Read the entry note first. Not a fable — an Anishinaabe ontology carried as story. Come in to wonder.
⚠️ Draft — under many eyes. Converted and readable; not yet finally vetted, and it will wear the word draft for a good while, on purpose. Living, not final.
4. NÄNABUSHU KILLS ANOTHER BROTHER.
4. Naanabozho Kills Another Brother.
4. NANABUSHU KILLS ANOTHER BROTHER.
Narrated by Wâsagunäckạnk — Series 1 (Nos. 1–18), Bois Fort (per Michelson’s roster, Part I Preface p. XX; not credited on the story page itself).
from Ojibwa Texts collected by William Jones (1917).
(1) Na, mīsa kā∙i∙jictcigät ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu. Na, mīdạc cigwa kī∙a∙ndawâbamāt īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn. Mīdạc mīnawa kī∙a∙wītci∙a∙yāwāt. Nigutīngigu mīnawā kā∙i∙ci∙i∙‘kitut ‘iᵉi’ᵘ wīnạndunäwāt īni’ᵘ päji‘k wītcikiwäyạn, ‘oᵉō’dạc ugī∙i∙gōn īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn: “Kāwīn kidānisāsī,” ugī∙i∙gōn īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn. “Pā‘tanīnōwan ‘iᵉi’ᵘ känawänimigut. Mīdạc kä∙u∙ndcikaskitōsiwạmbạn. Nạckäguta kīgawīndạmōn kä∙i∙cinạmạmbạbạn misawā icāyạn. Ānīc minising ayā ‘aᵉa’ᵘ uka‘kwạn ‘aᵉa’ᵘ tcāgīga∙ạ∙nk. Nackädạc, ō∙o∙māⁿ nāwiki‘tcigạmi pīgi’ᵘ ta‘kạmakuntcin. Kāwīn kitākạckitōsīn tcikapi‘kawạtipan misawā tcīmān ānu∙a∙yōyạn; mīgō∙i∙māⁿ ka‘kina käjāku‘kät kitcīmāning.
Na, miisa gaa-izhichiged a’aw Naanabozho. Na, miidash zhigwa gii-andawaabamaad iniw ookomisan. Miidash miinawaa gii-awiijiiayaawaad. Ningodingigo miinawaa gaa-izhi-ikidod i’iw wii-nandonewaad iniw bezhig wiijikiwenyan, o’oodash ogii-igoon iniw ookomisan: “Gaawiin gidaa-nisaasii,” ogii-igoon iniw ookomisan. “Baataniinoowan i’iw genawenimigod. Miidash gaa-ondazhikaskitoosiwaambaan. Nashkegoda giga-wiindamoon ge-izhi-namaambaaban misawaa izhaayan. Aaniish minising ayaa a’aw okakwan a’aw zhaagiigaa’ank. Nashkedash, oomaa naawi-gichigami biigiw da-akamagondin. Gaawiin gidaa-gashkitoosiin ji-gabikawadiban misawaa jiimaan aano-ayooyan; miigo-iimaa gakina gezhaagooked gijiimaaning.
Such, therefore, was what Nänabushu did. So accordingly he went to seek his grandmother. Thereupon again he went and staid with her. On another occasion when he said that he intended to go and look for another of his brothers, then this was he told by his grandmother: “You would not be able to kill him,” he was told by his grandmother. “Many are they under whose watch he is kept. That is the reason why it will be impossible for you to succeed. Give ear, and I will declare to you what you are likely to see should you by chance happen to go. Now, upon an island abides he that hews upon his shin. And listen! Out across the middle of this sea some pitch extends, floating upon the water. Not will you succeed in passing (by that place), even though you should try to make use of a canoe; there on every part of your canoe will (the pitch) stick. So that is one of the things which you will see.
miisa gaa-izhichiged a’aw Naanabozho (that was what Nanabushu did); miidash zhigwa gii-andawaabamaad iniw ookomisan (then he went to look for his grandmother); miinawaa gii-awiijiiayaawaad (again he went and stayed with her); ningodingigo miinawaa gaa-izhi-ikidod wii-nandonewaad iniw bezhig wiijikiwenyan (one time he said he wanted to look for one of his brothers); ogii-igoon iniw ookomisan (his grandmother told him): “gaawiin gidaa-nisaasii” (you could not kill him); “baataniinoowan genawenimigod” (many are those who watch over him); gaa-ondazhikaskitoosiwaambaan (that is why you could not do it); nashkegoda giga-wiindamoon ge-izhi-namaambaaban misawaa izhaayan (listen, I will tell you what you would see if you go); aaniish minising ayaa okakwan zhaagiigaa’ank (on an island lives the one who hews on his shin); nashkedash oomaa naawi-gichigami biigiw da-akamagondin (out in the middle of the sea pitch lies floating on the water); gaawiin gidaa-gashkitoosiin ji-gabikawadiban misawaa jiimaan aano-ayooyan (you could not get past it even with a canoe); miigo-iimaa gakina gezhaagooked gijiimaaning (it would stick all over your canoe).
(2) Nā, mī’∙i∙ᵘ ābitink kä∙i∙jinạmạn. Mīnawā pạpīmickaiyạn misawā ‘iᵉimāⁿ anigạcki∙o∙yạn, mīnawā kägō kīgawâbandān, cingwā‘k kīga∙i∙nändạm. Mīdạc ‘aᵉa’ᵘ kiˢtci∙ō∙gā ōmi ˢtcigā käwābạmimạt. Kāwīn dạc pō‘tc kitākạckitōsin misawā ānawīwīmāckawạt. Na, mīsa i∙i∙māⁿ ābitink ‘iᵉi’ᵘ sạnạgusiwin ändaguk. Misawā mīnawa i∙i∙mā ạnikạckioyạn, kumā’ tacigu a‘pī pạpimickaiyạn kīgạtäbābandān i∙i∙mā ayāt. Mīdạcigu päcuwābạndạmạn, kīgawābamāg wäᵉwäg tcibā‘ta∙ī∙nowāt.
Na, mii’iw aabiding ge-izhi-namaan. Miinawaa babiimishkaayan misawaa i’imaa anigashki’ooyan, miinawaa gegoo giga-waabandaan, zhingwaak giga-inendam. Miidash a’aw gichi-ogaa oomi-zhichigaa ge-waabamimad. Gaawiindash boozh gidaa-gashkitoosiin misawaa anawi-wii-maashkawad. Na, miisa i’imaa aabiding i’iw zanagisiwin endagwak. Misawaa miinawaa i’imaa anigashki’ooyan, gomaa dashigo apii babiimishkaayan giga-debaabandaan i’imaa ayaad. Miidashigo besho-waabandaman, giga-waabamaag wewe ji-baataa’iinowaad.
Furthermore, as you go paddling along, should you by chance succeed in passing in your canoe, then something else will you behold, some pines you will think them to be. That is the Great Pike whose big fins upon the back you will see. Not at all will you succeed if you wish to pass around. Therefore that is one of the difficult places lying in (your way). Should you again succeed in passing the place with your canoe, and then go paddling on a certain distance, you will come in sight of the place where he is. And as you approach the place, you will see some swans that will be in a swarm.
mii’iw aabiding ge-izhi-namaan (that is one thing you will see); miinawaa babiimishkaayan misawaa anigashki’ooyan (and as you paddle along, if you get past); miinawaa gegoo giga-waabandaan, zhingwaak giga-inendam (you will see something, you will think it is pines); miidash a’aw gichi-ogaa (that is the great pike); ge-waabamimad (whose big back-fins you will see); gaawiindash gidaa-gashkitoosiin anawi-wii-maashkawad (you could not pass around it); miisa i’imaa zanagisiwin endagwak (that is a hard place there); gomaa apii babiimishkaayan giga-debaabandaan i’imaa ayaad (when you paddle a certain way you will sight where he is); besho-waabandaman, giga-waabamaag wewe ji-baataa’iinowaad (as you come near you will see swans crowded together).
(3) Mīdạc kāwīn kītākackitōsīn mīnawā ānawi wīmāckawạtwā. Mī∙i’∙ᵘ känawänimigut ‘aᵉa’ᵘ wânantunäwạt. Wo∙ō∙widạc kīgạtinā waᵉa’ᵘ wäᵉwä awägwän ni‘tạm känōntagusigwän: ‘Cä!’ kigạtinā. ‘Nạckä aᵘ mäckwạt wâbisī‘pin,’ kiga∙i∙nā. Mīdạc kä∙i∙jinīminamawạt o∙ō∙dac ta∙i∙‘kitō waᵉa’ᵘ wäᵉwä: ‘Nima‘kamig īni’ᵘ wâbisipînīn,’ ‘aᵉa’ᵘ wäᵉwä tā∙i∙‘kitō. Mîsawādạc mīnawā i∙i∙mā anikạcki∙o∙yạn i∙i∙māⁿ mīnawā ābiting käyābi. Mīdạc cigwa tcigī‘kabaiyạn i∙i∙mā ayāt. Mīdạc ạnigu‘pīyạn tīndīsiwạn nōndāgusinit. Tạbītciba‘tō, o∙ō∙dạc kīgạtcictcigä; mi‘tigumin kīganīminamawā. Mīdạc kä∙i∙‘kitut: ‘Nima‘kạmig ‘i’iᵘ mi‘tigumin ‘aᵉa’ᵘ tīndīsi tai‘kito.’ Mīdạc mīnawā i∙i∙mā tcīpitagwicing ‘aᵉa’wisa i∙i∙mā äyāt minising.” O∙ō∙widac ogī∙i∙gōn īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn: “Wäntcita nāwiminis tā ‘aᵉa’ᵘ nändawâbạmạt. Wä‘kwāgān ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ändāt.”
Miidash gaawiin gidaa-gashkitoosiin miinawaa anawi-wii-maashkawadwaa. Mii’iw genawenimigod a’aw waa-nandonewad. Wo’oowidash giga-dinaa wa’aw wewe awegwen nitam ge-noondaagozigwen: “Zhe!” giga-dinaa. “Nashke aw meshkwad waabiziipin,” giga-inaa. Miidash ge-izhi-niiminamawad o’oodash da-ikido wa’aw wewe: “Nimakamig iniw waabizibiniin,” a’aw wewe daa-ikido. Miisawaadash miinawaa i’imaa anigashki’ooyan i’imaa miinawaa aabiding geyaabi. Miidash zhigwa ji-giiwgabaayan i’imaa ayaad. Miidash anigopiiyan diindiisiwan noondaagozinid. Dabiijibatoo, o’oodash giga-jichigaa; mitigomin giga-niiminamawaa. Miidash ge-ikidod: “Nimakamig i’iw mitigomin a’aw diindiisi,” da-ikido. Miidash miinawaa i’imaa ji-bidagwishing a’awisa i’imaa eyaad minising.” O’oowidash ogii-igoon iniw ookomisan: “Wenjida naawi-minis daa a’aw nendawaabamad. Wekwaagaan i’iw endaad.”
