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.
11. NÄNABUSHU BREAKS THE NECKS OF THE DANCING GEESE.
Nenabozho obookogwebinaa’ niimi’idizonijin nikag
Nänabushu breaks the Necks of the Dancing Geese (1)
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) Mīsa´ cigwa mīnawā kī‘pạbāmātisit wo∙ō∙ a‘ki. Ningutingigu pạbāmusät ogīwâbạndān sāga∙i∙gạn; ogīwâbạmā awīya tạcī‘känit. “Awägwänạgigic?” kī∙i∙nändạm. Mēdạc kā∙i∙cināsi‘kawāt i∙i∙māⁿ tạcī‘känit, kuniginīn ‘iᵉi´ᵘ ni‘ka! “Ạmạntcigic kätōtạwāwagwän?” kī∙i∙nändam. Cigwa ugīmi‘kwäntān i∙i∙ᵘ käcictcigät. “Taga, wa∙ō∙ ninga∙i∙nāg,” kī∙i∙nändạm. “‘Ạmbäsạnō, kīganīmi∙i∙ninim’ ninga∙i∙nāg,” kī∙i∙nändạm. Mīdạc ācikupipa‘tōd i∙i∙ᵘ sāga∙i∙gạn; kāwīicikạckīgināt cīngubīᵉ i∙i∙māⁿ u‘kunācicink, mīdạc äcimādatāwạngusät.
Mii sa zhigwa minawaa gii-babaamaadizid o’ow aki. Ningoding igo babaamosed ogii-waabandaan zaaga’igan; ogii-waabamaa awiya dazhiikenid. “Awegwen-igo-ginig?” gii-inendam. Mii dash gaa-izhi-inaazikawaad iimaa dazhiikenid, goniginiin iw nika! “Amaanj igo ge-doodawaawagwen?” gii-inendam. Zhigwa ogii-mikwendaan iw ge-izhichiged. “Daga, waaw ninga-inaag,” gii-inendam. “Ambesanoo, giga-niimi’ininim ninga-inaag,” gii-inendam. Mii dash gaa-izhi-gibiibatood iw zaaga’igan; gaa-wii-izhi-gashkiginaad zhingobiin iimaa okonaazhishing, mii dash gaa-izhi-madataawangosed.
And so again he went travelling about over this earth. Now, once while he was walking about, he saw a lake; he saw some creatures moving about there. “Wonder who they are!” he thought. And so, when he went over to the place where they were busied, lo, they were geese! “Wonder how I shall do to get at them!” he thought. Presently he discovered what he would do. “I say, this will I tell them,” he thought. “‘Please let me make you dance,’ I will say to them,” he thought. And then he ran up from the lake; after he had been off gathering balsam-boughs in his old soiled blanket, then out upon the beach he went walking.
Mii sa zhigwa minawaa (and so now again) ∙ gii-babaamaadizid o’ow aki (he went about over this earth) ∙ Ningoding igo babaamosed (once, as he walked about) ∙ ogii-waabandaan zaaga’igan (he saw a lake) ∙ ogii-waabamaa awiya dazhiikenid (he saw beings moving about there) ∙ Awegwen-igo (wonder who they are) ∙ gaa-izhi-inaazikawaad iimaa (so he went up to them) ∙ goniginiin iw nika (lo, they were geese) ∙ Amaanj igo ge-doodawaawagwen (wonder how I shall get at them) ∙ ogii-mikwendaan iw ge-izhichiged (he found out what he would do) ∙ Daga, waaw ninga-inaag (I say, this I will tell them) ∙ Ambesanoo, giga-niimi’ininim (please, I will make you dance) ∙ gaa-izhi-gibiibatood iw zaaga’igan (he ran up from the lake) ∙ gaa-wii-izhi-gashkiginaad zhingobiin iimaa okonaazhishing (gathering balsam-boughs in his old soiled blanket) ∙ gaa-izhi-madataawangosed (then he went walking on the beach).
1 For other versions see Nos. 20 and 48. — ‘kāwīicikạckīgināt’ — the page prints ‘kāwīi-’ + ‘cikạckīgināt’ across a line break (p.100 ll.24–25, no raised dots at 20×); the Fiero reads gaa-izhi-gashkiginaad with no -wii- syllable. Page/Fiero divergence — carried as printed, flagged for the lexicon stage (11-L). [B20 retrofit, 2026-08-24]
(2) “Ōi, Nänabucu awäti! Kāwīn kīgabasämigusīwā! Nīmināwa∙o∙yu‘k!” ināwag īgi´ᵘ ni‘käⁿsạg.
“Oii, Nenabozho awedi! Gaawiin giga-basamigosiwaa! Nimineweyok!” inaawag igiw nikasag.
“Hey, (there is) Nänabushu yonder! He will not refrain from saying something to you! Swim out into the lake!” the goslings were told.
Oii, Nenabozho awedi (hey, there is Nenabozho yonder) ∙ Gaawiin giga-basamigosiwaa (he will not let you be) ∙ Nimineweyok (swim out!) ∙ inaawag igiw nikasag (the goslings were told).
(3) Cigwasa owâbạmā Nänabucu, “Namạntc wīni∙i∙ᵘ kītōtawäk ningutci wä∙ā∙baminagōgun! Kägä‘tagu ningitci∙i∙nigāwagäntạm. Nackäginīn äna‘kạmiga‘k o∙ō∙witi wäntusäyān. Kägä‘t minawānigusiwạg, ki‘tcipapā‘pina‘kamigisiwạg o∙ō∙witi wäntusäyān. Ätatanā, ki‘tcinānīmi∙i∙tiwạg! Nackä, o∙o∙māⁿ pīcāyu‘k.”
Zhigwa sa owaabamaa Nenabozho, “Namanj wini-i gidoodaweg ningoji we-waabaminagoogon! Geget igo ningichi-inigaawendam. Nashke-ginin enakamigak o’ow-iidi wendoseyaan. Geget minawaanigoziwag, gichi-babaa-bina’amigiziwag o’ow-iidi wendoseyaan. Edadanaa, gichi-inenimidiwag! Nashke, o’omaa biizhaayok*.”**
When Nänabushu saw them, “Wonder why you act so whenever I see you anywhere! Truly hurt am I over my disappointment. Learn what is going on over here from whence I come. Truly, a fine time are they having, in a highly delightful manner are they enjoying themselves over here from whence I come. Oh, my! but what a great time they always have dancing! Hark! Come you hither.”
Zhigwa sa owaabamaa Nenabozho (now when Nenabozho saw them) ∙ Namanj wini-i gidoodaweg* (wonder why you act so) ∙ ningoji we-waabaminagoogon (wherever I see you) ∙ Geget igo ningichi-inigaawendam (truly I am much disappointed) ∙ Nashke-ginin enakamigak o’ow-iidi wendoseyaan (see what is going on where I come from) ∙ Geget minawaanigoziwag (truly they are having a fine time) ∙ gichi-babaa-bina’amigiziwag (greatly enjoying themselves about) ∙ Edadanaa*, gichi-inenimidiwag (oh my, what regard they have for one another) ∙ Nashke, o’omaa biizhaayok* (hark, come hither).
