A-legend-of-the-Northland–Class-9–English–Summary–questions-and-answers–CBSE-NCERT
SUMMARY
The poem “A Legend of the Northland” is a ballad that narrates a story from the cold northern lands. It tells about a greedy old woman who refused food to a hungry saint (believed to be St. Peter) while she had plenty of food for herself. When the saint asked her for a piece of cake, she baked the smallest one but even that seemed too big for her to give away. Angered by her selfishness, the saint cursed her to become a woodpecker. As a result, she now lives in the woods, pecking at trees to find food.
The poem conveys a moral lesson that greed and selfishness are sins, and we should always be generous and kind to others, especially those in need.
GLOSSARY
Legend – An old traditional story handed down through generations.
Northland – A cold region in the far North, often referring to places with snow and harsh winters.
Harness – Straps and fittings by which a horse is fastened to a cart.
Fur-clad – Dressed in warm clothes made of animal fur.
Saint Peter – One of the apostles of Jesus Christ, known for preaching.
Greedy – Desiring more than one needs, selfish.
Cursed – To be punished or condemned by someone’s words.
Woodpecker – A bird that pecks wood to find insects to eat.
Ballad – A narrative poem, often telling a moral or story.
Generosity – Willingness to give and share selflessly.
SHORT QUESTION & ANSWERS
Q1. Where does the story in the poem “A Legend of the Northland” take place?
Ans. The story takes place in the Northland, a cold region near the poles, where people wear fur clothes and use reindeer to pull sledges. The setting reflects the harsh lifestyle of the people living there, which makes the legend more relatable.
Q2. Who came to the old woman’s door and why?
Ans. Saint Peter, a disciple of Jesus, came to the old woman’s door. He was tired and hungry from preaching and spreading God’s word. He asked her for a small piece of cake to satisfy his hunger, expecting kindness from her.
Q3. How did the old woman respond to Saint Peter’s request?
Ans. The old woman was greedy and selfish. Although she had enough food, she did not want to part with even a small piece. She made cakes but every time she thought they were too large to give away. Ultimately, she refused him completely.
Q4. Why did Saint Peter curse the old woman?
Ans. Saint Peter cursed the old woman because she was greedy and unkind. Instead of helping a hungry, holy man, she thought only of herself. To punish her selfishness, he transformed her into a woodpecker, forced to find her food by pecking hard wood.
Q5. What lesson does the poem teach us?
Ans. The poem teaches that greed and selfishness lead to punishment, while generosity and kindness are virtues. Sharing with those in need is a noble act. The transformation of the old woman into a woodpecker is symbolic of how selfishness dehumanizes us.
Q6. How is the lifestyle of the people in the Northland described?
Ans. The people of the Northland wear warm clothes made of fur to survive the cold. They travel in sledges pulled by reindeer, and the days are very short while the nights are long. The poem paints a vivid picture of their harsh environment.
Q7. Why did the woman find every cake too large to give away?
Ans. The old woman was extremely greedy. No matter how small she made the cake, she felt it was too large to part with. Her selfish nature prevented her from giving even the tiniest piece to a hungry man.
Q8. What did Saint Peter turn the old woman into and why?
Ans. Saint Peter turned the old woman into a woodpecker. He wanted her to live a life of struggle, pecking wood for her food, since she refused to share her food with him despite having plenty for herself.
Q9. How does the legend explain the woodpecker’s behavior?
Ans. The legend says that woodpeckers peck at trees for food because they were once greedy humans. The old woman, cursed by Saint Peter, was turned into a woodpecker and since then birds of her kind live in the forest searching for food this way.
Q10. Why is the poem called a “legend”?
Ans. The poem is called a legend because it is an old traditional story that explains a natural phenomenon—the behavior of the woodpecker. Legends often carry moral lessons, and here it emphasizes the importance of generosity over greed.
Q11. How did the old woman behave when she was asked for food?
Ans. The old woman behaved selfishly and reluctantly. Instead of welcoming Saint Peter and offering food, she made excuses by preparing smaller and smaller cakes. Finally, she refused to give anything, showing her greedy and inconsiderate nature.
Q12. What is the significance of the setting in the poem?