And now you will not succeed again, even though it be your wish to pass round them. So in the keeping of these is he whom you wish to seek. Now, this is what you will say to the Swan, whichsoever shall be the first to make itself heard: ‘Hist!’ you shall say to it. ‘Look, here is in payment a white potato,’ you shall say to it. Thereupon as you offer it (the potato), this is what the Swan will say: ‘He is taking from me the white potato,’ the Swan will say. And if by chance again through that place you succeed in passing with your canoe, there will still remain one other (difficulty), and it will be where you go ashore there where he is. And when you go up from the shore, a Bluejay will be heard calling. He will come running hitherward, and this is what you shall do: an acorn shall you offer to it. And this is what it will say: ‘He is taking the acorn from me,’ the Bluejay will say. So then next to the place will come he who abides there on the island.” And this was what he was told by his grandmother: “In the very centre of the island dwells the one whom you seek. At one end of it is his home.”
Miidash gaawiin gidaa-gashkitoosiin miinawaa anawi-wii-maashkawadwaa (and again you will not be able to go around them); mii’iw genawenimigod waa-nandonewad (in their keeping is the one you seek); giga-dinaa wa’aw wewe awegwen nitam ge-noondaagozigwen: “Zhe!” (to whichever swan is heard first you will say: hist!); “nashke aw meshkwad waabiziipin” (look, here in payment is a white potato); ge-izhi-niiminamawad, da-ikido wewe: “nimakamig iniw waabizibiniin” (as you offer it the swan will say: he is taking the white potato from me); Miisawaadash miinawaa i’imaa anigashki’ooyan i’imaa miinawaa aabiding geyaabi (if you get past again, there is still one more); zhigwa ji-giiwgabaayan i’imaa ayaad (when you go ashore where he is); anigopiiyan diindiisiwan noondaagozinid (as you go up a bluejay will be heard); dabiijibatoo (it will come running); mitigomin giga-niiminamawaa (you will offer it an acorn); da-ikido: “nimakamig mitigomin” diindiisi (the bluejay will say: he is taking the acorn from me); miidash ji-bidagwishing a’awisa eyaad minising (then the one who lives on the island will come near); ogii-igoon ookomisan: “wenjida naawi-minis daa nendawaabamad” (his grandmother told him: right in the middle of the island lives the one you seek); “wekwaagaan endaad” (at one end is his home).
(4) Na’, mīdạc a‘pī kāmādci‘tāt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ki∙u∙ji‘tōt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utcīmān. A‘pī∙i∙dạc kā‘kīcitōt mīnawa kā∙i∙cinạntawâbamāt nīgānigu wāninunit īni’ᵘ awäsīyạn. Kā∙i∙ji∙u∙ci‘tōt ‘iᵉi’wisa pimitä mīgu iᵘ ka‘kina kā∙i∙cina∙i∙nạng ‘iᵉi’ᵘ wāy∙ā∙bạtci‘tōt. Mīnawa ugi∙a∙ndawâbamān wâbisīpinīn. A‘pī mīnawa kāmamāt īni’ᵘ wâbisīpinin. Mīnawā ogī∙ạ∙ndawâbandānạn īni’ᵘ mi‘tiguminạn. Ānīc mīi’ᵘ cayīgwa kī‘kījī‘tāt. Mīdạc a‘pī kīmādci‘tāt īni’ᵘ ūpi‘twa‘kōn kī∙u∙ji‘tōt. Mīdạc a‘pī kākīci‘tōt īni’ᵘ ūpi‘twa‘kōn, “Ānīc mīsa cigwa wīmādcāyān,” ogī∙i∙nān īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn. Wo∙ō∙widạc ugī∙i∙nān: “Ānīc mīsa wīnạntopạniyān,” ogī∙i∙nān īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn. O∙ō∙widạc kī∙i∙‘kito: “Nīyokun ningataci‘tā wo∙ō∙ tci∙ā∙cawa∙o∙yān o∙ō∙ ki‘tcigạmi. Ānīc mīgu∙i∙ᵘ mini‘k kä∙ạ∙nwā‘ting ‘iᵉi’ᵘ nīyokun,” kī∙i∙‘kito ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu.
Na, miidash apii gaa-maadazhitaad i’iw gii-ozhitood i’iw ojiimaan. Apii idash gaa-giizhitood miinawaa gaa-izhi-nandawaabamaad niigaanigo waaninonid iniw awesiiyan. Gaa-izhi-ozhitood i’iwisa bimide miigo iw gakina gaa-izhinaaynang i’iw waa-aabajitood. Miinawaa ogii-andawaabamaan waabizibiniin. Apii miinawaa gaa-mamaad iniw waabizibinin. Miinawaa ogii-andawaabandaanan iniw mitigominan. Aaniish mii’iw zhayiigwa gii-giizhiitaad. Miidash apii gii-maadazhitaad iniw obitwaakoon gii-ozhitood. Miidash apii gaa-giizhitood iniw obitwaakoon, “Aaniish miisa zhigwa wii-maajaayaan,” ogii-inaan iniw ookomisan. Wo’oowidash ogii-inaan: “Aaniish miisa wii-nandobaniyaan,” ogii-inaan iniw ookomisan. O’oowidash gii-ikido: “Niiyo-gon ningad-azhitaa wo’oo ji-aazhawa’ooyaan o’oo gichigami. Aaniish miigo-iw minik ge-anwaating i’iw niiyo-gon,” gii-ikido a’aw Naanabozho.
So thereupon he began upon the work of making his canoe. After he had finished it, he then sought for a game-being that was unsurpassingly fat. After he had made the oil, he then put away all that he expected to use. Next he sought for a white potato. After he had obtained the white potato, he next looked for the acorns. So therefore was he now fully prepared. And then was when he started on the work of making his arrows. Now, when he had finished making his arrows, “Now, therefore, I want to be off (to war),” he said to his grandmother. And this was what he said to her: “Four days I shall spend crossing this sea, for the length of time that it will be (calm will be) four days,” (so) said Nänabushu.
miidash apii gaa-maadazhitaad gii-ozhitood ojiimaan (then he began making his canoe); apii idash gaa-giizhitood miinawaa gaa-izhi-nandawaabamaad niigaanigo waaninonid awesiiyan (after finishing it he sought a game-animal that was the fattest); gaa-izhi-ozhitood bimide miigo gakina gaa-izhinaaynang waa-aabajitood (after making the oil he put away all he meant to use); ogii-andawaabamaan waabizibiniin (he looked for a white potato); apii gaa-mamaad iniw waabizibinin (after he got the white potato); ogii-andawaabandaanan mitigominan (he looked for acorns); mii’iw zhayiigwa gii-giizhiitaad (now he was ready); apii gii-maadazhitaad obitwaakoon gii-ozhitood (then he began making his arrows); apii gaa-giizhitood obitwaakoon (when he finished his arrows): “miisa zhigwa wii-maajaayaan” (now I want to go), ogii-inaan ookomisan (he told his grandmother); “miisa wii-nandobaniyaan” (I want to go to war); gii-ikido: “niiyo-gon ningad-azhitaa ji-aazhawa’ooyaan gichigami” (four days it will take me to cross this sea); “miigo minik ge-anwaating niiyo-gon” (that long it will be calm, four days), gii-ikido Naanabozho.
(5) Na’, mīdạc cigwa kīmādcāt, kī‘pōzit ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utcīmān. Ningutingigu käᵉgä‘t pāpimickāt i∙i∙wisa kiˢtcigạmi cigwa gägä‘t ogīwâbạndān kägō ta‘kamakundänik. “Ānīc,” ogī∙i∙gōn īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn ‘oᵉō’ᵘ; “kāwīn pōtc kitākackitōsīn tciwīmāckạmạn” ogī∙i∙gōn īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn. A‘pī∙i∙dạc wädi‘tawāt īni’ᵘ pigiwạn, mīdạc kā∙i∙jipōsinank ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utcīmān kayä ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utạbwi; mīdạc kā∙i∙citcä‘kisät, mīsa kākạnạgä pạngī kī∙a∙gukäsīwạn i∙i∙mā utcīmāning kayä utạbwīng. Na’, mīdạc käᵉgä‘t wīwayība kīpōsinạnk ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utcīmān kayä ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utạbwi. Mīdạc äjikạckitōt kīgabi‘kawāt īni’ᵘ pigiwan. Mīdạc kā∙i∙jimādcī∙u∙t. Ningutingigu mīnawā pāpimickāt mī cigwa gägä‘t ogiwābamān cingwā‘kwan kī∙i∙nändạm. Ajigwa ubäcwâbạndān, kuninginīn mīwa’nini’ᵘ ki‘tci∙ō∙gāwan. O∙ō∙widạc ogī∙i∙nān a‘pī wädi‘tawāt: “Ambäsạnō kawā‘kun īgi’ᵘ kimistcigu‘t,” ugī∙i∙nān īni’ᵘ tci∙ō∙gāwạn.
Na, miidash zhigwa gii-maajaad, gii-boozid i’iw ojiimaan. Ningodingigo geget baabimishkaad i’iwisa gichigami zhigwa geget ogii-waabandaan gegoo da-akamagondenik. “Aaniish,” ogii-igoon iniw ookomisan o’oo; “gaawiin booch gidaa-gashkitoosiin ji-wii-maashkaman,” ogii-igoon iniw ookomisan. Apii idash weditawaad iniw biigiwan, miidash gaa-izhi-boozinang i’iw ojiimaan gaye i’iw odabwi; miidash gaa-izhi-chekised, miisa gaa-ganage bangii gii-agokesiiwan i’imaa ojiimaaning gaye odabwiing. Na, miidash geget wii-wayiiba gii-boozinang i’iw ojiimaan gaye i’iw odabwi. Miidash ezhi-gashkitood gii-gabikawaad iniw biigiwan. Miidash gaa-izhi-maajii’ood. Ningodingigo miinawaa baabimishkaad mii zhigwa geget ogii-waabamaan zhingwaakwan gii-inendam. Azhigwa obeshwaabandaan, goniginiin miiwa iniw gichi-ogaawan. O’oowidash ogii-inaan apii weditawaad: “Ambeszanoo gawaakon igiw gimisjigot,” ogii-inaan iniw ogaawan.
So therefore he started away, he was in his canoe. Now, truly, once as he went journeying by canoe over that sea, he now indeed beheld something lying lengthwise upon the water across his way. “To be sure,” he had been told by his grandmother about this; “in no way will you succeed in passing round it,” he had been told by his grandmother. Now, when he was approaching the pitch, he then oiled his canoe and his paddle; and when he drove his canoe into (the pitch), not even a speck (of the pitch) was stuck to his canoe or his paddle. So it was true that every now and then he kept oiling his canoe and his paddle. So thus he succeeded in passing through the pitch. Thereupon he continued his way. And another time as he was journeying along in his canoe, he now truly saw some pines, he thought. Soon he got a near view, and, sure enough, it was the Great Pike. And this he said to it when he drew up to it: “Please lower the fins of your back,” he said to the Great Pike.
miidash zhigwa gii-maajaad, gii-boozid i’iw ojiimaan (then he set off, he embarked in his canoe); ningodingigo geget baabimishkaad gichigami zhigwa ogii-waabandaan gegoo da-akamagondenik (one time as he paddled the sea he saw something lying across his way); “aaniish” ogii-igoon ookomisan (his grandmother had told him about this); “gaawiin booch gidaa-gashkitoosiin ji-wii-maashkaman” (you cannot manage to pass round it); apii weditawaad biigiwan, gaa-izhi-boozinang ojiimaan gaye odabwi (when he reached the pitch he oiled his canoe and his paddle); gaa-izhi-chekised, miisa gaa-ganage bangii gii-agokesiiwan i’imaa ojiimaaning gaye odabwiing (when he drove in, not a speck stuck to his canoe or paddle); geget wii-wayiiba gii-boozinang ojiimaan gaye odabwi (truly he kept oiling his canoe and paddle); ezhi-gashkitood gii-gabikawaad biigiwan (so he got past the pitch); gaa-izhi-maajii’ood (then he went on); ningodingigo miinawaa baabimishkaad ogii-waabamaan zhingwaakwan gii-inendam (another time paddling he saw what he thought were pines); obeshwaabandaan, goniginiin gichi-ogaawan (he came near, and behold, it was the great pike); ogii-inaan apii weditawaad: “ambeszanoo gawaakon igiw gimisjigot” (he said as he reached it: please lower your big back-fins), ogii-inaan ogaawan (he said to the great pike).