(4) Ānīc kägä‘t pī∙i∙cāwaᵉ.
Aaniish geget bii-izhaawan.
Now, truly, hither they came.
Aaniish geget bii-izhaawan (now truly they came hither).
(5) “Nicīmisātug, nīmi∙i∙tiwin nimpītōn. Mīsagu ōno´ᵘ nagạmunạn kā∙i∙ciwạnäyān. Nackäsạgu kīganīmi∙i∙ninim. Uci‘tōyu‘k i∙i∙māⁿ kitacinīmi∙i∙nagu‘k.”
“Nishiimisidog, niimi’idiwin nimbidoon. Mii sa igo ono’ow nagamonan gaa-izhi-onaneyaan. Nashke sa igo giga-niimi’ininim. Ozhitooyok iimaa gida-dazhi-niimi’inagok.”
“O my little brothers! a dance have I fetched (to you). Now, these are (all) songs that I have upon my back. So therefore I am going to have you dance. Arrange you there a place where I am to have you dance.”
Nishiimisidog (my little brothers) ∙ niimi’idiwin nimbidoon (a dance I have brought) ∙ Mii sa igo ono’ow nagamonan gaa-izhi-onaneyaan (these are the songs I have prepared) ∙ Nashke sa igo giga-niimi’ininim (so then I will make you dance) ∙ ozhitooyok iimaa gida-dazhi-niimi’inagok (make ready a place there where I am to have you dance).
(6) Ānīc kägä‘t ạgwā‘tāwạg īgi´ᵘ ni‘känsạg, mīdạc cigwa uji‘tōwāt ‘i∙i∙māⁿ wātạcinīmi∙i∙ntwā. Ānīc ugi‘kino∙ạ∙mawā ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kä∙u∙ci‘tōnit. Ạbā‘pic kā‘kīcitōnit.
Aaniish geget agwaataawag igiw nikasag, mii dash zhigwa ozhiitoowaad iimaa waa-dazhi-niimi’inidwaa. Aaniish ogii-gikinawa’amawaa iw ge-oo-izhi-doonid. Abaapish gaa-gizhiitoonid.
And so truly out of the water came the goslings, whereupon they now began making a place where they would be made to dance. Now, he taught them how to make it. In time they had it finished.
Aaniish geget agwaataawag igiw nikasag (now truly the goslings came ashore) ∙ mii dash zhigwa ozhiitoowaad iimaa waa-dazhi-niimi’inidwaa (then they made ready a place to be danced) ∙ ogii-gikinawa’amawaa iw ge-oo-izhi-doonid (he taught them how to do it) ∙ Abaapish gaa-gizhiitoonid (in time when they had finished it).
(7) “Ānīc mīsa cigwa tcibīndigäyäg.” Mīsa´ äcimōckinänit. Abā‘pic kä‘kinō∙ạ∙mawāt kä∙i∙cictcigänit. “Mīgū iᵉi´ᵘ käni∙i∙na∙ạ∙mān käni∙a∙ī∙ntōtạmäg; mī∙i´∙ᵘ kä∙i∙citcigäyäg. Nạckä, kīga‘ki‘kino∙a∙mōnininim ‘iᵉi´ᵘ käni∙i∙na∙ạ∙mān, mīgu ᵉi´ᵘ käni∙a∙ī∙ntōtạmäg,” udinā i∙i∙ᵘ ni‘käⁿsaᵉ. “Ānīn wīn käcipabāmi‘tawiyäg usām tcī‘kindisoyān, ningapạsigwīwīnigu. Mīgu‘ku iᵘ kätātōtạmān i∙i∙ᵘ tcā‘kintisoyānin. Ānīc mīsa´ mīgu ‘iᵉi´ᵘ tcibabātạcicimoyān, i∙i∙ᵘ tcitcī‘kindisoyān tcibabānānīmiyān änigu‘k.”
“Aaniish mii sa zhigwa ji-biindigeyeg.” Mii sa ezhi-mooshkinenid. Abaapish ge-gikinawa’amawaad ge-izhi-izhichigenid. “Mii go iw ge-ani-ina’amaan ge-ani-doodameg; mii iw ge-izhichigeyeg. Nashke, giga-gikinawa’amooninim iw ge-ani-ina’amaan, mii go iw ge-ani-doodameg,” odinaa iniw nikasan. “Aaniin win ge-izhi-babaamitawiyeg osaam dekindizoyaan, ninga-bazigwiwinigo. Mii go iw ge-doodamaan iw dekindizoyaanin. Aaniish mii sa mii go iw ji-babaa-dazhichimoyaan, iw ji-dekindizoyaan ji-babaa-naaniimiyaan enigok.”
“Now it is time for you to enter in.” Whereupon they filled (the place) full. In due time he taught them what they should do. “Now, the way that I shall sing is the way that you should do; such is the way you are to act. Now, listen! I will teach you what I shall sing, and that is what you are to do,” he said to the goslings. “You shall pay no heed to me when I become overwrought with excitement, for I shall be leaping to my feet. That is what I shall be doing when I get to feeling good. Now, that is the very way I shall move about in the dance, because I shall be so happy when I am moving about dancing.”
Aaniish mii sa zhigwa ji-biindigeyeg (now it is time for you to enter) ∙ Mii sa ezhi-mooshkinenid (so they filled it full) ∙ Abaapish ge-gikinawa’amawaad ge-izhi-izhichigenid (in time he taught them what to do) ∙ Mii go iw ge-ani-ina’amaan ge-ani-doodameg (the way I sing is the way you act) ∙ giga-gikinawa’amooninim (I will teach you) ∙ odinaa iniw nikasan (he said to the goslings) ∙ osaam dekindizoyaan, ninga-bazigwiwinigo (when I get overwrought I shall leap up) ∙ ge-doodamaan iw dekindizoyaanin (that is what I do when feeling that way) ∙ ji-babaa-dazhichimoyaan (I shall dance about) ∙ ji-babaa-naaniimiyaan enigok (because I shall be dancing about greatly).
(8) Ānīc mīsa cigwa mādcīnīmi∙ā∙t i∙i∙ᵘ ni‘käⁿsa. Kägätsa udcī‘kimāᵉ nīmi∙ā∙t. “Ānīc, mīmāwīn cigwa tciwīnisạgwa,” inäntạm. Mīdạc äjinagạmut:
Aaniish mii sa zhigwa maajiniimi’aad iniw nikasan. Geget sa odei-gimaa-niimi’aad. “Aaniish, mii maawiin niimi’izowaad igiw ninikasimag.” Mii dash ezhi-nagamod:
Well, it was now that he began to make the goslings dance. Truly happy he made them when he had them dancing. “Well, perhaps now is the time for me to kill them,” he thought. And so he sang:
Aaniish mii sa zhigwa maajiniimi’aad iniw nikasan (now he began to make the goslings dance) ∙ Geget sa odei-gimaa-niimi’aad (truly he danced them with full heart) ∙ mii maawiin niimi’izowaad igiw ninikasimag (perhaps now my goslings dance well) ∙ mii dash ezhi-nagamod (and so he sang).