Ans. The Northland’s cold and harsh climate reflects the difficulty of survival and emphasizes the importance of kindness. In such places, sharing food is essential. The setting also adds a sense of mystery and makes the legend believable, linking nature to moral lessons.
Q13. Why was Saint Peter in need of food?
Ans. Saint Peter was hungry because he had been preaching and traveling continuously. His work left him tired and weak. As a holy man, he relied on people’s kindness for food, so he requested a piece of cake from the old woman.
Q14. How did the woman’s selfishness bring about her downfall?
Ans. The woman’s refusal to share food with a hungry saint highlighted her extreme greed. Her selfish act angered Saint Peter, leading him to curse her. As a result, she lost her human form and became a woodpecker, condemned to struggle for survival.
Q15. What qualities of Saint Peter are revealed in the poem?
Ans. Saint Peter is shown as a humble, patient, and spiritual man. However, he also has a strong sense of justice. While he asked politely, he could not tolerate selfishness and greed. His curse on the woman reveals his belief in fairness and morality.
Q16. How does the poem explain the origin of woodpeckers?
Ans. According to the poem, woodpeckers were once humans who were cursed for their selfishness. The old woman became a woodpecker, condemned to peck wood for food. This legend explains why woodpeckers bore holes in trees, connecting natural behavior with moral teaching.
Q17. Why do you think the poet used a ballad form to narrate this story?
Ans. Ballads are simple narrative poems that are easy to remember and pass down orally. By using a ballad form, the poet makes the story of generosity and greed engaging, rhythmic, and memorable, ensuring that its moral lesson reaches wider audiences.
Q18. What transformation took place after Saint Peter’s curse?
Ans. After Saint Peter’s curse, the old woman turned into a woodpecker. She now wears feathers instead of clothes, has a red cap on her head, and lives in the forest. She spends her life pecking trees to find her food.
Q19. How does the old woman’s story serve as a warning to others?
Ans. The old woman’s punishment shows that greed and selfishness lead to suffering. Her transformation into a woodpecker warns people that if they fail to show kindness and compassion, they may face consequences. It teaches us the importance of generosity.
Q20. Why did the old woman not want to share her cakes?
Ans. The old woman was extremely greedy. Although she had enough food, she kept making excuses. Each cake, no matter how small, seemed too big for her to give away. Her attachment to her food showed her stingy and self-centered attitude.
Q21. Why does the poet call the story a “legend”?
Ans. The story is called a legend because it mixes truth with imagination. It is a traditional tale that explains the origin of woodpeckers through a moral story. Legends often carry lessons, and here it teaches generosity and condemns greed.
Q22. How does the woman’s transformation reflect poetic justice?
Ans. The woman’s punishment fits her behavior. She refused to give even a small piece of food, so she was cursed to struggle for food forever as a woodpecker. This reflects poetic justice, where punishment matches the crime, teaching fairness.
Q23. What qualities does the poet admire and condemn in the poem?
Ans. The poet admires kindness, compassion, and generosity. These qualities are represented by Saint Peter’s expectations. On the other hand, she condemns greed, selfishness, and lack of empathy as shown by the old woman, who suffers the consequences of her actions.
Q24. How does the poem balance storytelling and moral teaching?
Ans. The poem entertains readers with a simple legend while also teaching a strong moral lesson. It narrates a transformation story in a rhythmic ballad style, but at the same time conveys the importance of generosity and the dangers of greed.
Q25. Why do you think the old woman was turned into a bird, not another animal?
Ans. The old woman was turned into a bird because her punishment was linked to her greed for food. As a woodpecker, she now struggles to find food by pecking at trees. This transformation connects her punishment directly to her crime.
Q26. What role does hunger play in the poem?
Ans. Hunger is central to the story. Saint Peter was hungry and asked for food, but the woman’s refusal to satisfy hunger highlighted her greed. Ironically, her curse condemned her to eternal hunger, symbolizing the importance of sharing and empathy.
Q27. How does the legend make children and readers reflect on values?
Ans. The legend makes children reflect on values by showing consequences of selfishness in a simple, imaginative way. The transformation of a greedy woman into a woodpecker helps young readers understand the importance of kindness, sharing, and moral responsibility.
Q28. What lesson about wealth and food is taught in the poem?