(6) Mīdạc käᵉgät kā∙i∙jictcigänit īni’ᵘ tci∙ō∙gāwạn, mīdạc ājikabi‘kawāt. Mīdac a‘pī kītäbābạndạnk ‘iᵉi’ᵘ wā∙i∙jāt. Cigwa obäcwābandān, cigwa käᵉgä‘t owâbạmān īni’ᵘ wäᵉwän. Cigwa owâbamigōn īni’ᵘ wäᵉwän, cigwa nōndāgusiwạn. “Ic!” ugī∙i∙nān. Kā∙i∙cinīminạmawāt īni’ᵘ wâbisīpinīn.
Miidash geget gaa-izhi-zhichigenid iniw ogaawan, miidash aazhi-gabikawaad. Miidash apii gii-debaabandaad i’iw waa-izhaad. Zhigwa obeshwaabandaan, zhigwa geget owaabamaan iniw wewen. Zhigwa owaabamigoon iniw wewen, zhigwa noondaagoziwan. “Izh!” ogii-inaan. Gaa-izhi-niiminamawaad iniw waabizibiniin.
And then truly, after the Great Pike had done so, he accordingly passed over it. And then was when he came in sight of the place whither he was bound. Presently he got a close view of it, now truly he saw the Swan. Soon was he observed by the Swan, then it was heard calling. “Hist!” he said to it, after which he offered it the white potato.
Miidash geget gaa-izhi-zhichigenid iniw ogaawan (after the great pike did so); aazhi-gabikawaad (he passed over it); apii gii-debaabandaad waa-izhaad (then he sighted where he was going); obeshwaabandaan, geget owaabamaan wewen (he came near, and truly saw the swan); owaabamigoon wewen, noondaagoziwan (the swan saw him, and was heard calling); “izh!” ogii-inaan (hist! he said to it); gaa-izhi-niiminamawaad waabizibiniin (he offered it the white potato).
(7) Ci’gwa pītcipa‘tōwạn.
Zhigwa biijibatoowan.
Then it came running.
Zhigwa biijibatoowan (then it came running toward him).
(8) “Ic, ānīn ändiyạn?” obī∙i∙nāni. “Kā, nima‘kamig ‘aᵉa’ᵘ wäᵉwä ini’ᵘ wâbisīpinīn,” ki∙i∙‘kitō awäᵉwä. O∙ō∙widạc kī∙i∙‘kitō: “Ānīn wīn kayä wīn mạnākạcki∙ā∙t īni’ᵘ wâbisīpinīn?” ogīpī∙i∙gōn. Mīdạc ạnicikīwänit ānīc kī‘kāsu ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu. Mīdạc a‘pī mīnawā kānicimādcāt. Kā∙i∙cikạbāt mīdạc imāⁿ ka‘kina kīnạgatạnk īni’ᵘ udābạtcitcigạnạn. Kā∙i∙jiku‘pīt cigwa kägä‘t anipạpimusä‘t. Kägä‘t owâbamigōn tīndīsiwan; cigwa weyâbamigut tīndīsiwạn äjinōndāgusinit. Kā∙i∙jiniminamawāt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ mi‘tigumin, mīdạc kā∙i∙jikīckuwänit.
“Izh, aaniin endiyan?” obii-inaani. “Gaa, nimakamig a’aw wewe iniw waabizibiniin,” gii-ikido awewe. O’oowidash gii-ikido: “Aaniin wiin gaye wiin manaagashki’aad iniw waabizibiniin?” ogii-bii-igoon. Miidash anizhi-giiwenid aaniish gii-gaazo a’aw Naanabozho. Miidash apii miinawaa gaa-nizhi-maajaad. Gaa-izhi-gabaad miidash imaa gakina gii-nagatang iniw odaabajichiganan. Gaa-izhi-gopiit zhigwa geget ani-babimosed. Geget owaabamigoon diindiisiwan; zhigwa weyaabamigod diindiisiwan ezhi-noondaagozinid. Gaa-izhi-niiminamawaad i’iw mitigomin, miidash gaa-izhi-gizhkwenid.
“Hist! What is the matter with you?” to it said (the manitou) coming (to it). “Oh, from me is he taking the white potato!” said the Swan. And this he said: “Why is he not himself able to procure the white potato?” he was told by the other coming hither. Now, while the other was on his way back, in hiding of course was Nänabushu. And that was when he continued on. After he went ashore, he then left behind all of his equipments. After he had gone up from the shore, he then truly went walking along. In truth, he was observed by the Bluejay; as soon as he was seen, the Bluejay was heard calling out. After he had offered it the oak acorn, it therefore ceased its cries.
“Izh, aaniin endiyan?” obii-inaani (hist, what is wrong with you? said the one coming to it); “gaa, nimakamig wewe waabizibiniin” gii-ikido awewe (oh, he is taking the white potato from me, said the swan); gii-ikido: “aaniin wiin gaye wiin manaagashki’aad waabizibiniin?” ogii-bii-igoon (the other coming said: why can he not get the white potato himself?); anizhi-giiwenid aaniish gii-gaazo Naanabozho (while the other went back, Nanabushu of course hid); apii miinawaa gaa-nizhi-maajaad (then he went on again); gaa-izhi-gabaad imaa gakina gii-nagatang odaabajichiganan (after landing he left all his gear there); gaa-izhi-gopiit zhigwa geget ani-babimosed (after going up from shore he truly walked along); geget owaabamigoon diindiisiwan (truly the bluejay saw him); weyaabamigod diindiisiwan ezhi-noondaagozinid (when the bluejay saw him it was heard calling); gaa-izhi-niiminamawaad mitigomin, gaa-izhi-gizhkwenid (after he offered it the acorn, it stopped).
(9) Cīgwa mīnawā kīpītcipa‘tōnit. “Ic! ānīn ändiyạn?” ogī∙i∙nān īni’ᵘ tīndīsīwạn. O∙ō∙widạc kī∙i∙‘kitu ‘aᵉa’ᵘ tīndisi: “Nima‘kamig ‘iᵉi’ᵘ mi‘tigumin.” ‘Aᵉa’ᵘ tīndisi ogī∙i∙gōn: “Ānīn wīn kayä wīn mạnākacki‘tōt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ mi‘tigumin?” Mīdạc a‘pī mīnawa kīniacäkīwänit. Mīdạc cigwa mīnawa kīmō‘kīt ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu. Ānīc ạnimāmādcāt, cigwa täbābandamawān ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ändānit. Kägä‘t ki‘tciwayä‘kwāgān. Mīdạc äji∙o∙disāt madwä∙i∙gäwạn i∙i∙mā ändānit. Mīdạc kā∙i∙citạ‘pābamāt i∙i∙māⁿ ändānit, kuniginīn ‘iᵉi’ᵘ uka‘kwanānạn tcāgika∙ạ∙minit! Mīdạc kạnawâbạmāt, kāwin kạnạgä pīnābisīwạn.
Zhigwa miinawaa gii-biijibatoonid. “Izh! aaniin endiyan?” ogii-inaan iniw diindiisiwan. O’oowidash gii-ikido a’aw diindiisi: “Nimakamig i’iw mitigomin.” a’aw diindiisi ogii-igoon: “Aaniin wiin gaye wiin manaagashkitood i’iw mitigomin?” Miidash apii miinawaa gii-ni-azhe-giiwenid. Miidash zhigwa miinawaa gii-mookid a’aw Naanabozho. Aaniish ani-maamaajaad, zhigwa debaabandamawaan i’iw endaanid. Geget gichi-wayekwaagaan. Miidash ezhi-odisaad madwe-igewan i’imaa endaanid. Miidash gaa-izhi-dabaabamaad i’imaa endaanid, goniginiin i’iw okakwanaanan jaagigaaminid! Miidash ganawaabamaad, gaawiin ganage biinaabizii-wan.
Now again came the other running. “Hist! What is the matter with you?” he said to the Bluejay. And this said the Bluejay: “He took from me the oak acorn.” The Bluejay was told by the other: “Why is he not himself able to procure the oak acorns?” Thereupon he was on his way back home. Then was when again Nänabushu came out of his hiding. Soon on his way he slowly went, till presently he came in sight of the dwelling of the being. It was really a very long lodge. And as he was coming up to him, he could hear him pounding upon something in where he lived. And so when he peeped in at him there in his dwelling, behold, it was upon his shins that he was hewing! And so he watched him, but not a look did the other cast up at him.
Zhigwa miinawaa gii-biijibatoonid (again the other came running); “izh! aaniin endiyan?” ogii-inaan diindiisiwan (hist! what is wrong with you? he said to the bluejay); gii-ikido diindiisi: “nimakamig mitigomin” (the bluejay said: he took the acorn from me); ogii-igoon: “aaniin wiin gaye wiin manaagashkitood mitigomin?” (he was told: why can he not get the acorns himself?); apii miinawaa gii-ni-azhe-giiwenid (then the other went back home); zhigwa miinawaa gii-mookid Naanabozho (then Nanabushu came out again); ani-maamaajaad, zhigwa debaabandamawaan endaanid (going slowly, he sighted the one’s dwelling); geget gichi-wayekwaagaan (it was a very long lodge); ezhi-odisaad madwe-igewan i’imaa endaanid (as he reached him he heard him pounding inside); gaa-izhi-dabaabamaad endaanid, goniginiin okakwanaanan jaagigaaminid (when he peeped in, behold, he was hewing on his shins); ganawaabamaad, gaawiin ganage biinaabizii-wan (he watched him, but the other did not look up).
