The Final Combat with Magua

This thread follows the changing tactical balance from a concealed approach to a village assault and the personal fight on the mountain.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Ambush

Surprise Reversed An exposed advance Hawkeye leads his party out of cover, but a Huron volley strikes from behind. The attack kills one Delaware and exposes the danger of the approach. Fire draws the lines The enemy withdraws while gaining strength, and the fighting becomes nearly stationary. Hawkeye must keep his force intact while waiting for Uncas’s diversion to matter.

The Huron Line Breaks

A Two-Sided Assault The flank turns Uncas’s attack forces Huron fighters away from Hawkeye’s front. The scout’s party advances, while Chingachgook’s fire threatens the enemy from behind. Retreat to the village Caught between advancing forces, the Hurons break and flee. Magua survives the rout and carries the conflict into the settlement and then the mountains.

The Last Duel

Revenge Ends in a Fall Violence reaches its personal limit Magua’s companion kills Cora, and Magua kills the wounded Uncas. Uncas still strikes back, but Magua finishes him at close range. Hawkeye’s shot Magua attempts a final escape across the rocks. Hawkeye’s shot loosens his grip, sending him to his death and closing the immediate conflict.

When Hawkeye’s force leaves the ravine

As Chingachgook joins the fighting

At the mountain precipice