Ans. The poem teaches that wealth and food are meaningless if we cannot share them with others. Greed leads only to downfall, while generosity brings respect. The old woman’s story reminds us that selfishly holding on to resources results in misery.
Q29. How is the old woman’s greed contrasted with Saint Peter’s character?
Ans. The old woman’s greed contrasts sharply with Saint Peter’s humility and need. She had plenty of food but refused to share, while Saint Peter, despite being holy, depended on others’ kindness. This contrast highlights her selfishness and his spiritual simplicity.
Q30. What message does the poet want the readers to take away?
Ans. The poet wants readers to understand that greed and selfishness destroy humanity, while generosity and kindness elevate us. The transformation of the woman into a woodpecker is symbolic of how selfishness can reduce us to a pitiful state of existence.
LONG QUESTION AND ANSWER
Q1. What is the central theme of the poem “A Legend of the Northland”?
Ans. The central theme of the poem is the importance of kindness and generosity. The story highlights how greed and selfishness can lead to punishment. The old woman, despite having enough food, refused to share with a hungry saint. Her stinginess angered Saint Peter, who cursed her to live the life of a woodpecker, constantly struggling for food. This transformation acts as a warning that selfish people ultimately lose their human values and dignity. The poem also emphasizes that wealth and possessions have no meaning if not used to help others. Thus, the poem conveys the timeless moral that selflessness and compassion make life meaningful, while greed only brings downfall.
Q2. How does the poem “A Legend of the Northland” convey the value of generosity?
Ans. The poem conveys the value of generosity by contrasting the behavior of Saint Peter and the old woman. Saint Peter, a holy man, humbly asked for a small piece of cake to satisfy his hunger. The woman, however, refused to part with even the tiniest bit of food, showing her selfish nature. As punishment, she was cursed to become a woodpecker, condemned to work hard for her food forever. This story teaches us that generosity is a noble virtue, while greed and stinginess lead to suffering. Through the woman’s fate, the poet reminds readers that kindness and sharing make society better and bring blessings, while selfishness leads only to misery.
Q3. Describe the lifestyle of the people in the Northland as presented in the poem.
Ans. The Northland is described as a cold and harsh region. People there wear clothes made of fur to protect themselves from the extreme climate. They use reindeer to pull sledges as a means of transport. The days are very short, and the nights are long and dark. The description highlights how difficult life is in such a place. People must depend on one another for survival in these conditions. This setting adds depth to the poem, as kindness and sharing become even more important in such an environment. By giving this background, the poet makes the moral lesson of generosity more meaningful and relevant to human life.
Q4. What qualities of the old woman are revealed through the poem?
Ans. The old woman in the poem is portrayed as greedy, selfish, and unkind. Although she had enough food for herself, she was unwilling to share even the smallest portion with Saint Peter. Her constant excuses while making cakes reflect her unwillingness to part with anything valuable. Instead of showing compassion to a hungry, holy man, she only thought about her own comfort. This extreme selfishness brought about her downfall. Her transformation into a woodpecker symbolizes the loss of humanity that comes from greed. Through her character, the poet warns us against selfishness and reminds us that kindness is a human duty.
Q5. How does Saint Peter react to the woman’s behavior, and what does it reveal about him?
Ans. Saint Peter, being a holy man, expected generosity from the old woman when he requested food. However, her refusal angered him deeply. He cursed her to become a woodpecker, doomed to live in the forest, struggling to find food by pecking at trees. His reaction reveals that although he was a patient and humble saint, he could not tolerate extreme greed and selfishness. Saint Peter’s curse symbolizes justice, as her punishment matched her sin—refusing food now forced her to struggle for it forever. This shows that even the most patient and kind people demand fairness and will act against selfishness when necessary.
Q6. Explain how the woman’s transformation into a woodpecker symbolizes poetic justice.
Ans. The woman’s transformation into a woodpecker is a classic example of poetic justice, where the punishment fits the crime. She refused to give away even a small portion of food despite having plenty. As a result, she was cursed to live as a bird who must work tirelessly to find food by pecking at trees. Her selfishness led her to a fate where she could no longer enjoy the comfort of having ready food. This transformation highlights the principle that one’s actions bring consequences. Through this legend, the poet reminds readers that greed and lack of generosity always lead to downfall and suffering.