(10) Mīdạc cayīgwa kīpasigwīnit mīgu iᵘ äkā∙i∙cawabisänik o‘kātini; mīdạc kā∙i∙jipasigwīnit mīgu iᵘ kā∙i∙cicawabisänik o‘kātini pimusänit. Kägāgu pō‘kusäniwạn, kägāsạgu kawisäwạn ạnicāgu āswā‘kwīwạn. O∙ō∙widạc kī∙i∙‘kitōwạn kạnawâbạmāt: “Awīyasa ningạnawâbami‘k.” Kī∙i∙‘kitō mīnawā, o∙ō∙widac kī∙i∙‘kito: “Awīyasa undcita ningạnawâbami‘k.” Mīnawa kā∙i∙jimādci‘tād kītcīgika∙ạ∙nk ‘iᵉi’ᵘ uka‘kwạn. Kā∙i∙jipạsigwīt mī∙i∙gu iᵘ äjicawabisạnik ‘iᵉi’ᵘ u‘kātini; pimācigāmänit i∙i∙māⁿ ändānit, kā∙i∙jikawisänit. “Kägä‘t nạngwạna awiya ningạnawâbạmik.” Kā‘piji∙i∙nābinit, pitcīnạg kā∙i∙jiwâbạmigut ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ta‘pâbạmāt; o∙ō∙widạc ogī∙i∙gōn aⁿ Nänabucū, ugī∙i∙gōn: “Pä‘kā a‘kawä, pāmā pīndi‘kä‘kạn,” ugī∙i∙gōn.
Miidash zhayiigwa gii-bazigwiinid miigo iw ekaa-izhi-zhawabizenik okaadini; miidash gaa-izhi-bazigwiinid miigo iw gaa-izhi-zhawabizenik okaadini bimosenid. Gegaago bookoseniwan, gegaazago gawisewan anishaago aaswaakwiiwan. O’oowidash gii-ikidowan ganawaabamaad: “Awiiyasa ninganawaabamig.” Gii-ikido miinawaa, o’oowidash gii-ikido: “Awiiyasa onjida ninganawaabamig.” Miinawaa gaa-izhi-maadazhitaad gii-jiigigaa’ank i’iw okakwan. Gaa-izhi-bazigwiid mii-igo iw ezhi-zhawabizenik i’iw okaadini; bimaazhigaamenid i’imaa endaanid, gaa-izhi-gawisenid. “Geget nangwana awiya ninganawaabamig.” Gaa-biizhi-inaabinid, bichinag gaa-izhi-waabamigod i’iw dabaabamaad; o’oowidash ogii-igoon an Naanabozho, ogii-igoon: “Bekaa akawe, baamaa biindigeken,” ogii-igoon.
And now presently the other started to rise to his feet, whereupon his legs were bent; and when he had risen to his feet, then wabbling were his legs as he walked. And nearly were they on the point of breaking, and almost would he have fallen but for his holding on to something. And this he said as (Nänabushu) was watching him: “By somebody surely am I watched,” he said. He spoke again, and this he said: “By somebody surely with a purpose am I watched.” Again he went to work hewing upon his shin. When he rose to his feet thereupon bending were his legs; as he walked beside (the fireplace) there where he lived, he fell over. “Truly, it is a fact that by somebody am I watched.” After he had looked up towards (where Nänabushu was peeping in), then (Nänabushu) was seen peeping in at him; and this was what was told Nänabushu, he was told: “Wait yet a while, by and by come in,” he was told.
zhayiigwa gii-bazigwiinid miigo iw ekaa-izhi-zhawabizenik okaadini (the other rose, his legs bent); gaa-izhi-bazigwiinid miigo gaa-izhi-zhawabizenik okaadini bimosenid (when he stood, his legs wobbled as he walked); gegaago bookoseniwan, gawisewan anishaago aaswaakwiiwan (they nearly broke, he nearly fell but held on to something); gii-ikidowan ganawaabamaad: “awiiyasa ninganawaabamig” (he said as Nanabushu watched: someone surely is watching me); gii-ikido miinawaa: “awiiyasa onjida ninganawaabamig” (he said again: someone with a purpose is watching me); miinawaa gaa-izhi-maadazhitaad gii-jiigigaa’ank okakwan (again he went to hewing on his shin); Gaa-izhi-bazigwiid mii-igo iw ezhi-zhawabizenik i’iw okaadini (when he stood his legs bent); bimaazhigaamenid endaanid, gaa-izhi-gawisenid (walking by where he lived, he fell over); “geget nangwana awiya ninganawaabamig” (truly someone is watching me); gaa-biizhi-inaabinid, bichinag gaa-izhi-waabamigod dabaabamaad (when he looked up, at last he saw the one peeping in); ogii-igoon Naanabozho: “bekaa akawe, baamaa biindigeken” (Nanabushu was told: wait a while, come in by and by).
(11) Mīdạc kā∙i∙cikạnawâbạmāt cigwa mīnawā ugīkanōnigōn, “Mī∙i’∙ᵘ ijipīndigän,” ugī∙i∙gōn. Mīdạc käᵉgä‘t äjipīndigät. Ānīc a‘picimōnikäwạn ī∙i∙mā tcinạmạdạpit. Kägä‘t mī∙i∙māⁿ kā∙i∙cōnạbit o∙ō∙widạc ogī∙i∙gōn: “Kägätsa, Nänabucu, kimạnitōⁱ kīpigacki∙o∙yạn i∙i∙wisa wī‘piwâbạmiyạn. Kāmāwīn ạnicā kipījāsi,” ugī∙i∙gōn.
Miidash gaa-izhi-ganawaabamaad zhigwa miinawaa ogii-ganoonigoon, “Mii’iw izhi-biindigen,” ogii-igoon. Miidash geget ezhi-biindiged. Aaniish abizhimoonikewan i’imaa ji-namadabid. Geget mii-imaa gaa-izhi-onabid o’oowidash ogii-igoon: “Gegetsa, Naanabozho, gimanidoowi gii-bigashki’ooyan i’iwisa wii-biiwaabamiyan. Gaa-maawiin anishaa gibijaasii,” ogii-igoon.
And so after he had been watching him, then was he now once more addressed: “Now come on in,” he was told. Whereupon truly in he went. Now the other laid a spread there for him to sit down upon. Truly, as he sat there, this he was told: “Quite true, Nänabushu, are you a manitou being, since you were able to come here by canoe for the purpose of seeing me. I suspect that you have not come without a purpose,” he was told.
gaa-izhi-ganawaabamaad zhigwa miinawaa ogii-ganoonigoon (after watching, he was again addressed): “mii’iw izhi-biindigen” (now come in); geget ezhi-biindiged (truly he went in); aaniish abizhimoonikewan i’imaa ji-namadabid (the other laid a spread for him to sit on); geget mii-imaa gaa-izhi-onabid ogii-igoon (truly as he sat there he was told): “gegetsa, Naanabozho, gimanidoowi gii-bigashki’ooyan wii-biiwaabamiyan” (truly, Nanabushu, you are a manidoo, since you could come by canoe to see me); “gaa-maawiin anishaa gibijaasii” (I think you did not come for nothing).
(12) O∙ō∙widac ugīinān: “Anicāsạgu nibī∙i∙jā,” ugī∙i∙nān ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu. “Kāwīn ạnicā kibījāsī,” ugī∙i∙gōn.
O’oowidash ogii-inaan: “Anishaasago nibii-izhaa,” ogii-inaan a’aw Naanabozho. “Gaawiin anishaa gibijaasii,” ogii-igoon.
And this he said to him: “For no special object have I come,” to him said Nänabushu. “Not for nothing have you come,” he was told.
ogii-inaan: “anishaasago nibii-izhaa” (he said: I have come for no special reason), Naanabozho; “gaawiin anishaa gibijaasii” (you did not come for nothing, he was told).
(13) Ānīc utānu∙ā∙gunwä‘tawān ‘iᵉi’ᵘ igut. “Anicāsạgu kipimạwadisin,” ugī∙i∙nān. “Kägätsa kimạnitōⁱ, Nänabucu,” ugī∙i∙gōn.
Aaniish odaano-aagonwetawaan i’iw igod. “Anishaasago gibimaawadisin,” ogii-inaan. “Gegetsa gimanidoowi, Naanabozho,” ogii-igoon.
Naturally he tried to disavow what was told him. “I have come only to make you a visit,” he said to him. “Verily, indeed, you are a manitou being, Nänabushu,” he was told.
odaano-aagonwetawaan i’iw igod (he tried to deny what he was told); “anishaasago gibimaawadisin” (I only came to visit you); “gegetsa gimanidoowi, Naanabozho” (truly you are a manidoo, Nanabushu, he was told).
(14) Ānīc mīsa pisān i∙i∙mā kīkạkạnōnitiwāt. O∙ō∙widạc ogī∙i∙nān: “Wägunän kīn kwä‘tạmạn ‘iᵉi’ᵘ känisigwiyạmbạn?” ugī∙i∙nān. “Mī nangwạna iᵘ gägät ạnicā pī∙i∙jāsiwạn,” ugī∙i∙gōn.
Aaniish miisa bizaan i’imaa gii-gaganoonidiwaad. O’oowidash ogii-inaan: “Wegonen giin gwetaman i’iw ge-nisigwiyambaan?” ogii-inaan. “Mii nangwana iw geget anishaa bii-izhaasiwan,” ogii-igoon.
So therefore in a friendly way they there conversed together. And this (Nänabushu) said to him: “What do you fear that would kill you?” he said to him. “It is quite evident that you have not come for nothing,” he was told.
aaniish miisa bizaan i’imaa gii-gaganoonidiwaad (so they conversed there peaceably); ogii-inaan: “wegonen giin gwetaman ge-nisigwiyambaan?” (Nanabushu said: what do you fear would kill you?); “mii nangwana geget anishaa bii-izhaasiwan” (it is plain you did not come for nothing, he was told).
(15) “Kāwīn,” ugī∙i∙nān; “mini‘kîna iᵘ ạnicā kitātạcikạnawâbamin idạc,” ugī∙i∙nān.
“Gaawiin,” ogii-inaan; “minikiina iw anishaa gidaa-dazhi-ganawaabamin idash,” ogii-inaan.
“Not,” he said to him, “for so long a time would I merely be watching you (if I had come for mischief),” he said to him.
“Gaawiin,” ogii-inaan (no, he said to him); “minikiina iw anishaa gidaa-dazhi-ganawaabamin idash” (I would not be watching you all this while for nothing).
(16) “Äyeᵉ,” o∙ō∙dạc ogī∙i∙gōn: “Iwä ojāwaskwạnwins upigwa‘kunk kayä dạc pīwānạk nāba∙i∙gänk, mīsai tcinisiguyāmbān. Nạ, mī∙i’∙ᵘ wīndạmōnān. Kīnidạc, Nänabucu? Wägunäni iᵘ känisiguyạmbạn?”
“Eye’,” o’oodash ogii-igoon: “Iwe ozhaawashkwanwiins obigwakong gaye dash biiwaanag naabaa’igeng, miisai ji-nisigoyaambaan. Na, mii’iw wiindamoonaan. Giinidash, Naanabozho? Wegoneni iw ge-nisigoyamban?”
“Yea,” and this (Nänabushu) was told: “It is a tiny blue missile upon an arrow, and a piece of flint fastened on for a spear, by such should I be killed. Thus, therefore, have I told you. Now about yours, Nänabushu? What is it that would kill you?”
“Eye’,” o’oodash ogii-igoon (yes, he was told): “iwe ozhaawashkwanwiins obigwakong gaye biiwaanag naabaa’igeng, miisai ji-nisigoyaambaan” (a tiny blue dart on an arrow, and flint fastened as a spear, by these I would be killed); “mii’iw wiindamoonaan” (so I have told you); “giinidash, Naanabozho? wegoneni iw ge-nisigoyamban?” (and you, Nanabushu? what would kill you?).
