CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 9: A Legend of the Northland - NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive, Chapter 9, 'A Legend of the Northland'. The chapter explores a traditional tale about a selfish old lady and Saint Peter, highlighting themes of generosity and the consequences of greed. The solutions break down the poem's narrative, character motivations, and moral lessons. Students will find explanations for the poem's setting, the interaction between Saint Peter and the old lady, her punishment, and the transformation into a woodpecker. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the poem's deeper meanings and prepare effectively for their exams by clarifying complex ideas and narrative elements.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectEnglish Beehive
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 9

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions focus on 'A Legend of the Northland,' a poem that narrates a folk tale from the polar regions. The solutions cover the poem's setting, the encounter between Saint Peter and a selfish old woman, her punishment for hoarding cakes, and her transformation into a woodpecker. They delve into the meaning of a legend and why this poem is classified as such, emphasizing the moral lesson about generosity and the consequences of selfishness. The exercises encourage critical thinking about the characters' actions and the poem's underlying message.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the setting and cultural context of 'The Northland'.
  • Analyze the character traits of the old lady and Saint Peter.
  • Explain the moral lesson conveyed by the legend.
  • Identify the key events in the narrative of the poem.
  • Interpret the significance of the old lady's punishment.
  • Define the term 'legend' and its application to the poem.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • The Northland setting
  • Saint Peter's journey
  • The old lady's character
  • Generosity vs. Selfishness
  • Punishment and transformation
  • The woodpecker's life
  • Moral of the story
  • Definition of a legend
  • Folk tales and their lessons

Important topics

  • Moral lesson of generosity
  • Character analysis of the old lady
  • Saint Peter's role and punishment
  • Understanding the 'legend' aspect
  • The setting of the Northland

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What country or countries do you think 'The Northland' refer to?
Solution: 'The Northland' likely refers to the Arctic regions, such as the northern parts of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, or Scandinavia (like Norway, Sweden, Finland). This is suggested by the description of the region having very short days and long nights, being covered in snow, and the use of reindeer-drawn sledges, which are characteristic of polar climates.

Question 2

What did St. Peter ask the old lady for? What was the lady's reaction?
Solution: Saint Peter, after travelling extensively around the earth, arrived at the old lady's cottage feeling weak and faint from hunger due to fasting. He asked her to give him a single cake from her baking. The old lady, however, was selfish and greedy. Instead of giving him a cake, she tried to bake a very small one for him, which still seemed too large to her to part with.

Question 3

How did he punish her?
Solution: Saint Peter became very angry with the old lady's selfishness and lack of generosity, especially since he was weak from hunger. As a punishment, he cursed her, stating that she did not deserve human comforts like food, shelter, and warmth. He decreed that she would live like a bird, finding her own food by working hard all day by boring into wood, and would make her home in the trees.

Question 4

How does the woodpecker get her food?
Solution: In her transformed state as a woodpecker, the lady gets her food by using her beak to bore holes into trees. This arduous task allows her to find insects or sustenance within the wood, fulfilling the curse placed upon her by Saint Peter.

Question 5

Do you think that the old lady would have been so ungenerous if she had known who St. Peter really was? What would she have done then?
Solution: It is unlikely that the old lady would have been so ungenerous if she had recognized Saint Peter. Knowing his identity as an apostle of God, she would likely have felt compelled by respect and perhaps fear to offer him hospitality and share her food generously. However, the poem suggests her inherent selfishness was so profound that even without knowing his identity, her actions were driven by greed, leading to her punishment. The punishment itself implies she needed a harsh lesson to learn the value of sharing.

Question 6

Is this a true story? Which part of this poem do you feel is the most important?
Solution: No, this is not a historically true story; it is a legend or a folk tale passed down through generations in the Northland. The most important part of the poem is arguably the section where Saint Peter curses the old lady. This part serves as the climax and delivers the central moral lesson of the story: the importance of generosity and the negative consequences of extreme selfishness. It highlights that those who are ungrateful for the provisions they receive should not expect human comforts.

Question 7

What is a legend? Why is this poem called a legend?
Solution: A legend is a traditional story, often regarded as historical, that is popularly accepted as true but is not necessarily verifiable. It typically features heroic deeds, supernatural events, or moral teachings. This poem is called a legend because it recounts a traditional tale told by the people of the Northland. The story, involving a saint and a supernatural punishment, is passed down to teach a moral lesson about generosity and the dangers of selfishness, fitting the definition of a folk legend.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting the setting of 'The Northland'.
  • Underestimating the moral lesson about generosity.
  • Confusing the literal events with the symbolic meaning.
  • Failing to connect the punishment to the old lady's actions.

Revision tips

  • Read the poem carefully to understand the narrative flow.
  • Focus on the character motivations of Saint Peter and the old lady.
  • Identify the moral or lesson the poem aims to teach.
  • Practice answering questions about the poem's setting and events.
  • Understand the definition and relevance of a 'legend' in this context.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Saint Peter's condition when he arrived at the old lady's cottage?

Q2. Why did the old lady refuse to give Saint Peter a cake?

Q3. What was the old lady transformed into as a punishment?

Q4. What does the legend of the Northland primarily teach?

Q5. What does the woodpecker do to get her food?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'A Legend of the Northland'?

The main theme of the poem is the virtue of generosity and the negative consequences of selfishness, illustrated through the story of a selfish old lady and Saint Peter.

Where is 'The Northland' located?

'The Northland' refers to a polar region characterized by extreme cold, short days, long nights, and snow, where people use reindeer and wear warm, furry clothes.

Why is the poem called a 'legend'?

The poem is called a legend because it is a traditional story passed down through generations in the Northland, often told to convey a moral lesson.

What lesson can be learned from the old lady's story?

The story teaches that selfishness is a negative trait that can lead to punishment and hardship, while generosity is a virtue that should be practiced.

How did Saint Peter punish the old lady?

Saint Peter punished the old lady by cursing her so that she could no longer bake cakes but had to bore into wood all day to find food, and she transformed into a woodpecker.

Are the events in 'A Legend of the Northland' true?

No, 'A Legend of the Northland' is not a true historical account but a folk tale or legend told to impart a moral lesson.

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