Q7. Why does the poet call the poem “A Legend of the Northland”?
Ans. The poem is called “A Legend of the Northland” because it is based on a traditional story from the cold northern region. Legends are old tales that are passed down through generations, often carrying moral lessons. This story explains the origin of the woodpecker in a mythical way, suggesting that selfish people are punished by being transformed into birds condemned to struggle for food. The poet uses the form of a legend to both entertain and instruct readers. The title fits well because it situates the story in a specific place while also emphasizing that it is a moral tale to be remembered.
Q8. What moral lesson does the poem teach children and readers?
Ans. The poem teaches the moral lesson that greed and selfishness are destructive, while generosity and kindness uplift human life. By presenting the story in a ballad form, the poet makes it simple for children to remember and learn from. The old woman’s punishment serves as a warning that selfishness can lead to a miserable existence. On the other hand, sharing with the needy not only helps others but also enriches one’s own soul. The story appeals to readers of all ages, reminding them that wealth and resources lose value if not shared. Thus, the lesson of generosity is central to the poem.
Q9. How does the legend explain the behavior of woodpeckers?
Ans. The legend explains that woodpeckers were once human beings who were cursed for their selfishness. The old woman, after refusing food to Saint Peter, was transformed into a woodpecker as punishment. Since then, woodpeckers have been pecking at trees to find their food. This explanation connects human moral failings with natural behavior, making the story memorable for children. By linking the bird’s habits to human greed, the poet provides a creative explanation of nature while teaching values. The woodpecker thus becomes a symbol of greed punished by eternal struggle, reinforcing the moral of the story.
Q10. How does hunger play an important role in the poem?
Ans. Hunger is a central element in the poem. Saint Peter was hungry from his travels and preaching, which led him to request food from the old woman. Her refusal to share highlighted her selfishness and greed. Ironically, her punishment condemned her to a life of hunger as a woodpecker, forever pecking at trees to feed herself. This contrast shows how denying others in need can lead to one’s own suffering. Hunger in the poem is not only physical but also symbolic of human needs for compassion and generosity. The poet uses it to stress the importance of sharing.
Q11. How is the woman’s selfishness contrasted with Saint Peter’s humility?
Ans. The old woman’s selfishness stands in sharp contrast to Saint Peter’s humility. Despite being a saint, he asked only for a small piece of cake, showing his modesty. On the other hand, the woman, who had enough food, refused to share even the smallest portion. This stark contrast highlights the moral imbalance between the two characters. Saint Peter represents generosity, humility, and spirituality, while the woman symbolizes greed and material attachment. The poet uses this contrast to strengthen the story’s moral lesson—that true greatness lies in selflessness, while selfishness leads to disgrace and downfall.
Q12. Why is the poem suitable for children as well as adults?
Ans. The poem is suitable for children because it is written in a simple ballad form that tells a story with rhythm and rhyme, making it easy to remember. It also provides a moral lesson in an engaging way by connecting it to nature. Adults can appreciate the deeper meaning behind the legend, as it reflects universal truths about human behavior—greed, selfishness, and the importance of kindness. The story of the old woman turning into a woodpecker carries symbolic depth while remaining entertaining. Thus, the poem appeals to both young and mature readers with its blend of simplicity and wisdom.
Q13. What role does the setting of the Northland play in the poem?
Ans. The setting of the Northland plays an important role in creating the mood and background of the poem. The harsh, cold climate emphasizes the difficulty of survival and the importance of kindness in such places. In a land where food is precious and winters are long, generosity becomes a necessary virtue. The description of reindeer, sledges, and fur clothing adds authenticity to the legend, making it believable. By placing the story in such a region, the poet makes the moral lesson stronger. The Northland setting thus enhances the impact of the tale, linking survival with compassion.
Q14. In what way does the poem show the consequences of greed?
Ans. The poem clearly shows how greed leads to suffering and downfall. The old woman, though having plenty of food, refused to share even a small piece with a hungry man. Her greed blinded her to compassion and humanity. As a result, she was cursed to live as a woodpecker, constantly struggling for food. This transformation illustrates how greed dehumanizes people and strips them of comfort and dignity. The poem serves as a reminder that material wealth has no real value if not used for good. Greed may provide temporary satisfaction but ultimately leads to punishment.