(17) Wo∙ō∙widec ugī∙i∙nān: “Igi’ᵘ ubīwayackināg pạngīgu tāngickawạgwā, mīgu iᵘ tcinibuyāmbān,” ugī∙i∙nān. Anicādạc ugī∙i∙nān. Kāwīn kägä‘t tcinibut, iwisa āwaⁿsinini ‘iᵉi’ᵘ känisigut. “Ānīc, mīsạgu i’iᵘ mini‘k käkạnōninān.” Kā∙i∙jipạsigwīt ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu kā‘pī∙i∙jimādcāt i∙i∙māⁿ utcīmāning. Mīdạc cayīgwa ki∙u∙jī‘tāt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kāwīndạminit iᵘ känisigunit. Mītạc ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kīpigwaku‘kät. Kākīci‘tōt, mīdạc sāsā‘twät kīmawinatạnk ‘iᵉi’ᵘ wīgiwām.
Wo’oowidash ogii-inaan: “Igiw obiiwayashkinaag bangiigo daangishkawagwaa, miigo iw ji-nibwiyaambaan,” ogii-inaan. Anishaadash ogii-inaan. Gaawiin geget ji-nibood, iwisa aawansinini i’iw ge-nisigod. “Aaniish, miisago iw minik ge-ganooninaan.” Gaa-izhi-bazigwiid a’aw Naanabozho gaa-bii-izhi-maajaad i’imaa ojiimaaning. Miidash zhayiigwa gii-ozhiitaad i’iw gaa-wiindaminid iw ge-nisigonid. Miidash i’iw gii-bigwakoked. Gaa-giizhitood, miidash zaazaatwed gii-mawinatang i’iw wiigiwaam.
So this he said to him: “If I should gently touch those cat-tails with my foot, then would I die,” he said to him. Now, he was only deceiving him. He was truly not destined to die, that was not the thing by which he would be killed. “Now, this is all that I have to say to you.” After which to his feet then rose Nänabushu, who came away to the place of his canoe. Whereupon he began preparing what the other had said would kill him. And so he made the arrows. When he had finished them, he then gave a whoop as he made a rush upon the wigwam.
ogii-inaan: “Igiw obiiwayashkinaag bangiigo daangishkawagwaa, miigo iw ji-nibwiyaambaan” (he said: if I lightly touch those cat-tails with my foot, then I would die); anishaadash ogii-inaan (he was only deceiving him); gaawiin geget ji-nibood, aawansinini ge-nisigod (he was truly not to die, that was not what would kill him); “miisago iw minik ge-ganooninaan” (that is all I will say to you); gaa-izhi-bazigwiid Naanabozho gaa-bii-izhi-maajaad ojiimaaning (Nanabushu rose and came back to his canoe); zhayiigwa gii-ozhiitaad gaa-wiindaminid ge-nisigonid (he prepared what the other said would kill him); gii-bigwakoked (he made the arrows); gaa-giizhitood, zaazaatwed gii-mawinatang wiigiwaam (when done, he whooped and rushed at the lodge).
(18) “Micanim!” ugī∙i∙gōn Nänabucu. “Mīnangwana gägä‘t pinạntupanī‘tawit,” ugī∙i∙gōn. Minangwana gu iᵘ kā‘pisāga∙ạ∙nk mādāwạnānigubạnän ‘iᵉi’ᵘ upīwạyackinaᵉ; kīpīndigạnānit i∙i∙māⁿ ändānit. Ānīc midạc cigwa päcwābạndạnk ‘iᵉi’ᵘ wīgiwām, mīdac sāgisītāgōgubạnän. Mīdạc kā∙i∙jipimwāt upi‘kwanāning, wäntcitagu nā∙u∙pi‘kwạn ugi∙i∙ninawān. Mīdạc kānījicāwạbipitōnit ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ubikwa‘k, mīdạc kā∙i∙jigwänibīt; mīdạc wīni‘tạm kā∙i∙jipimīnija∙u∙gut, wīni‘tạm kā∙i∙jipimugut nā∙u∙pi‘kwan. Ānīc mīdạc kayä wīn kā∙i∙cicāwabipitōt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ubikwa‘kuni.
“Mizhanim!” ogii-igoon Naanabozho. “Mii nangwana geget biinandobaniitawid,” ogii-igoon. Mii nangwana go iw gaa-bii-zaaga’ank madaawanaanigobanen i’iw obiiwayashkinan; gii-biindiganaanid i’imaa endaanid. Aaniish miidash zhigwa beshwaabandang i’iw wiigiwaam, miidash zaagizii-taagoogobanen. Miidash gaa-izhi-bimwaad obikwanaaning, wenjidago naa-obikwan ogii-ininawaan. Miidash gaa-niizhi-zhaawabibitoonid i’iw obikwak, miidash gaa-izhi-gwenibiid; miidash wiinitam gaa-izhi-bimiinizha’ogod, wiinitam gaa-izhi-bimogod naa-obikwan. Aaniish miidash gaye wiin gaa-izhi-zhaawabibitood i’iw obikwakoni.
“You wretch!” was said to Nänabushu. “It is really true that he has come to war against me,” was said to (Nänabushu). Now, just as soon as (Nänabushu) had gone out, then was when he began drawing the cat-tails; he had taken them inside of the place where he lived. Now, when (Nänabushu) approached the wigwam, he then ran out. Whereupon (Nänabushu) shot him in the back, squarely in the middle of the back he hit him. And after he had pulled out the arrow, then (Nänabushu) retreated; it was then his turn to be pursued, and his turn to be shot in the middle of the back. So thereupon he also had to pull out the other’s arrow.
“Mizhanim!” ogii-igoon Naanabozho (you wretch! Nanabushu was told); “mii nangwana geget biinandobaniitawid” (truly he has come to make war on me); gaa-bii-zaaga’ank madaawanaanigobanen obiiwayashkinan (as soon as Nanabushu went out, he started drawing the cat-tails); gii-biindiganaanid endaanid (he had taken them into where he lived); zhigwa beshwaabandang wiigiwaam, zaagizii-taagoogobanen (when Nanabushu neared the lodge, he ran out); gaa-izhi-bimwaad obikwanaaning, naa-obikwan ogii-ininawaan (he shot him in the back, right in the middle of the back); gaa-niizhi-zhaawabibitoonid obikwak, gaa-izhi-gwenibiid (after pulling out the arrow, he retreated); wiinitam gaa-izhi-bimiinizha’ogod, gaa-izhi-bimogod naa-obikwan (then it was his turn to be chased and shot in the middle of the back); gaye wiin gaa-izhi-zhaawabibitood obikwakoni (he too had to pull out the other’s arrow).
(19) Mīdạc i∙i∙māⁿ kīwạnī‘kät ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utä, ningutci ki∙a∙‘tōsig i∙i∙wisa utä. Ānīc mī∙i∙māⁿ pitcīnạg kīmi‘kwändạnk i∙i∙wisa ningutci tcigī∙a∙‘tōpạn i∙o∙tä. Mīdạc kāijimādcinija∙i∙gät; mīdạc a‘pī äni∙a∙timāt, kā∙i∙jipimwāt. Mīdạc wīni‘tạm kā‘pi∙i∙ci∙u∙cimut. Mīdạc ä‘timigut ki‘pimugut. Ānīc mīgu‘ku kā‘tōdạnk ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kījābạbitōt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ubikwakuni. Ānīc wīni‘tạm kā∙i∙jimādcinicawāt. A‘pī∙i∙dạc äni∙ạ∙tạmāt kā∙i∙jipimwāt. Ānīc mīgu kījābạbitōnit.
Miidash i’imaa gii-waniked i’iw ode’, ningoji gii-atoosig i’iwisa ode’. Aaniish mii-imaa bichinag gii-mikwendang i’iwisa ningoji ji-gii-atooban i’ode’. Miidash gaa-izhi-maajinizha’iged; miidash apii eni-adimaad, gaa-izhi-bimwaad. Miidash wiinitam gaa-bii-izhi-ozhimod. Miidash edimigod gii-bimogod. Aaniish miigoko gaa-toodang i’iw giizhaababitood i’iw obikwakoni. Aaniish wiinitam gaa-izhi-maajinizhawaad. Apii idash eni-adamaad gaa-izhi-bimwaad. Aaniish miigo giizhaababitoonid.
And so there (Nänabushu) forgot his heart, somewhere he had put that heart of his. Now, it was at that very moment that it occurred to him that he should have put away his heart. Thereupon he rushed to the attack; and when he caught up with (the other), he then shot him. And then it was his turn to run away. And when he was overtaken, he was shot. Now he did what he had done before, which was to pull out the other’s arrow. So then in turn he pursued him. And when he overtook him, he shot him. So then the other pulled out (the arrow).
Miidash i’imaa gii-waniked i’iw ode’, ningoji gii-atoosig i’iwisa ode’ (then there he forgot his heart, he had put it away somewhere); bichinag gii-mikwendang i’iwisa ningoji ji-gii-atooban i’ode’ (only then did it occur to him he should have put his heart away somewhere); gaa-izhi-maajinizha’iged; eni-adimaad, gaa-izhi-bimwaad (he gave chase; when he caught up he shot him); wiinitam gaa-bii-izhi-ozhimod (then it was his turn to flee); edimigod gii-bimogod (when overtaken he was shot); gaa-toodang giizhaababitood obikwakoni (he did as before, pulling out the other’s arrow); wiinitam gaa-izhi-maajinizhawaad (then he chased him in turn); eni-adamaad gaa-izhi-bimwaad (when he overtook him he shot him); miigo giizhaababitoonid (and the other pulled it out).
(20) Ānīc mīsa cigwa mīnawa wīni‘tạm kipiminica∙u∙gut, cigwa minawā ugīpimwugōn. Mīdạc cayīgwa ānawi ạnāgucininigubạnän. Mīdạc inändạmugubạnän: “Mīmāwīn iᵘ tcimamāji∙i∙t,” kī∙i∙nändạm. Ānīc cigwa upiminicawān, mīdạc mīnawā kī∙a∙wipimwāt. Ānīc mīgu‘ku kātō‘tạminit cāwabạbitōnit ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ubigwa‘k. Mīdạc mīnawā pi∙u∙cimut. Mīdạc i∙i∙mā pimawit. Ānīc mī∙ä∙‘ta nījininig īni’ᵘ ubigwa‘kōn, mīdạc wändcisägisit. O∙ō∙widạc ugī∙i∙gōn īni’ᵘ Mämän: “Ānīn ändiyạn?” ugī∙i∙gōn ini’ᵘ Mämän. “Kwạndigukuca kīmawi Nänabucu?”
Aaniish miisa zhigwa miinawaa wiinitam gii-biminizha’ogod, zhigwa miinawaa ogii-bimwogoon. Miidash zhayiigwa anawi anaagoshininigobanen. Miidash inendamogobanen: “Mii maawiin iw ji-mamaaji’id,” gii-inendam. Aaniish zhigwa obiminizhawaan, miidash miinawaa gii-awi-bimwaad. Aaniish miigoko gaa-toodaminid zhaawababitoonid i’iw obigwak. Miidash miinawaa bi-ozhimod. Miidash i’imaa bimawid. Aaniish mii-eta niizhininig iniw obigwakoon, miidash wenji-zegizid. O’oowidash ogii-igoon iniw Memen: “Aaniin endiyan?” ogii-igoon iniw Memen. “Gwandigokosha gii-mawi Naanabozho?”
