A Legend of the Northland: ncert solution Class 9

Thinking about the Poem. Page-67

I.1 Which country or countries do you think “The Northland” refers to?

Ans:  ‘The Northland’ refers to the land (country or countries) which is situated in the region of The North Pole.

2. What did Saint Peter ask the old lady for? What was the lady’s reaction?

Ans: Saint peter asked the lady for a cake. The lady answered positively but behaved in a very negative way. She made a cake for the saint but reduced the quantity of the dough again and again. It is because she did not want to give a cake that could satisfy the saint.

3. How did he punish her?

Ans:  Saint Peter was disgusted with the selfish behavior of the woman and cursed the lady to be turned into a woodpecker. Consequently, she turned into a woodpecker and started boring hard and dry wood for her food and shelter.

4. How does the woodpecker get her food?

Ans: The woodpecker gets her food by boring hard and dry woods.

5. Do you think the old lady would have been so ungenerous if she had known who Saint Peter really was? What would she have done then?

Ans: If the lady had known who Saint Peter really was, she would not have been so ungenerous. It is because of fear. She would have given him a thin cake to protect her from the curse.

6. Is this a true story? Which part of the poem do you feel is the most important?

Ans: No. It is not a true story. The poet clearly expresses his views regarding the story by stating that he himself does not believe it to be true. Still, it provides a good lesson to the listeners. I think the most important part of this poem is stanza twelve. It is because it indicates the consequences of an ungenerous attitude.

7. What is a legend? Why is this poem called a legend?

Ans: A legend is a story that is passed from one generation to the other. It is considered to be a fictitious one. This poem is not a fact but a poetic fiction. This is why it is called a legend. The poet himself does not believe this story to be true.