Q15. What message does the poet want readers to take from the poem?
Ans. The poet’s message is that selfishness and greed destroy the essence of humanity, while kindness and generosity enrich life. The legend of the old woman serves as a reminder that refusing to help others in need can bring about one’s own suffering. The transformation into a woodpecker symbolizes the loss of dignity and comfort that comes from greed. The poet wants readers to adopt values of compassion, empathy, and sharing in their daily lives. By using a simple legend, she communicates a universal truth: generosity creates harmony, while selfishness leads to downfall and misery.
Q16. How does the old woman’s behavior reflect human weaknesses?
Ans. The old woman’s refusal to share food reflects common human weaknesses such as greed, selfishness, and attachment to material possessions. Even though she had enough to eat, she was unwilling to part with even a small piece for a hungry saint. This shows how people often value their possessions more than kindness. Her inability to sacrifice a little reveals a lack of empathy. The story warns readers that such weaknesses not only harm others but also bring destruction to oneself. By portraying her transformation into a woodpecker, the poet emphasizes that greed leads to downfall, while generosity enriches humanity.
Q17. How does the poem highlight the importance of empathy?
Ans. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. In the poem, Saint Peter was tired and hungry, yet the old woman failed to empathize with his suffering. Her lack of compassion angered the saint and led to her punishment. The story shows that empathy is essential for humanity. When people recognize others’ needs and help them, society becomes kinder and stronger. The old woman’s fate serves as a reminder that ignoring others’ pain dehumanizes us. Through this tale, the poet urges readers to cultivate empathy and respond to others’ struggles with kindness.
Q18. Explain how the ballad form makes the poem memorable.
Ans. The poem is written in the form of a ballad, which is a narrative poem with rhythm and rhyme. Ballads are often used to tell stories with a moral lesson in a way that is easy to recite and remember. The rhyming scheme and simple language of “A Legend of the Northland” make it appealing to children and readers of all ages. The ballad form allows the story to be passed down orally, just like old legends were shared. This makes the message of generosity versus greed more powerful, as it can be easily remembered and repeated.
Q19. What role does nature play in the poem?
Ans. Nature plays both a setting and a symbolic role in the poem. The story is set in the cold Northland, where harsh winters emphasize the importance of sharing resources. The transformation of the old woman into a woodpecker ties human actions to natural phenomena, explaining why the bird pecks at trees. The imagery of reindeer, sledges, long nights, and snow adds realism and atmosphere. Nature here becomes a mirror of human behavior—harsh to the selfish and generous to the kind. Through this connection, the poet makes the legend meaningful and relatable, showing that moral lessons are rooted in nature.
Q20. How is the poem both a story and a moral lesson?
Ans. The poem functions as both a story and a moral lesson. As a story, it narrates how a greedy old woman refused food to a saint and was cursed into becoming a woodpecker. This legend is engaging and imaginative, explaining a natural phenomenon. As a moral lesson, it teaches that greed and selfishness bring punishment, while kindness and generosity are virtues. The woman’s fate serves as a warning for readers. The poem’s charm lies in how it balances entertainment with ethical teaching, making it memorable for both children and adults. It is not just a tale but also guidance for life.
Q21. What impression do you get of Saint Peter’s character from the poem?
Ans. Saint Peter is depicted as humble, spiritual, and just. He requested only a small piece of cake to satisfy his hunger, showing his modesty. However, when denied, he did not simply walk away but punished the woman, reflecting his sense of justice. His anger reveals that even holy men cannot tolerate selfishness and cruelty. By cursing the woman to become a woodpecker, he ensured that her punishment matched her crime. This shows that Saint Peter was a fair judge of human behavior. His character represents humility, patience, and moral authority, serving as a guide for righteous living.
Q22. How does the poet use imagery to make the poem vivid?
Ans. The poet uses rich imagery to bring the story alive. Descriptions of the Northland with reindeer, sledges, fur clothes, long nights, and snow create a clear picture of the setting. The image of the woman baking cakes but finding each one too large shows her greed humorously yet effectively. The transformation into a woodpecker is also described vividly—the bird with red feathers and a sharp beak pecking at trees. These images make the story engaging and memorable. Through simple yet powerful imagery, the poet ensures that readers can visualize the events and remember the moral lesson.