So then another time was (Nänabushu) pursued, now again was he shot. It was now, to be sure, growing evening. And this was his thought at the time: “I believe that he will overcome me,” he thought. So, then, now he chased after him, and then again he went and shot him. Now, that which the other kept on doing all the while was to bend the arrow. And so again (Nänabushu) ran away. And then to yonder place he came weeping. Now there were but two of his arrows left, and that was the reason why he became afraid. Now, this was he told by the Red-headed Woodpecker: “What is the matter with you?” he was told by the Red-headed Woodpecker. “Is it possible that you are really crying, Nänabushu?”
miisa zhigwa miinawaa wiinitam gii-biminizha’ogod, zhigwa miinawaa ogii-bimwogoon (then again it was his turn to be chased, and he was shot again); zhayiigwa anawi anaagoshininigobanen (it was now growing evening); inendamogobanen: “mii maawiin iw ji-mamaaji’id” (he thought: I think he will overcome me); zhigwa obiminizhawaan, miinawaa gii-awi-bimwaad (then he chased him and shot him again); miigoko gaa-toodaminid zhaawababitoonid obigwak (what the other kept doing was bending the arrow); miinawaa bi-ozhimod (so again he fled); i’imaa bimawid (he came there weeping); mii-eta niizhininig obigwakoon, wenji-zegizid (only two of his arrows were left, that is why he grew afraid); ogii-igoon Memen: “aaniin endiyan?” (the red-headed woodpecker said: what is wrong with you?); “gwandigokosha gii-mawi Naanabozho?” (can it be you are really crying, Nanabushu?).
(21) “Äyeᵉ, ānīc mīsa’ nibuyān, nicīmisa.”
“Eye’, aaniish miisa nibwiyaan, nishiimisa.”
“Yes, for now am I going to die, my little brother.”
“Eye’, aaniish miisa nibwiyaan, nishiimisa” (yes, now I am going to die, my little brother).
(22) “Ānīn kä‘tiyạn känibuyạn? O∙ō∙ icitcigän; kāwīn kitānisāsī i∙i∙māⁿ wīyawing ānugīpimwạt. Nạckä, i∙i∙mā icipimwạt usägipinwāning.”
“Aaniin gediyan ge-nibwiyan? O’oo izhichigen; gaawiin gidaa-nisaasii i’imaa wiiyawing aano-gii-bimwad. Nashke, i’imaa izhi-bimwad osegipinwaaning.”
“Why is it that you should die? This you should do; not could you kill him if you should shoot him here in the body (as you have been doing). But rather, the place for you to shoot him is in the wrap of his knot of hair.”
“Aaniin gediyan ge-nibwiyan?” (why should you die?); “o’oo izhichigen” (do this); “gaawiin gidaa-nisaasii i’imaa wiiyawing aano-gii-bimwad” (you cannot kill him shooting at his body); “nashke, i’imaa izhi-bimwad osegipinwaaning” (look, shoot him there at the wrap of his hair-knot).
(23) Mīdạc käᵉgä‘t kā∙i∙jicictcigät. O∙ō∙widạc a‘pīäniạtimāt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kā∙i∙jipimwāt, kägāgu umī‘kunạmawān ‘iᵉi’ᵘ usägipanwānini, mīdạc kägā kā∙i∙jipạngicininit. O∙ō∙widạc ogī∙i∙gōn: “Ānīndi ā‘kā äna∙ä∙yan, Nänabucu?” “Äyeᵉ,” ogī∙i∙nān. “Tạ’swäni’nạc i‘pitäwạn īni’ʷᵉ ạnwīn māgādingin.” Mīdạc kā∙i∙cigwänipīt.
Miidash geget gaa-izhi-zhichiged. O’oowidash apii eni-adimaad i’iw gaa-izhi-bimwaad, gegaago omiikonamawaan i’iw osegibanwaanini, miidash gegaa gaa-izhi-bangishininid. O’oowidash ogii-igoon: “Aaniindi aakaa ena’eyan, Naanabozho?” “Eye’,” ogii-inaan. “Dasweninash ibidewan iniwe anwiin maagaadingin.” Miidash gaa-izhi-gwenibiid.
Therefore truly that was what (Nänabushu) did. And now when he overtook him, he shot him, and he nearly hit the wrap of his hair-knot, whereupon the other almost fell. Then this was he asked by the other: “Where is the target you are trying to hit, Nänabushu?” “Yea,” he said to him. “In many a place are arrows likely to fall during a battle.” Thereupon he turned and fled.
Miidash geget gaa-izhi-zhichiged (so truly that is what he did); apii eni-adimaad gaa-izhi-bimwaad, gegaago omiikonamawaan osegibanwaanini (when he caught up he shot, nearly hitting the wrap of his hair-knot); gegaa gaa-izhi-bangishininid (the other almost fell); ogii-igoon: “aaniindi aakaa ena’eyan, Naanabozho?” (he was asked: where is your target, Nanabushu?); “eye’,” ogii-inaan (yes, he said); “Dasweninash ibidewan anwiin maagaadingin” (arrows fall in many places during a battle); gaa-izhi-gwenibiid (then he turned and fled).
(24) Mīdạc ä‘ta päcigwạninig ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ubigwa‘k mīdạc mānu wāsa ugī∙a∙‘pa∙ā∙n. Cigwa mīnawā ugīpimwugōn, käyābi pā‘tạnīna‘tiniwạn īni’ᵘ upigwa‘kuni. Mīdạc kā∙i∙jiâbamī‘tawāt; mīdạc mānu päcu kā∙i∙ci∙u∙ndinawāt. Mīdạc kā∙i∙jimicutạmawāt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utạskibawānänsạn. Mīdạc kā∙i∙jipạngicininit kā∙i∙jisāsā‘kwät.
Miidash eta bezhigwaninig i’iw obigwak miidash maanoo waasa ogii-aapa’aan. Zhigwa miinawaa ogii-bimwogoon, geyaabi baataniinaadininiwan iniw obigwakoni. Miidash gaa-izhi-aabamitawaad; miidash maanoo besho gaa-izhi-ondinawaad. Miidash gaa-izhi-mizhotamawaad i’iw odashkibawenensan. Miidash gaa-izhi-bangishininid gaa-izhi-zaazaakwed.
And since there was but a single arrow left, he then with good reason ran a long way off. Then again was he shot by the other, who yet had many arrows. Thereupon, turning about, he chased him; and then after he ran as close as possible upon him (to make sure of success), he then shot, hitting his small head-gear. And as he fell (Nänabushu) whooped.
Miidash eta bezhigwaninig i’iw obigwak miidash maanoo waasa ogii-aapa’aan (only one arrow was left, so he ran far off); zhigwa miinawaa ogii-bimwogoon, geyaabi baataniinaadininiwan obigwakoni (the other shot him again, still having many arrows); gaa-izhi-aabamitawaad; maanoo besho gaa-izhi-ondinawaad (turning, he chased and got as close as he could); gaa-izhi-mizhotamawaad odashkibawenensan (he shot, hitting his small head-gear); gaa-izhi-bangishininid gaa-izhi-zaazaakwed (as the other fell, Nanabushu whooped).
(25) Kāpạngicininit, mīdạc äjimawinạnāt kā∙i∙jitạngickawāt; kā∙i∙ji∙a∙cäpa‘tōt. Mīnawā kā∙i∙jimawinạnāt minawā kītạngickawāt; mīnawā kā∙i∙ji∙a∙jäpa‘tōt; mīnawa kā∙i’∙jimā∙i∙nạnāt; mīnawā kā∙i∙jitạngickawāt; mīnawā kā∙i∙ji∙a∙jäpa‘tōt; mīnawā äjimāwinạnāt, kā∙i∙jitạngickawāt. “Mīsa iᵘ kä∙i∙jitcigät ‘aᵉa’ᵘ ạnicināpä tci∙a∙ni∙a∙‘kīwạng; mīsa nīywing kitạngickawāt; mīsa iᵘ mini‘k kä∙u∙ndiniit ‘aᵉa’ᵘ inini i∙i∙wisa tcimīgātit.”
Gaa-bangishininid, miidash ezhi-mawinanaad gaa-izhi-dangishkawaad; gaa-izhi-azhebatood. Miinawaa gaa-izhi-mawinanaad miinawaa gii-dangishkawaad; miinawaa gaa-izhi-azhebatood; miinawaa gaa-izhi-maa-inanaad; miinawaa gaa-izhi-dangishkawaad; miinawaa gaa-izhi-azhebatood; miinawaa ezhi-mawinanaad, gaa-izhi-dangishkawaad. “Miisa iw ge-izhichiged a’aw anishinaabe ji-ani-akiwang; miisa niiywing gii-dangishkawaad; miisa iw minik ge-ondinid a’aw inini i’iwisa ji-miigaadid.”
After he had fallen, then (Nänabushu) rushed upon him, and kicked him; then he ran back. Again he rushed upon him; again he kicked him; again he ran back; again he rushed upon him; again he kicked him; again he ran back; again he rushed upon him, (and again) he kicked him. “Thus shall the people do till the end of the world; thus four times shall they kick (an enemy); thus shall the number be when men obtain (honor) from one another in war.”
Gaa-bangishininid, miidash ezhi-mawinanaad gaa-izhi-dangishkawaad; gaa-izhi-azhebatood (when he fell, Nanabushu rushed on him and kicked him, then ran back); miinawaa gaa-izhi-mawinanaad, gii-dangishkawaad, gaa-izhi-azhebatood (again he rushed, kicked, ran back — repeated four times in all); “miisa iw ge-izhichiged anishinaabe ji-ani-akiwang” (thus the people shall do till the end of the world); “miisa niiywing gii-dangishkawaad” (four times they shall kick him); “miisa iw minik ge-ondinid inini ji-miigaadid” (that is the number men gain from one another in war).
(26) Mīdạc a‘pī ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kā∙i∙jimādci‘tāt kīpa‘kunạng ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utuctigwānim. Mīdạc kā∙i∙jipāsạnk ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utuctigwānim. Mīdạc a‘pī kāpā‘tänig ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utuctigwānini mīdạc a‘pī cīgwa kā‘pikīwät. Mīdạc cīgwa mīnawa kī‘pi∙ā∙cawa∙u∙t ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kiˢtcigạmi. Kāwīndạc käyābi ogīwâbạmāsīn īni’ᵘ Tīndīsiwạn kayä īni’ᵘ Wäᵉwän, mīdạc kā‘pījinimināwa∙u∙t; kāwīn käyāpi ugiwâbạmasīn īni’ᵘ Kiˢtci∙o∙gāwạn kayäsạgu īni’ᵘ pigiwan. Kāwīnisạgu kägō ogīwābandạzin ‘iᵉi’ᵘ mini‘k kā∙a∙ni∙i∙jāt änimādcāt.