(9) “Nabanäkātäcimuwin nimbītōn, nicīmisitug!”
“Nabanekaadezhichimowin nimbidoon, nishiimisidog!”
“A dance on one leg do I fetch, O my little brothers!”
“Nabanekaadezhichimowin nimbidoon, nishiimisidog” (a dance on one leg I bring, my little brothers — song, carried verbatim).
(10) Ānīc mīgu gägä‘t nabanägātäcimuwāt igi´ᵘ ni‘käⁿsạg. Ānīc udcī‘kimiguwān. Ningutingigu mīnawā mādcī∙ạ∙minit, o∙ō∙widạc ina∙ạ∙mōn:
Aaniish mii go geget nabanegaadezhichimowaad igiw nikasag. Aaniish odei-gimigowen. Ningoding igo minawaa maajii-ayaaminid, o’ow idash ina’amon:
So then truly on one leg danced the goslings. Now happy were they made by him. Now, another time as he started singing, this was the song he sang:
Aaniish mii go geget nabanegaadezhichimowaad igiw nikasag (so truly the goslings danced on one leg) ∙ odei-gimigowen (they were made glad) ∙ Ningoding igo minawaa maajii-ayaaminid (once again as he began) ∙ o’ow idash ina’amon (this was what he sang).
(11) “Tōskābicimōwin nimpītōn nicīmisitug!”
“Doozhkaabizhichimowin nimbidoon, nishiimisidog!”
“A dance with the eyes nearly closed do I fetch, O my little brothers!”
“Doozhkaabizhichimowin nimbidoon, nishiimisidog” (a dance with the eyes nearly shut I bring, my little brothers — song, carried verbatim).
(12) Mīdạcigu äntōtaminit i∙i∙ᵘ nikäⁿsaᵉ. “O∙o∙kutawīn a‘pī i∙i∙ᵘ ina∙ạ∙mān, kīcpîn awiya tōskābit tamîskuskīcingwä,” ugī∙i∙nāᵉ. Cayīgwa mādcī∙ạ∙m:
Mii dash igo endoodaminid iniw nikasan. “Oodakawin apii iw ina’amaan, gishpin awiya doozhkaabid da-miskoshkizhingwe,” ogii-inan. Zhigwa maajii-ayaam:
Now, that was what the goslings did. “Now, when in this manner I begin to sing, if one opens one’s eyes to look, then will one become red in the eye,” he said to them. Now he began singing:
Mii dash igo endoodaminid iniw nikasan (that is what the goslings did) ∙ Oodakawin apii iw ina’amaan (now when I sing this way) ∙ gishpin awiya doozhkaabid (if anyone opens the eyes to look) ∙ da-miskoshkizhingwe (red in the eye one becomes) ∙ ogii-inan (he said to them) ∙ zhigwa maajii-ayaam (now he began).
(13) “Pasangwā picimōwin nimpītōn, nicimīsitug!”
“Basangwaab-izhichimowin nimbidoon, nishiimisidog!”
“A dance with the eyes closed do I fetch, O my little brothers!”
“Basangwaab-izhichimowin nimbidoon, nishiimisidog” (a dance with the eyes shut I bring, my little brothers — song, carried verbatim).
(14) Ānīc migu gägä‘t äcipasạngwābiwāt īgi´ᵘ ni‘käⁿsạg.
Aaniish mii go geget ezhi-basangwaabiwaad igiw nikasag.
So then truly did the goslings close their eyes (as they danced).
Aaniish mii go geget ezhi-basangwaabiwaad igiw nikasag (so truly the goslings shut their eyes).
(15) Cayīgwa mīnawā udani∙ā∙ntciwīntān ᵉi∙i∙ᵘ nạgạmun:
*Zhigwa minawaa odani-anjiwiindaan iw nagamon:**
Now again he changed his song as he sang:
Zhigwa minawaa odani-anjiwiindaan* iw nagamon (now again he changed his song).
(16) “Ayāntasō ni‘kiwiyäg ayānsigwäcimoyu‘k, Nicīmisitug, nicīmisitug!”
“Ayaandaso-nikiwiyeg ayaanzigwaazhimoyok, Nishiimisidog, nishiimisidog!”
“As many geese as there are of you, swarm you with necks together, O my little brothers, O my little brothers!”
“Ayaandaso-nikiwiyeg ayaanzigwaazhimoyok, Nishiimisidog, nishiimisidog” (as many of you geese as there are, crowd close with necks together, my little brothers — song, carried verbatim).
(17) Ānīc mīgu kägä‘t äntōtamuwāt īgi´ᵘ ni‘känsạg, intigu kī∙o∙yu‘kupināwạg äcicimuwāt.
*Aaniish mii go geget endoodamowaad igiw nikasag, indigo gii-oyokobinaawag ezhi-zhimowaad.**
Now, that truly was what the goslings did: as expected, they bunched together when they danced.
Aaniish mii go geget endoodamowaad igiw nikasag (now truly that is what the goslings did) ∙ indigo gii-oyokobinaawag* ezhi-zhimowaad (they bunched together as they danced).
(18) Ānīc mīdạc i∙i∙māⁿ kī∙i∙nāt: “Mī∙i∙māⁿ a‘pī käpạsigwiyān kayänīn tcipabānīmiyān,” ugī∙i∙nāᵉ. Mīdạc kägä‘t kīpạsigwīt, mīgu äninitạmickawāt änsigwäcimunit äcipō‘kugwäbināt. Ānīc mīgu pä‘kic nagạmut pimipō‘kugwäbināt.
*Aaniish mii dash iimaa gii-inaad: “Mii iimaa apii ge-bazigwiyaan gaye-nin ji-babaa-inimiyaan,” ogii-inan. Mii dash geget gii-bazigwid, mii go ani-nitam-ishkawaad enzigwezhimonid ezhi-bookogwebinaad. Aaniish mii go bekizh nagamod bimi-bookogwebinaad.**
So it was at this point that he said to them: “Now is the time for me to rise and move about in the dance,” he said to them. And so truly up he rose, whereupon, as he came to them dancing with their necks together, he broke their necks. Now he sang at the same time that he moved among them breaking their necks.
Aaniish mii dash iimaa gii-inaad (so here he said to them) ∙ Mii iimaa apii ge-bazigwiyaan (now is the time for me to rise) ∙ gaye-nin ji-babaa-inimiyaan (and to move about in the dance) ∙ Mii dash geget gii-bazigwid (and truly he rose) ∙ ani-nitam-ishkawaad enzigwezhimonid* (coming among them as they crowded necks together) ∙ ezhi-bookogwebinaad (he broke their necks) ∙ bekizh nagamod bimi-bookogwebinaad (singing as he went breaking their necks).
