hesitated. Frustrated, Saint Peter punished her by transforming her into a woodpecker. Stripped of her humanity, she bore into trees for sustenance, a consequence of her greed. Her scarlet cap remained, a reminder of her past. This transformation became a legend, teaching the importance of generosity and the dire consequences of selfishness.
II:
1. Find more such rhyming words.
Ans. Snows/clothes, true/you, below/know, day/away, through/do, wood/good, speak/seek, more/store, fast/done, one/done.
2. Go to the local library or talk to older persons in your locality and find legends in your own language. Tell the class these legends.
Ans. This task requires direct interaction and research, which I can’t perform as a text-based AI. However, I encourage you to explore your local library, talk to elders, or search online to find interesting legends in your language. Sharing these legends with your class can be a fascinating and enriching experience.
Here is a sample answer:
In my quest to explore the rich cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh, India, I delved into the local library and engaged in conversations with elderly members of my community. I stumbled upon a captivating legend deeply rooted in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, the legend of “Raja Harishchandra.”
Raja Harishchandra, according to the legend, was a noble and just king in ancient times. His unwavering devotion to truth and dharma (righteousness) was unparalleled. One day, the king faced severe challenges posed by Sage Vishwamitra, testing his commitment to honesty. Despite enduring immense suffering and losing his kingdom, family, and even his own identity, Raja Harishchandra remained steadfast in his truthfulness.
The legend of Raja Harishchandra symbolizes the triumph of honesty and integrity over adversity. It teaches us the value of truthfulness, even in the face of the harshest trials. This story has been passed down through generations in Uttar Pradesh, reminding people of the importance of moral values and ethical conduct.
Sharing this legend with my class was a profound experience. It not only offered a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of our region but also imparted a timeless moral lesson. Through the story of Raja Harishchandra, we learned the significance of upholding truth and righteousness, inspiring us to embody these virtues in our lives.