Miidash apii i’iw gaa-izhi-maadazhitaad gii-bakonang i’iw oshtigwaanim. Miidash gaa-izhi-baasang i’iw oshtigwaanim. Miidash apii gaa-baatenig i’iw oshtigwaanini miidash apii zhigwa gaa-bi-giiwed. Miidash zhigwa miinawaa gii-bi-aazhawa’ood i’iw gichigami. Gaawiindash geyaabi ogii-waabamaasiin iniw Diindiisiwan gaye iniw Wewen, miidash gaa-bii-zhi-nimi-naawa’ood; gaawiin geyaabi ogii-waabamaasiin iniw Gichi-ogaawan gaye-zago iniw biigiwan. Gaawiinizago gegoo ogii-waabandanziin i’iw minik gaa-ani-izhaad eni-maajaad.
Thereupon he then began removing the skin from the head of his (slain). And then he dried that one’s head. And after that one’s head was dry, he then started back home. So now back he came over the sea in his canoe. And not again saw he the Bluejay and the Swan, so then straight out to sea he went; and not again saw he the Great Pike and also the pitch. And nothing else he saw of the many things that had been in his way as he went along.
Miidash apii i’iw gaa-izhi-maadazhitaad gii-bakonang i’iw oshtigwaanim (then he began skinning the head of his slain); gaa-izhi-baasang oshtigwaanim (he dried that one’s head); apii gaa-baatenig oshtigwaanini, apii zhigwa gaa-bi-giiwed (after the head was dry, he started home); zhigwa miinawaa gii-bi-aazhawa’ood gichigami (he came back across the sea); Gaawiindash geyaabi ogii-waabamaasiin iniw Diindiisiwan gaye iniw Wewen (he saw the bluejay and swan no more); gaa-bii-zhi-nimi-naawa’ood (so he went straight out to sea); gaawiin geyaabi ogii-waabamaasiin iniw Gichi-ogaawan gaye-zago iniw biigiwan (he saw the great pike and the pitch no more); gaawiin gegoo ogii-waabandanziin minik gaa-ani-izhaad (he saw nothing of all that had blocked his way).
(27) A‘pī dạc pạgīwät, mīdạc cigwa kī∙i∙nändạnk: “‘Iᵉi’wisa kä∙i∙jictcigät ‘aᵉa’ᵘ anicināpä tci∙a∙ni∙a∙kiwạnk,” kī∙i∙‘kito. Mīdạc a‘pī patagwicing, “Amạntcigic kä∙i∙jāyān,” kī∙i∙nändạm. Ogīwâbạmā ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ạnicinābäᵉ udänawi‘tōnit, mīdạc kägä‘t cī’gwa wīnāsi‘kawāt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ạnicinābäᵉ. Mīdạc kā∙i∙ji∙ā∙cä‘tāt. Kägō nạngänā utAiyān. Ānīc mīdạc kā∙i∙jikikiwä∙u∙ni‘kät mīdạc ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utāⁿsiyānic kānīmā‘kwa∙ạ∙nk. Mīdạc kā∙i∙ji∙i∙nācit anicinābän ayānit. Mīdạc kāạni∙i∙jinạgạmut, ānīc wu∙o∙ kīinändạm: “Wägutugwänigic kä∙u∙mbī∙i∙gōgwän waᵉa’ᵘ anicinābä? Mīsa o kä∙u∙mbī∙i∙gut, ka‘kina pämādisit uga∙ō∙mbī∙i∙gun,” kī∙i∙‘kito. Na, mīdạc a‘pī cigwa bäcwābạmāt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ anicinābäᵉ, mīdạc cigwa kīanimādcīyạnk; o∙ō∙widạc kī∙i∙na∙ạ∙m ānīc mīgunā iᵘ utāciyānic kānạgạma‘tōt:
Apii dash bagiiwed, miidash zhigwa gii-inendang: “I’iwisa ge-izhichiged a’aw anishinaaben ji-ani-akiwang,” gii-ikido. Miidash apii badagwishing, “Amanjigish ge-izhaayaan,” gii-inendam. Ogii-waabamaa i’iw anishinaaben odenawitoonid, miidash geget zhigwa wii-naazikawaad i’iw anishinaaben. Miidash gaa-izhi-azhetaad. Gegoo nangenaa odayaan. Aaniish miidash gaa-izhi-gigiwe’onniked miidash i’iw odaansiyanish gaa-niimaakwa’ank. Miidash gaa-izhi-inaazikod anishinaaben ayaanid. Miidash gaa-ani-izhi-nagamod, aaniish wo’o gii-inendam: “Wegotogwenigish ge-ombii’igogwen wa’aw anishinaaben? Miisa o ge-ombii’igod, gakina bemaadizid oga-ombii’igon,” gii-ikido. Na, miidash apii zhigwa beshwaabamaad i’iw anishinaaben, miidash zhigwa gii-ani-maajiiyang; o’oowidash gii-ina’am aaniish miigonaa iw odaashiyanish gaa-naagamatood:
And while he was on his homeward way, this now he thought: “This is what the people shall do till the end of the world,” he said. And when he was arriving home, “I wonder if I should go thither,” he thought. He saw where some people were living in a town, whereupon truly he then desired to go where the people were. Thereupon he turned back. Not a thing did he have. So when he made a flag, it was his old soiled clout that he had raised upon a staff. And then, carried along with the wind, he went to where the people were. And as he went along, he sang, for this he thought: “I wonder what would rouse the feelings of these people? By this shall they be aroused, all that live shall be stirred,” he said. So while he was now approaching the people, he then began singing; and this he sang, for it was to his old soiled clout that he sang:
Apii dash bagiiwed, miidash zhigwa gii-inendang: “I’iwisa ge-izhichiged a’aw anishinaaben ji-ani-akiwang” (as he came home he thought: this is what the people shall do till the end of the world); apii badagwishing, “amanjigish ge-izhaayaan,” gii-inendam (arriving home he thought: I wonder if I should go there); ogii-waabamaa anishinaaben odenawitoonid (he saw where people lived in a town); geget zhigwa wii-naazikawaad anishinaaben (he wished to go to the people); gaa-izhi-azhetaad (he turned back); gegoo nangenaa odayaan (he had nothing at all); gaa-izhi-gigiwe’onniked, i’iw odaansiyanish gaa-niimaakwa’ank (so he made a flag, raising his old soiled clout on a staff); gaa-izhi-inaazikod anishinaaben ayaanid (carried by the wind he went to where the people were); gaa-ani-izhi-nagamod, gii-inendam: “wegotogwenigish ge-ombii’igogwen anishinaaben?” (as he went he sang, thinking: I wonder what would rouse these people?); “miisa o ge-ombii’igod, gakina bemaadizid oga-ombii’igon” (by this they will be roused, all that live will be stirred); zhigwa beshwaabamaad anishinaaben, gii-ina’am, miigonaa odaashiyanish gaa-naagamatood (as he neared the people he sang, and it was to his old clout he sang).
(28) “Wägunän wägunän wayāninābīgạmug? Yä aha yo hu yointcā. Wägunän wägunän wayāninābīgạmug? Yä aha yo hu yointcā.”
“Wegonen wegonen wayaaninaabiigamog? Yaa aha yo hu yointcaa. Wegonen wegonen wayaaninaabiigamog? Yaa aha yo hu yointcaa.”
“What, what is that which suspended from two corners hangs so limp? Yä aha yo hu yointcā What, what is that which suspended from two corners hangs so limp? Yä aha yo hu yointcā.”
“Wegonen wegonen wayaaninaabiigamog? (what, what is it that hangs limp from two corners?) Yaa aha yo hu yointcaa. (vocables, carried) Wegonen wegonen wayaaninaabiigamog? Yaa aha yo hu yointcaa.”
(29) Mīdạc kā∙i∙ciwâbamigut īni’ᵘ anicinābän. “Mīmāwin ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu!” Kī∙i∙‘kitōwạg īgi’ᵘ ạnicinābäg. “Wägunän kīnawā kitinändām ‘iᵉi’ᵘ pạnīmā‘kwa∙ạ∙nk?” “Mīsa ‘iᵉi’ᵘ, nintinändạm, udāciyānic kānīmā‘kwa∙a∙nk.” “Ānīc, kayä i∙i∙māⁿ tabajīc kägō ugīnīmā‘kwa∙ạ∙nini!” Kuniginīn, a‘pī i∙i∙mā ägwā∙ā∙cinit īni’ᵘ Nänabucuwạn, kuniginīn ạnicinabä uctigwān ugīnīmā‘kwa∙ạ∙mīni. Mīdạc kā∙i∙‘kitōt: “Mīsa ‘oᵉō kä∙ō∙mbī∙i∙guyäg ạnicinābätug.”
Miidash gaa-izhi-waabamigod iniw anishinaaben. “Mii maawiin a’aw Naanabozho!” Gii-ikidowag igiw anishinaabeg. “Wegonen giinawaa gidinendam i’iw banimaakwa’ank?” “Miisa i’iw, nindinendam, odaashiyanish gaa-niimaakwa’ank.” “Aaniish, gaye i’imaa dabazhiish gegoo ogii-niimaakwa’anini!” Goniginiin, apii i’imaa egwaa-aashinid iniw Naanabozhowan, goniginiin anishinaabe oshtigwaan ogii-niimaakwa’amini. Miidash gaa-ikidod: “Miisa o’oo ge-ombii’igoyeg anishinaabedog.”
Thereupon he was seen by the people. “That must be Nänabushu!” said the people. “What do you imagine that is which as he comes he has raised upon a staff?” “That is, I think, his old soiled clout which he has raised upon a staff.” “Why, there below is something else he has upon the staff!” Lo, when to yonder shore drifted Nänabushu, behold, a human head he had upon a staff. Thereupon he said: “Now by this will you be stirred to feelings of joy, O ye people!”
gaa-izhi-waabamigod iniw anishinaaben (the people saw him); “mii maawiin Naanabozho!” gii-ikidowag anishinaabeg (that must be Nanabushu! said the people); “wegonen giinawaa gidinendam banimaakwa’ank?” (what do you think he has raised on his staff?); “miisa, nindinendam, odaashiyanish gaa-niimaakwa’ank” (I think it is his old clout he has raised); “gaye i’imaa dabazhiish gegoo ogii-niimaakwa’anini!” (and below there is something else on the staff!); goniginiin, apii egwaa-aashinid Naanabozhowan, anishinaabe oshtigwaan ogii-niimaakwa’amini (behold, when Nanabushu drifted ashore, it was a human head he had on the staff); gaa-ikidod: “miisa o’oo ge-ombii’igoyeg anishinaabedog” (he said: by this you will be stirred to joy, O people).
(30) Mī∙i∙dạc kägä‘t kā∙i∙ciwäbạtinig. Kāwīn gạnagä pạngī kīnibāsīwạg cigwa kīki‘kinō∙ạ∙māguwāt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kätijictcigäwāt. ‘Oᵉōwidạc kī∙i∙‘kito waᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu: “Misawā kî‘tcikackändạnk ‘aᵉa’ᵘ anicinābä mīgū iᵘ kä∙i∙jipapagwadändạnk, tayā pā‘kawizī. Mīsa iᵘ kä∙i∙jictcigät ‘aᵉa’ᵘ anicinābä tci∙ạ∙ni∙a∙‘kīwạnk.”