(19) Ickwāntäng wīn mānk a∙ī∙ntạcicimu. Kägätsa wāwisạgickāgōn awīya. “Ānīnta?” inäntạm ‘aᵉa´ᵘ mānk. “Taga pina ningatōskāb,” inäntạm. “Untikwanāntagu obō‘kugwäbinā o∙ō∙ nāminit,” inäntạm ‘aᵉa´ᵘ mānk. Äcitōskābit, kuniginīn kägä‘t na∙i∙tā inābit upimipō‘kugwäbināni.
Ishkwaandeng win maang aa-indazhishimo. Geget sa wawisagishkaagon awiya. “Aaniin dash?” inendam a’aw maang. “Daga bina ninga-doozhkaab,” inendam. “Ondikonaan dago obookogwebinaa o’ow naaminid,” inendam a’aw maang. Ezhi-doozhkaabid, goniginiin geget naa-idaa inaabid obimi-bookogwebinaani.
By the doorway was yonder Loon dancing. Truly was he hurt when jostled by some one bumping against him. “What is the matter?” thought the Loon. “I think I had better open my eyes and see,” he thought. “It is seemingly probable that he is breaking the necks of these who are dancing,” thought the Loon. When he opened his eyes to look, lo, it truly was in time to see that (Nänabushu) was busily breaking the necks (of the goslings).
Ishkwaandeng win maang aa-indazhishimo (by the doorway the Loon was dancing) ∙ Geget sa wawisagishkaagon awiya (truly he was jostled by someone) ∙ Aaniin dash … inendam a’aw maang (what is it, thought the Loon) ∙ Daga bina ninga-doozhkaab (let me open my eyes a little) ∙ Ondikonaan dago obookogwebinaa o’ow naaminid (it must be he is breaking the necks of these dancers) ∙ Ezhi-doozhkaabid (when he opened his eyes) ∙ goniginiin geget naa-idaa inaabid (lo, truly as he looked) ∙ obimi-bookogwebinaani (he was going about breaking necks).
(20) O∙ō∙māⁿ äntạcicimut īni´ᵘ kāwāwisạgickāgut, mīnangwana kāwinänit. Äjisāgitcikwāskwanit. “Mīmāwīn tcitäba‘kupipa∙i∙wäyāmbān,” inäntạm äcipīgāgit ‘aᵉa´ᵘ mānk. “Abā‘pinisiwāgạn, Nänabucu kidickwạnigunān!” i‘kitō ‘aᵉa´ᵘ mānk.
O’omaa endazhi-shimod iniw gaa-wawisagishkaagod, miinangwana gaa-winenid. Ezhi-zaagijigwaashkwanid. “Mii maawiin ji-de-bakobiiba’iweyaambaan,” inendam ezhi-biibaagid a’aw maang. “Abaapinisiwaagan, Nenabozho gidishkwaaninigonaan!” ikido a’aw maang.**
Here where he was dancing, by one was he hurt when jostled, it was by one that was flopping around. Then out of doors leaped (the Loon). “Perhaps there is just time for me to flee to the water,” he thought. Then with a loud voice cried the Loon: “Look out! by Nänabushu are we being slain!” said the Loon.
O’omaa endazhi-shimod (here where he was dancing) ∙ iniw gaa-wawisagishkaagod (by the one who hurt him when jostled) ∙ miinangwana gaa-winenid* (it was indeed the one that was flopping about — stem flagged) ∙ Ezhi-zaagijigwaashkwanid (then out of doors he leaped) ∙ “Mii maawiin ji-de-bakobiiba’iweyaambaan*” (perhaps there is just time for me to flee into the water — form flagged) ∙ inendam (he thought) ∙ ezhi-biibaagid a’aw maang (then with a loud voice cried the Loon — flagged: the page prints pīgāgit with g) ∙ “Abaapinisiwaagan (look out) ∙ Nenabozho gidishkwaaninigonaan!” (by Nänabushu are we being slain) ∙ ikido a’aw maang (said the Loon).
(21) “Nicanîm!” omạdwä∙i∙gōn nāsibība∙i∙wät. Cigwa päcwäwitạmōn, mī∙i∙ᵘ cigwa ānubäcwâbạndạnk i∙i∙māⁿ ä‘kunibī‘kānig; mīgu´ ba‘kubīpa∙i∙wät, intagäginīn pī‘tcibāgwāni. Mīdạc i∙i∙māⁿ kītạngickāgut ucīgạnāng, mīdạc kā∙i∙cicakackicikanäwäpickāgut. Mīdạc kā∙u∙ndci∙i∙cināgusit ‘aᵉa´ᵘ mānk.
O’omaa “Nishanim!” omadwe’igoon naasibiba’iwed. Zhigwa beshwewidamoon, mii iw zhigwa aano-beshwaabandang iimaa ekonibiikaanig*; mii go bakobiiba’iwed, indigo go biichibaagwani. Mii dash iimaa gidanishkaagod ozhiiganaang, mii dash gaa-izhi-zhakashkizhigaanewebishkaagod. Mii dash gaa-ondji-izhinaagozid a’aw maang.**
“Wretch!” he heard (Nänabushu) say to him as he fled for the water. Now, near was heard the voice (of Nänabushu), whereupon then he tried to reach the place where the water met the land; whereupon he reached the water in his flight, but alas! far away out was it yet shallow. And so he was kicked upon the small of the back, whereupon he got a flat curve in the back by the kick he received. And such was how the Loon came to look that way.
O’omaa “Nishanim*!” omadwe’igoon naasibiba’iwed* (Wretch! he heard him say as he fled to the water) ∙ Zhigwa beshwewidamoon (now the voice came near) ∙ aano-beshwaabandang iimaa ekonibiikaanig* (as he tried to reach the water’s edge) ∙ mii go bakobiiba’iwed (so he ran into the water) ∙ indigo go biichibaagwani (but it was still shallow far out) ∙ gidanishkaagod ozhiiganaang (he was kicked on the small of the back) ∙ gaa-izhi-zhakashkizhigaanewebishkaagod (so his back got a flat curve from the kick) ∙ gaa-ondji-izhinaagozid a’aw maang (and that is why the Loon looks as he does).
(22) Ānīc mīsa cigwa Nänabucu wīkīciswāt i∙i∙ᵘ uni‘käⁿsimaᵉ. Äciki‘tcipōtawät, mīdạc änīciningwa∙ạ∙bawät ‘iᵉi´ᵘ uni‘käⁿsimaᵉ. Mīdạc kānicisāgisitäcimāt. “Kägä‘tsa ninki‘tciwīnibā,” i‘kitō Nänabucu. “Ạmbäsạnō, ninganibā,” kī∙i∙‘kito. Mīdạc i∙i´∙ᵘ utcīt kā∙i∙tạnk: “Ạmbäsạnō, a‘kawâbạm pīwitäg tcisāgwa∙o∙wāt,” ugi∙i∙tān ‘iᵉi´ᵘ utcīt.