Q23. What is the relevance of this poem in today’s world?
Ans. The poem remains relevant today because greed and selfishness still exist in society. Many people, despite having plenty, hesitate to share with those in need. Just like the old woman, they think only of their comfort and wealth. The poem reminds us that kindness and generosity are timeless virtues that create harmony in society. In a world where inequality and hunger persist, the message of sharing resources becomes even more important. The legend teaches us that true humanity lies in compassion, not material possession. Thus, the poem’s moral lesson continues to hold great value for modern readers.
Q24. How does the story use transformation as a tool for teaching?
Ans. Transformation is central to the poem’s moral teaching. The old woman was transformed into a woodpecker as punishment for her selfishness. This change symbolizes the dehumanizing effect of greed—when one refuses to act with compassion, one loses humanity itself. Her new life as a bird, pecking for food, reflects eternal struggle caused by her past actions. Transformation also makes the story memorable, as children can easily remember legends that connect human behavior with natural forms. By turning the woman into a bird, the poet teaches that moral failings have visible and lasting consequences.
Q25. How is the woman’s punishment connected to her sin?
Ans. The woman’s punishment was directly linked to her sin of refusing food. She had plenty but would not share even a small piece with a hungry saint. As a result, she was cursed to live as a woodpecker, forever searching for food in the hardest way—by pecking at trees. This poetic justice ensured that her greed and refusal to share would be repaid by endless hunger and hard work. Her punishment was symbolic and fitting, reminding readers that selfishness often leads to struggles greater than the sacrifice one refused to make.
Q26. How does the poem emphasize the importance of sharing?
Ans. Sharing is central to the poem’s message. The woman had enough food but did not share it with Saint Peter, who only asked for a small piece. Her refusal reflected her greed and brought her downfall. The poem warns that selfishness isolates us, while sharing creates compassion and community. By showing the punishment of the old woman, the poet stresses that generosity is essential for humanity. In the harsh conditions of the Northland, sharing was a necessity, but the lesson applies everywhere. True wealth lies in giving, and kindness enriches both the giver and the receiver.
Q27. How does the story show the relationship between humans and morality?
Ans. The story connects human behavior with moral consequences. The old woman’s refusal to feed a hungry man reflects moral failure. Her transformation into a woodpecker symbolizes how such behavior strips one of humanity. Saint Peter represents moral authority, ensuring that selfishness is punished. The poem suggests that morality is not optional—it is necessary for a meaningful life. Humans must show compassion and generosity to maintain dignity. Without moral values, people lose what makes them truly human. The legend thus highlights the deep connection between morality and human existence, making the lesson timeless and universal.
Q28. How does the woman’s story reflect the proverb “As you sow, so shall you reap”?
Ans. The woman’s story is a perfect example of the proverb “As you sow, so shall you reap.” She sowed selfishness and greed by refusing food to Saint Peter. As a result, she reaped punishment—being turned into a woodpecker, condemned to a life of struggle and hunger. Her actions directly led to her fate, showing that one’s deeds determine one’s consequences. The story warns readers that if we act without kindness, we will eventually face the results of our behavior. The proverb comes alive in this legend, reinforcing the timeless truth that our actions shape our destiny.
Q29. Why is the poem considered a didactic poem?
Ans. A didactic poem is one that teaches a moral lesson. “A Legend of the Northland” fits this category because it uses a simple story to emphasize generosity and condemn greed. The transformation of the woman into a woodpecker illustrates the consequences of selfishness. The ballad form makes the lesson accessible to children and adults alike. Every detail, from the setting to the punishment, reinforces the moral teaching. The poem is not just entertainment but also guidance for life, warning readers to avoid greed and embrace kindness. Thus, it is considered didactic in nature.
Q30. What is your personal reflection after reading the poem?
Ans. After reading the poem, one feels a strong reminder of the importance of kindness and generosity in life. The story makes us reflect on whether we share with others or act selfishly like the old woman. It also highlights how small acts of kindness, such as offering food, can mean so much to others. Personally, the legend inspires me to be more compassionate and giving, because material possessions mean little if they are not shared. The moral lesson is timeless: selfishness brings downfall, but generosity brings humanity and peace. The poem leaves readers thoughtful and inspired.