Mii-idash geget gaa-izhi-webadinig. Gaawiin ganage bangii gii-nibaasiiwag zhigwa gii-gikinoo’amaagowaad i’iw ge-dizhichigewaad. O’oowidash gii-ikido wa’aw Naanabozho: “Miisawaa gichi-gashkendang a’aw anishinaabe miigo iw ge-izhi-babagwadendang, daya baakawizii. Miisa iw ge-izhichiged a’aw anishinaabe ji-ani-akiiwang.”
It was true that was what happened. Not for a moment did they sleep while they were being taught the things which they were to do. And this said Nänabushu: “Even though grievously sad the people may be, yet they will find consolation in this, they will cease from their sadness. Therefore this shall the people do till the end of the world.”
Mii-idash geget gaa-izhi-webadinig (and truly that is what came to pass); gaawiin ganage bangii gii-nibaasiiwag zhigwa gii-gikinoo’amaagowaad ge-dizhichigewaad (they did not sleep at all while being taught what to do); gii-ikido Naanabozho: “miisawaa gichi-gashkendang anishinaabe miigo ge-izhi-babagwadendang, daya baakawizii” (though the people be very sad, by this they will find relief, they will cease their sadness); “miisa iw ge-izhichiged anishinaabe ji-ani-akiiwang” (thus the people shall do till the end of the world).
(31) Mīdạc a‘pī ci’gwa kīmādcāt kī∙ạ∙ndawâbạmāt īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn; ci’gwa ugī∙u∙disān īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn, o∙ō∙widạc ogī∙i∙nān: “Hā‘a’ⁿ, nō‘kō, mamawicin, nō‘ko!” Mīdạc käᵉgä‘t kā‘tōdạnk ‘aᵉa’ᵘ mindimōyä.
Miidash apii zhigwa gii-maajaad gii-andawaabamaad iniw ookomisan; zhigwa ogii-odisaan iniw ookomisan, o’oowidash ogii-inaan: “Haa’an, nookoo, mamawishin, nooko!” Miidash geget gaa-toodang a’aw mindimooye.
So thereupon he started upon his way to find his grandmother; soon he came to where his grandmother was, and this he said to her: “Come, my grandmother, relieve me of this, my grandmother!” It was true that was what the old woman did.
Miidash apii zhigwa gii-maajaad gii-andawaabamaad iniw ookomisan (then he set off to find his grandmother); zhigwa ogii-odisaan ookomisan (soon he reached his grandmother); ogii-inaan: “haa’an, nookoo, mamawishin, nooko!” (he said: come, grandmother, take this off me, grandmother!); geget gaa-toodang mindimooye (truly the old woman did so).
(32) Mīdạc kā∙i∙‘kitot ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu: “Mīsa iᵘ kätōtātit ‘aᵉa’ᵘ anicinābä tci∙ạ∙ni∙a∙‘kīwạnk; kägä‘t ogasāgi‘tōn ‘aᵉa’ᵘ anicinābä ‘iᵉi’ᵘ tcī∙ạ∙ni∙a∙‘kiwank; misawā ki‘tcikackändạnk, mīgū iᵘ tciwäbinamowind ‘iᵉi’ᵘ agạckändamowin wâbạndạnk ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ạnicinābä uctigwān. Misawā kägō pạpāmändasik, pō‘tc ka‘kina awiya agacōpī∙i∙gun ‘iᵉi’ᵘ nindicictcigäwin. Kägä‘t ugapapagwạtcī∙i∙gunāwa īgi’ᵘ anicinābäg,” kī∙i∙‘kitō ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu.
Miidash gaa-ikidod a’aw Naanabozho: “Miisa iw ge-doodaadid a’aw anishinaabe ji-ani-akiiwank; geget oga-zaagitoon a’aw anishinaabe i’iw ji-ani-akiiwank; miisawaa gichi-gashkendang, miigo iw ji-webinamowind i’iw agashkendamowin waabandang i’iw anishinaabe oshtigwaan. Miisawaa gegoo babaamendazig, booch gakina awiya agashoo-bii’igon i’iw nindizhichigewin. Geget oga-babagwaji’igonaawaa igiw anishinaabeg,” gii-ikido a’aw Naanabozho.
And this was what Nänabushu said: “This is what the people shall do to one another till the end of the world; truly, the people shall be fond of (doing) it till the end of the world; no matter how bitterly sad they may be, yet they will be relieved of sadness when they behold the human head. No matter what may be the object of their concern, yet of necessity all are bound to find joy in this that I have done. Verily, from all their cares will the people be relieved by it,” said Nänabushu.
gaa-ikidod Naanabozho: “miisa iw ge-doodaadid anishinaabe ji-ani-akiiwank” (this is what the people shall do to one another till the end of the world); “geget oga-zaagitoon anishinaabe ji-ani-akiiwank” (the people will be fond of it till the end of the world); “miisawaa gichi-gashkendang, miigo ji-webinamowind agashkendamowin waabandang anishinaabe oshtigwaan” (however sad they are, they will throw off their sadness on seeing the human head); “miisawaa gegoo babaamendazig, booch gakina awiya agashoo-bii’igon nindizhichigewin” (whatever their care, all will find joy in this I have done); “geget oga-babagwaji’igonaawaa anishinaabeg” (truly the people will be relieved by it), gii-ikido Naanabozho.
(33) Wo∙ō∙ ugī∙i∙gōn īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn: “Mämindagä kigī∙i∙niga∙ā∙ ‘aᵉa’ᵘ pämātisit ‘iᵉi’ᵘ tcitōtātit. Nackä ‘iᵉi’ᵘ wäntcī∙i∙ninān. Nạckä iᵘ kīmawinạnạt waᵉaᵘ kītcikiwäⁿsi, ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kīmawinạnạt ‘iᵉiwidec tcitōtātit ‘aᵉa’ᵘ pitcīnạg känipimātisit ‘iᵉi’widac wändcī∙i∙ninān; īgi’ᵘ ạbinōtcīyạg, na, mīwạgugi’ᵘ änigi∙ạ∙twa. Na’, mīsa iᵘ nīn äjiwâbandạmān,” ugī∙i∙gōn īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn.
Wo’oo ogii-igoon iniw ookomisan: “Memindage gigii-iniga’aa a’aw bemaadizid i’iw ji-doodaadid. Nashke i’iw wenji-ininaan. Nashke iw gii-mawinanad wa’aw giijikiwenzii, i’iw gii-mawinanad i’iwidash ji-doodaadid a’aw bichinag ge-ni-bimaadizid i’iwidash wenji-ininaan; igiw abinoojiiyag, na, mii wagigiw enigi’aadwaa. Na, miisa iw niin ezhi-waabandamaan,” ogii-igoon iniw ookomisan.
This was he told by his grandmother: “Vast harm have you wrought upon the living of the future by causing them to do such a thing. Listen to the reason why I tell you. On account of that act of yours when you attacked your brother, that by your attacking him so should the living to come do to one another, is the reason why I tell you this; the children, I say, are the ones whom you have harmed. Such, therefore, is the way I look upon it,” he was told by his grandmother.
wo’oo ogii-igoon ookomisan: “memindage gigii-iniga’aa bemaadizid ji-doodaadid” (his grandmother told him: you have done great harm to the living to come by making them do this); “nashke i’iw wenji-ininaan” (listen to why I tell you); “gii-mawinanad giijikiwenzii, i’iw ji-doodaadid bichinag ge-ni-bimaadizid wenji-ininaan” (because you attacked your brother, the living to come will do so to one another, that is why I tell you); “igiw abinoojiiyag, mii wagigiw enigi’aadwaa” (the children, those are the ones you have harmed); “miisa iw niin ezhi-waabandamaan” (that is how I see it), ookomisan.
(34) “Āyeᵉ,” ugī∙i∙nān ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabushu. “Ānīc kāwīn nindākạckitōsī ‘iᵉi’ᵘ tciminutcigäyāmbān. Ānīc, āja nīngipā‘tātcigä ‘iᵉi’ᵘ nạngwạna ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kītōtạmān,” ugī∙i∙nān īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn. “Ānīc, nīⁿgạgībātis mägwā apinōtcīwiyān,” kī∙i∙‘kitō waᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu. Kī∙i∙‘kitō: “Ānīc kāwīn ätạta ningītänānāgạtawätaⁿzī. Käᵉgä‘t kitäbwe, nō‘ko, ‘iᵉi’ᵘ a‘kitoyạn,” ogī∙i∙nān īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn. Mī a‘kawä kā∙i∙nāt īni’ᵘ ō‘kumisạn. Mīdạc a‘pī kāmādcāt, mīdạc i∙i∙māⁿ kiundcimādcāt īdạc ạnōdcigu kīpapā∙i∙jitcigät. Mīdạc miziwä kī∙i∙jāt ‘oᵉō’ᵘ a‘ki. Nạckädạc kā∙i∙jictcigät o∙o∙māⁿ a‘kīng.
“Eye’,” ogii-inaan a’aw Naanabozho. “Aaniish gaawiin nindaa-gashkitoosii i’iw ji-minochigeyaambaan. Aaniish, aazha niingii-baataachige i’iw nangwana i’iw gii-doodamaan,” ogii-inaan iniw ookomisan. “Aaniish, niin-gagiibaadiz megwaa abinoojiiwiyaan,” gii-ikido wa’aw Naanabozho. Gii-ikido: “Aaniish gaawiin etada ningii-daa-nanaagadawendanzii. Geget gidebwe, nooko, i’iw ekidoyan,” ogii-inaan iniw ookomisan. Mii akawe gaa-inaad iniw ookomisan. Miidash apii gaa-maajaad, miidash i’imaa gii-onji-maajaad idash anoojigo gii-babaa-izhichiged. Miidash miziwe gii-izhaad o’oow aki. Nashkedash gaa-izhichiged oomaa akiing.
“Yea,” to her said Nänabushu. “So I have not succeeded in bringing (them) a source of joy. Now completely have I erred, though no harm was intended in what I did,” he said to his grandmother. “Thus I was exceedingly foolish while I was yet a child,” said Nänabushu. He said: “Of course I did fully realize the effect of my act. Of a truth, you are in the right, my grandmother, concerning what you say,” he said to his grandmother. This was what he first said to his grandmother. And so then was the time that he started away, and from there he travelled about doing all manner of things. And now everywhere over the earth he went. For look and see what he has done here upon earth.
“Eye’,” ogii-inaan a’aw Naanabozho (yes, Nanabushu said to her); “gaawiin nindaa-gashkitoosii i’iw ji-minochigeyaambaan” (so I have failed to bring them joy); “aazha niingii-baataachige nangwana gii-doodamaan” (now I have erred in what I did); “niin-gagiibaadiz megwaa abinoojiiwiyaan” (I was very foolish while still a child); “gaawiin etada ningii-daa-nanaagadawendanzii” (I did not fully think it through); “geget gidebwe, nooko, i’iw ekidoyan” (truly you are right, grandmother, in what you say); mii akawe gaa-inaad ookomisan (this is what he first said to his grandmother); apii gaa-maajaad, i’imaa gii-onji-maajaad, anoojigo gii-babaa-izhichiged (then he left, and from there went about doing all sorts of things); miziwe gii-izhaad o’oow aki (he went everywhere over this earth); nashkedash gaa-izhichiged oomaa akiing (so look at what he has done here on earth).