Aaniish mii sa zhigwa Nenabozho wii-giiziswaad i’iw onikasiman. Ezhi-gichi-boodawed, mii dash ani-izhi-ningwa’abawed i’iw onikasiman. Mii dash gaa-ni-izhi-zaagizideshimaad. “Geget sa nin-gichi-wii-nibaa,” ikido Nenabozho. “Ambesanoo, ninga-nibaa,” gii-ikido. Mii dash i’iw ojiid gaa-itang: “Ambesanoo, akawaabam biiwideg ji-zaagwa’owaad,” ogii-idaan i’iw ojiid.**
So it was now that Nänabushu desired to cook his goslings. When he made a great fire, he then baked his goslings under (a bed of live-coals). And after he had laid them so that their feet were sticking out, then, “Truly very anxious am I for a long sleep,” said Nänabushu. “Well, I am going to sleep,” he said. Accordingly, then to his bottom he said: “Pray, do you watch for any visitors that might be coming into view round the point,” he said to his bottom.
Aaniish mii sa zhigwa Nenabozho wii-giiziswaad i’iw onikasiman* (so now Nänabushu wanted to cook his goslings — flagged) ∙ Ezhi-gichi-boodawed (when he made a great fire) ∙ mii dash ani-izhi-ningwa’abawed i’iw onikasiman* (he then baked his goslings under the live coals) ∙ Mii dash gaa-ni-izhi-zaagizideshimaad (and then he laid them with their feet sticking out) ∙ “Geget sa nin-gichi-wii-nibaa” (truly I am very anxious for a long sleep) ∙ ikido Nenabozho (said Nänabushu) ∙ “Ambesanoo, ninga-nibaa” (well then, I am going to sleep) ∙ gii-ikido (he said) ∙ Mii dash i’iw ojiid gaa-itang (and this he said to his bottom) ∙ “Ambesanoo, akawaabam biiwideg ji-zaagwa’owaad” (pray, watch for any visitors coming into view round the point) ∙ ogii-idaan i’iw ojiid (he said to his bottom).
(23) Mīsa´ kā∙i∙cinibāt, mīsa´ kā∙i∙citcāngitiyänit; sāgi∙ā∙t ‘i∙i´∙ᵘ unikänsimaᵉ.
Mii sa gaa-izhi-nibaad, mii sa gaa-izhi-jaangidiyenid; zaagi’aad iniw onikasiman.
And so when he went to sleep, he then lay with the bottom projecting upward; for he was selfish of his goslings.
Mii sa gaa-izhi-nibaad (so now he lay to sleep) ∙ gaa-izhi-jaangidiyenid (lying with bottom projecting) ∙ zaagi’aad iniw onikasiman (anxious over his goslings) — [Layer-1 here is a short Ojibwe sentence; Jones’s facing English at this point carries the fuller fire/baking/bottom-watch narration. flagged alignment: English fuller than Ojibwe at this break.]
(24) Ānīc pimickāwāt īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg Nänabucōwạn kitcānkitiyä‘kisowạn. “Nänabucu owäti. Kägō māwīn ugīni‘tōnātug,” i‘kitōwạg īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg.
Aaniish bimishkaawaad igiw anishinaabeg Nenabozhowan gichi-aanjidiye-gizowan. “Nenabozho awedi! Gego maawiin oginiitoonaadog,” ikidowag igiw anishinaabeg.
Now, by canoe were travelling some people (who saw) Nänabushu reclining with the bottom projecting upward. “(There is) Nänabushu yonder. Something perhaps he may have killed,” said the people.
Aaniish bimishkaawaad igiw anishinaabeg (as the people paddled by) ∙ Nenabozhowan gichi-aanjidiye-gizowan (Nenabozho with bottom thrust up) ∙ Nenabozho awedi (there is Nenabozho yonder) ∙ Gego maawiin oginiitoonaadog (perhaps he has killed something) ∙ ikidowag igiw anishinaabeg (said the people).
(25) Ānīc, cigwa ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ka‘kanawänta∙i∙nt ‘aᵉa´ᵘ miskwāsạp cigwa gägä‘t owâbạmā sāgäwa∙o∙nit pīwitäᵉ. “Piwitäg sāgäwa∙ạ∙mōg!” i‘kito ‘aᵉa´ᵘ miskwāsạp.
Aaniish, zhigwa a’aw gaa-iganawenda’ind a’aw miskwesab zhigwa geget owaabamaa zaagewa’onid biiwiden. “Biiwideg zaagewa’amoog!” ikido a’aw miskwesab.
Well, presently the bottom that was watching for him now truly saw some strangers coming into view round the point. “Strangers are coming round the point!” said the bottom.
Aaniish … zhigwa a’aw gaa-iganawenda’ind a’aw miskwesab (now the bottom that was set to watch) ∙ geget owaabamaa zaagewa’onid biiwiden (truly saw strangers come round the point) ∙ Biiwideg zaagewa’amoog (strangers are coming round the point) ∙ ikido a’aw miskwesab (said the bottom).
(26) Äciwaniskāpa‘tōd Nänabucu, ānīc awänibạn käwâbạmāt.
Ezhi-onishkaabatood Nenabozho, aaniish aweniban ge-waabamaad.
Up leaped Nänabushu from where he lay, but there was no one for him to see.
Ezhi-onishkaabatood Nenabozho (Nenabozho leaped up) ∙ aaniish aweniban ge-waabamaad (but there was no one he saw).
(27) “A‘panä kā∙a∙cäta∙ạ∙muwāt,” i‘kitō ‘aᵉa´ᵘ mickwāsạp. Mīdạc mīnawā äcitcāngitiyäkisut. “Mīmāwīn cigwa kinibāgwän,” i‘kitōwạg īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg. “Mīmāwīn kīnibāgwän,” i‘kitōwạg. “Tạga, mīnawā sāgäwaotā.” Äcisāgäwa∙o∙wāt, mīnawā äci∙a∙cä‘ta∙ạ∙muwāt.
“Apane gaa-azhedaa’amowaad,” ikido a’aw miskwesab. Mii dash minawaa ezhi-jaangidiye-gizod. “Mii maawiin zhigwa ginibaagwen,” ikidowag igiw anishinaabeg. “Mii maawiin ginibaagwen,” ikidowag. “Daga, minawaa zaagewa’odaa.” Ezhi-zaagewa’owaad, minawaa ezhi-azhedaa’amowaad.
“Straightway back have they turned,” said the bottom. And so again he lay with his bottom projecting upward. “Perhaps now he may be asleep,” said the people. “Perhaps he may be asleep,” they said. “Pray, let us again go round the point.” They then went round the point, but again they withdrew.
Apane gaa-azhedaa’amowaad (straightway they turned back) ∙ ikido a’aw miskwesab (said the bottom) ∙ minawaa ezhi-jaangidiye-gizod (again he lay with bottom up) ∙ Mii maawiin zhigwa ginibaagwen (perhaps now he is asleep) ∙ ikidowag igiw anishinaabeg (said the people) ∙ Daga, minawaa zaagewa’odaa (let us round the point again) ∙ ezhi-zaagewa’owaad, minawaa ezhi-azhedaa’amowaad (they came round, then again drew back).
(28) Cigwa mīnawā ugạnōnigōn iyutcīt: “Pīwitäg sāgäwa∙a∙mōg.” Mīgu iᵘ ạniguckusit Nänabucu. Mīnawā kīgitōwạn īni´ᵘ utcītīn: “Pạnä kācäta∙a∙muwāt,” utigōn īni´ᵘ utcītīn.
Zhigwa minawaa oganoonigoon iyojid: “Biiwideg zaagewa’amoog.” Mii go iw ani-goshkozid Nenabozho. Minawaa gigidowan iniw ojidin: “Bane gaa-azhedaa’amowaad,” odigoon iniw ojidin.
Now, again he was addressed by his bottom saying: “Strangers are coming round the point.” Whereupon then up rose Nänabushu from where he lay. Again spoke his bottom, saying: “Forthwith out of sight they withdrew,” he was told by his bottom.
Zhigwa minawaa oganoonigoon iyojid (again his bottom spoke to him) ∙ Biiwideg zaagewa’amoog (strangers are coming round the point) ∙ Mii go iw ani-goshkozid Nenabozho (then Nenabozho woke up) ∙ Minawaa gigidowan iniw ojidin (again his bottom spoke) ∙ Bane gaa-azhedaa’amowaad (forthwith they withdrew) ∙ odigoon iniw ojidin (he was told by his bottom).
(29) “Micaním!” utitān i∙i∙ᵘ utcīt. Äcipā‘pāsagupitōt; pānimāgu kākạckipitōt mī∙i∙ᵘ kīpōni‘tōt.
“Mishanim!” oditaan iniw ojid. Ezhi-be-baasagobidood; benimaa go gaa-gashkibidood mii iw gii-booniitood.
“Wretch!” he said to his bottom. Then vigorously he scratched it; and not till he had scratched it so hard that it bled did he then let it alone.
Mishanim … oditaan iniw ojid (Wretch! he said to his bottom) ∙ Ezhi-be-baasagobidood (he scratched it raw) ∙ benimaa go gaa-gashkibidood (not until he had torn it) ∙ mii iw gii-booniitood (then he let it be).
(30) “Kägä‘tigu kāwīn bā‘pic mīnawā nintāwīntạmawāsī,” udinänimigun i∙i∙ᵘ utcīt.
“Geget igo gaawiin baapish minawaa nindaa-wiindamawaasii,” odinenimigon iniw ojid.
“Surely, not another time would I warn him,” was the thought entertained of him by his bottom.
Geget igo gaawiin baapish minawaa (surely not another time) ∙ nindaa-wiindamawaasii (would I tell him) ∙ odinenimigon iniw ojid (so his bottom thought of him).
(31) Mīnawā äcisāgäwa∙o∙wāt īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg. “Mīdạc i∙i∙ᵘ kīnibāt,” i‘kitōwạg. “‘Ā‘a´ᵘ, tạga, awī∙i∙nābiwātāᵉ. Kägō kuca ugini‘tōnātug.” Mīdạc kägä‘t äcikabāwāt, kägä‘t opōtawānini kī∙a∙yāni. Mīdạc äcikimōdimāwāt ka‘kina ‘iᵉi´ᵘ uni‘käⁿsimini. Ānīc kīckisitäbināwāt, änīcisāgisitōwāt iimāⁿ kānōndcimō‘kawāwāt i∙i∙ᵘ ni‘käⁿsaᵉ.
Minawaa ezhi-zaagewa’owaad igiw anishinaabeg. “Mii dash iw ginibaad,” ikidowag. “A’aw, daga, awi-inaabiwadaa. Gego gosha oginiitoonaadog.” Mii dash geget ezhi-gabaawaad, geget obodawaanini gii-ayaani. Mii dash ezhi-gimoodimaawaad gakina iw onikasimini. Aaniish gii-gisidebinaawaad, ani-gisidetoowaad iimaa gaa-onji-mookawewaad iniw nikasan.
Then again round the point into view came the people. “He has now gone to sleep,” they said. “Now, then, I say, let us go (and) look. Something surely must he have killed.” And then, in truth, when they went ashore, sure enough, there was his fire. Thereupon they robbed him of all his goslings. So, breaking off the legs (of the goslings), they put them sticking out of the place from which they took out the goslings.
Minawaa ezhi-zaagewa’owaad igiw anishinaabeg (again the people came round the point) ∙ Mii dash iw ginibaad (he must be asleep) ∙ awi-inaabiwadaa (let us go look) ∙ Gego gosha oginiitoonaadog (surely he has killed something) ∙ ezhi-gabaawaad (so they went ashore) ∙ geget obodawaanini gii-ayaani (truly his fire was there) ∙ ezhi-gimoodimaawaad gakina iw onikasimini (they stole all his goslings) ∙ gii-gisidebinaawaad, ani-gisidetoowaad iimaa (pulling them by the feet and setting the feet sticking out) ∙ gaa-onji-mookawewaad iniw nikasan (from where they took out the goslings).
(32) Cigwa kuskusi Nänabucu. “Ēⁱ, nindōnsāmingwām! Mīmāwīn usāmisuwāgwän īgi´ᵘ nini‘käⁿsimạg. Tagataga skumākuta.” Äni∙i∙ciwīkubitōt i∙i∙ᵘ usidänsini, mīgu äcināni‘kibitōt. “Na´, mīsa kägä‘t usāmisōwāt nini‘känsimạg.” Mīnawā päcig utānuwī‘kubitōn, mīgäyābi äci∙u∙ndcipitōt. “Mīsa gägä‘t usāmisuwāt īgi´ᵘ nini‘känsimag.” Mīdạc ka‘kina änīciwī‘kubitōt, “Kạnạbạtc māwīn ningīgimōtimigōg,” inändạm.
Zhigwa goshkozi Nenabozho. “Ee, nindoonzaamingwan! Mii maawiin osaamisawegwen igiw ninikasimag ishkomaagoda.” Ani-izhi-wiikobidood iw osidaansin, mii go ezhi-naa-nikibidood. “Naa, mii sa geget osaamisowaad igiw ninikasimag.” Minawaa bezhig odanowiikobidoon, mii geyaabi ezhi-onjibidood. “Mii sa geget osaamisowaad igiw ninikasimag.” Mii dash gakina ani-izhi-wiikobidood, “Ganabaj maawiin ningii-gimoodimigoog,” inendam.
Then up woke Nänabushu. “Why, I have overslept! Perhaps overdone must be those goslings of mine. Perhaps I had better look at them.” As one after another he pulled out their little feet, he was pulling them off. “Why, it is true that over-long have my goslings cooked.” Another he tried in vain to pull out, and that too he pulled off. “It is true that too long have my goslings been cooking.” And so, when one after another he had taken them all out, then, “Perhaps I may have been robbed,” he thought.
Zhigwa goshkozi Nenabozho (then Nenabozho woke) ∙ Ee, nindoonzaamingwan (why, I overslept) ∙ Mii maawiin osaamisawegwen igiw ninikasimag (perhaps my goslings cooked too long) ∙ Ani-izhi-wiikobidood iw osidaansin (as he pulled at their little feet) ∙ mii go ezhi-naa-nikibidood (he kept pulling them off) ∙ gakina ani-izhi-wiikobidood (when he had pulled them all) ∙ Ganabaj maawiin ningii-gimoodimigoog (perhaps I have been robbed) ∙ inendam (he thought).
(33) Ō∙ō∙dac uditān i∙i∙ᵘ utcīt: “Kīgayānimis kīcpîn kā‘kimōtimigōwānän,” uditān ‘iᵉi´ᵘ utcīt. Mīdạc ānubạbānạntwāwanga∙i∙gät, mīsa´ kāwīn kạnạgä päjik umi‘kawāsīn. “Mîcạnîm!” i‘kitō. “Wäntcitōtawit kīwīntạmạwisi‘k!” i‘kitō. Kägä‘t unickī∙i∙gun ‘iᵉi´ᵘ utcīt.
O’ow idash oditaan iniw ojid: “Giga-ayaanimiz gishpin gaa-gimoodimigooyaanen,” oditaan iw ojid. Mii dash aano-babaa-nandawaawangaa’iged, mii sa gaawiin ganage bezhig omikawaasiin. “Mishanim!” ikido. “Wenji-doodawid giwiindamawisiik!” ikido. Geget onishki’igon iw ojid.
So this he said to his bottom: “You shall suffer if I have been robbed,” he said to his bottom. Thereupon he searched about in among the ashes, but not a single one did he find. “Wretch!” he said. “For what reason should he thus treat me, that he should not tell me!” he said. Truly was he angered by his bottom.
O’ow idash oditaan iniw ojid (this he said to his bottom) ∙ Giga-ayaanimiz gishpin gaa-gimoodimigooyaanen (you shall suffer if I have been robbed) ∙ aano-babaa-nandawaawangaa’iged (he searched about in the ashes) ∙ gaawiin ganage bezhig omikawaasiin (not a single one did he find) ∙ Mishanim (Wretch) ∙ Wenji-doodawid giwiindamawisiik (why treat me so, that you did not tell me) ∙ geget onishki’igon iw ojid (truly he was angered by his bottom).
(34) Mīsa´ äcimāwạndcitōt misạ´n, uticpā‘kwisitōnạn īni´ᵘ misạn. Äciki‘tcipōtawät, abā‘pic kā‘kitcipōtawät äcinisawa∙a∙ng ‘iᵉi´ᵘ ickutä. Ānīc, tcāgisu.
Mii sa ezhi-mawanjitood misan, odishpakwisidoonan iniw misan. Ezhi-gichi-boodawed, abaapish gaa-gichi-boodawed ezhi-niisawa’ang iw ishkode. Aaniish, jaagizo.
And so, when he set to gathering firewood, high he stacked the pile. Then he kindled a great fire; and by the time he had the fire going strong, he stood over the fire with legs spread apart. Well, he was thoroughly burned.
Mii sa ezhi-mawanjitood misan (so he gathered firewood) ∙ odishpakwisidoonan iniw misan (he stacked the wood high) ∙ Ezhi-gichi-boodawed (he kindled a great fire) ∙ abaapish gaa-gichi-boodawed (when the fire was strong) ∙ ezhi-niisawa’ang iw ishkode (he stood astride the fire) ∙ Aaniish, jaagizo (well, he was burned).
(35) Ạnicāgu, “Tcī!” kā∙i∙nwäwätänig ‘iᵉi´ᵘ utcīt; pīnicigu kāsī‘tawickāt, kāsītawitiyät. Ānīc o∙ō∙dạc uditān ‘iᵉi´ᵘ utcīt: “Äeᵉ, ‘tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ!’ kā∙i∙nwäyạn kā‘kimōtimigōyān īgi´ᵘ nini‘känsimạg,” uditān ‘iᵉi´ᵘ utcīt. Mädwätänig. “Mīmāwīni∙i∙ᵘ tcāgisugwän,” kī∙i∙nändam.
Anishaa go, “Tci!” gaa-inwewetenig iw ojid; biinish igo gaa-zii-dawishkaad, gaa-zii-dawitiyed. Aaniish o’ow idash oditaan iw ojid: “Aaee, jip, jip, jip!” gaa-inweyan “gaa-inwewetenig iw ninikasimag,” oditaan iw ojid. Madwetenig. “Mii maawiin niin jaagizogwen,” gii-inendam.**
Simply “Tcī!” was the only sound the bottom made; (he burned) till he was drawn tight, drawn tight at the bottom. So then this he said to his bottom: “Yes, ‘tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ!’ is what you say after letting me be robbed of those goslings of mine,” he said to his bottom. He heard it utter a sound. “Perhaps it may now be thoroughly burned,” he thought.
Anishaa go, “Tci!” gaa-inwewetenig iw ojid (merely ’Tci!’ was the sound the bottom made) ∙ biinish igo gaa-zii-dawishkaad*, gaa-zii-dawitiyed* (until he was drawn tight at the bottom) ∙ “Aaee, jip, jip, jip!” gaa-inweyan (that is the sound you make) ∙ gaa-inwewetenig iw ninikasimag (after the goslings sounded so) ∙ oditaan iw ojid (he said to his bottom) ∙ Madwetenig (it made a sound) ∙ Mii maawiin niin jaagizogwen (perhaps it is now burned through) ∙ gii-inendam (he thought).
(36) Mīdạc kā∙i∙cii‘kugābawit cayīgwa ānawīmādcā, mīgu iᵘ äjikaskitōsig ‘iᵉi´ᵘ ānuwimādcāt. Mīgu iᵘ äcitōngitiyä∙a∙mīt, ānīc kāwīn ugạckitōsīn ‘iᵉi´ᵘ tcîpîmusät. “Ānīnta äci∙ā∙yāwānän?” inäntạm. Mīsa´ äcipwānawītōt ānuwīpimusät. O∙o∙dạc kī∙i∙nändạm: “Amạntcigic nạntawīn i∙i∙wisa kībwānawi‘tōyān, tcipimusäyān?” Mīdạc kā∙i∙cinạntawâbạntạnk ningutci ki‘tcigīckābi‘kānig, cigwadạc kā∙i∙cicōckwạtciwät ‘iᵉi´māⁿ kīckābi‘kānig.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-iikogaabawid zhigwa anawi-maajaa, mii go iw ezhi-gashkitoosig iw anawi-maajaad. “Aaniin dash ezhi-ayaawaanen?” inendam. Mii sa ezhi-bwaanawitood anawi-bimosed. O’ow idash gii-inendam: “Amaanj igo nandawiin i’iwisa gibwaanawitoyaan, ji-bimoseyaan?” Mii dash gaa-izhi-nandawaabandaank ningoji gichi-giishkabikaanig, zhigwa dash gaa-izhi-zhooshkwajiwed i’imaa giishkabikaanig.
And after he had taken his stand away (from the fire), he then tried in vain to go; but he was unable to try to start. And so his legs were stretched far apart, but he was not able to walk. “Wonder what may be the matter with me!” he thought. And so he was without strength when he tried to walk. So this he thought: “I am curious to know what it is that prevents me from being able to walk.” And when he had sought for a place where there was a very steep cliff, then down from the cliff he slid.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-iikogaabawid (after he stood away from the fire) ∙ zhigwa anawi-maajaa (he tried to go but in vain) ∙ ezhi-gashkitoosig (he could not) ∙ Aaniin dash ezhi-ayaawaanen (wonder what is the matter with me) ∙ ezhi-bwaanawitood anawi-bimosed (he failed when he tried to walk) ∙ Amaanj igo nandawiin … gibwaanawitoyaan … ji-bimoseyaan (wonder what keeps me from walking) ∙ gaa-izhi-nandawaabandaank ningoji gichi-giishkabikaanig (he sought a steep cliff) ∙ gaa-izhi-zhooshkwajiwed i’imaa giishkabikaanig (he slid down the cliff).
(37) Kāpạngicing, ābạnābit, pạnägu kābä∙a∙yagu‘känig i∙i∙ᵘ utōmigitiyān. Mīdạc kā∙i∙‘kitut: “Ēi, wā‘kunạg uga∙i∙nāwān ạnicinābäg tci∙ạ∙nia‘kīwạng!”
*Gaa-bangishing, abaanaabid, panaa go gaabe-ayagokenig iniw odoomigidiyan. Mii dash gaa-ikidod: “Ei, waakonag oga-izhinaawaan anishinaabeg ji-aani-akiwang!”**
When he alighted, he looked back (and) saw nothing but the sore of his bottom along where he had slid. And this was what he said: “Oh, lichens shall the people call it as long as the world lasts!”
Gaa-bangishing (when he alighted) ∙ abaanaabid (looking back) ∙ panaa go gaabe-ayagokenig* iniw odoomigidiyan (nothing but the sore of his bottom smeared along) ∙ Mii dash gaa-ikidod (and this he said) ∙ Ei, waakonag oga-izhinaawaan anishinaabeg (oh, lichens the people shall call it) ∙ ji-aani-akiwang (as long as the world lasts).
(38) Äni∙i∙jamādcāt mīnawā; cayīgwa ạnibabimusät ugīwâbạndānạn mi‘tigōnsạn u‘kwa‘kitänig. Ānīc äjinisawitiyāntạnk, ābạnābit, pạnägu kāmiskwīwā‘kwạtinig īni´ᵘ mi‘tigōnsạn. “‘Ēi, miskwābīmạgōn ogaitānāwān ạnicinābäg tci∙ạ∙ni∙a∙‘kīwạng!
*Ani-izhi-maajaad minawaa; zhayiigwa ani-babimosed ogii-waabandaanan mitigoonsan okwakidenig. Aaniish ezhi-nisawitiyendaank, abaanaabid, panaa go gaa-miskwiiwaakwadinig iniw mitigoonsan. “Ei, miskwaabimagoon oga-idaanaawaan anishinaabeg ji-aani-akiwang!**
Then he continued on his way again. Now, while he was walking about, he saw a dense growth of shrub. Now, as he walked through their midst, he then looked behind, and all the way was the shrub reddened. “Oh, red willows shall the people call them till the end of the world!
Ani-izhi-maajaad minawaa (then he went on his way again) ∙ zhayiigwa ani-babimosed (now, while he was walking about) ∙ ogii-waabandaanan mitigoonsan okwakidenig* (he saw a dense growth of shrub — stem flagged) ∙ Aaniish ezhi-nisawitiyendaank (now, as he walked through their midst) ∙ abaanaabid (he looked behind) ∙ panaa go gaa-miskwiiwaakwadinig iniw mitigoonsan (and all the way the shrub was reddened — stem flagged) ∙ “Ei, miskwaabimagoon oga-idaanaawaan anishinaabeg (oh, red willows shall the people call them) ∙ ji-aani-akiwang! (till the end of the world) — the speech runs on into §39.
(39) Ạnicinābäg sạgaswāwāt ugā∙a∙‘pā‘kusigänāwān,” kī∙i∙‘kito.
Anishinaabeg zagaswewaad oga-izhi-baakozigenaawaan,” gii-ikido.
“The people, when they smoke, shall use them for a mixture (in their tobacco),” he said.
Anishinaabeg zagaswewaad (the people, when they smoke) ∙ oga-izhi-baakozigenaawaan (shall use them for a mixture in tobacco) ∙ gii-ikido (he said).
(40) Mīdạc kā∙ạ∙ni∙i∙jimādcāt. Ningutingigu ạnibabimusät mīnawā kā∙ạ∙ni∙i∙jinisawitiyāntạnk mi‘tigōnsạn, kāwīndạc kwä‘tc miskwīwā‘kusininiwạn. “Wo∙ō∙wisa uga∙i∙cini‘kātānāwa ạnicinābäg tci∙ạ∙ni∙a∙‘kīwạng, pạgwatc miskwâbīmạgōg ta∙i∙nāwạg,” kī∙i∙‘kito.
Mii dash gaa-ani-izhi-maajaad. Ningoding igo ani-babimosed minawaa gaa-ani-izhi-nisawitiyendaank mitigoonsan, gaawiin idash gwech miskwiwekozininiwan. “Wo’owisa oga-izhinikaadaanaawaa anishinaabeg ji-aani-akiwang, bagwaj miskwaabimagoog da-izhinaawag,” gii-ikido.
And so upon his way he then started. And by and by, as he went travelling along, he again went wading through some bushes, but not quite so much were they reddened. “This, indeed, shall the people call them till the end of the world, — wild red willows shall they be called,” he said.
Mii dash gaa-ani-izhi-maajaad (and so he started off) ∙ Ningoding igo ani-babimosed minawaa (by and by as he walked along) ∙ gaa-ani-izhi-nisawitiyendaank mitigoonsan (he waded through the bushes) ∙ gaawiin idash gwech miskwiwekozininiwan (but they were not quite so reddened) ∙ Wo’owisa oga-izhinikaadaanaawaa anishinaabeg ji-aani-akiwang (this the people shall name till the end of the world) ∙ bagwaj miskwaabimagoog da-izhinaawag (wild red willows shall they be called) ∙ gii-ikido (he said).