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.
14. NÄNABUSHU AND THE CARIBOU.
Nanabushu and the Caribou (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) Mīänicmāmādcāt.
Mii eni-izhi-maamaajaad.
Thereupon he continued steadily on his way.
Mii eni-izhi-maamaajaad (thereupon he kept right on moving along).
(2) Ningutingigu ạnipạpimusät, tcimicawaskusiwagāni wäditạnk.
Ningoding igo ani-babimosed, ji-mishawashkosiwagaani wedidang.
Now, once while he was walking along, to a wide field of high grass he came.
Ningoding igo ani-babimosed (now, once as he was walking along), ji-mishawashkosiwagaani wedidang (he came to where there was a wide field of high grass).
(3) Äji∙i∙nābit i∙i∙witi wayä ‘kwāckusi’ᵘ tci∙a∙yābä ati‘kwạn kīpimatābīckusiwäwạn.
Ezhi-inaabid i’iwidi wayekwaashkosiw gichi-ayaabe adikwan gii-pimadaabiishkosiwewan.
As he looked toward the other end of the meadow, (he saw) a big bull Caribou come walking out upon the stretch of grass,
Ezhi-inaabid i’iwidi wayekwaashkosiw (as he looked off to the far end of the meadow), gichi-ayaabe adikwan (a big bull caribou) gii-pimadaabiishkosiwewan (came walking out along the grass).
(4) Kägätsa umisawīnawān.
Geget sa omisawenimaan.
and so he (Nänabushu) wanted to get him.
Geget sa omisawenimaan (and truly he wanted him).
(5) “Ạmạntcigic kä∙i∙nā‘pinanāwạgipanän?”
“Amanj igosh ge-inaapinanaawagipanen?”
“Wonder how can I get hold of him!”
“Amanj igosh ge-inaapinanaawagipanen?” (“wonder how I could get hold of him!”)
(6) Äciwâbạmigut, “Intacītug käpasämit,” inändạm ‘aᵘ ạdi‘k.
Ezhi-waabamigod, “Indash iidog ge-pasemid,” inendam aw adik.
When (Nänabushu) was seen, “Without fail he will have something to say to me,” thought the Caribou.
Ezhi-waabamigod (when he was seen by him), “Indash iidog ge-pasemid,” (“without fail he will have something to say to me,”) inendam aw adik (thought the caribou).
(7) “Tạgạntawā ninga∙a∙cimā,” ạnimādcība‘tō ‘aᵉa’ᵘ ạdi‘k.
“Daga ndawaa ninga-ashimaa,” ani-maajiibatoo a’aw adik.
“I think I will draw him on.” Off running started the Caribou.
“Daga ndawaa ninga-ashimaa,” (“come, I think I will draw him on,”) ani-maajiibatoo a’aw adik (off running started the caribou).
(8) Cigwa kägä‘t umadwäkạnōnigōn: “‘Ai, nicīmisa’, amantcwīn ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kītōtạmạn ningutci wayāpaminānin?
Zhigwa geget omadwe-kanoonigoon: “Ai, ni-shiimisa, amanj wiin i’iw gii-doodaman ningoji wayaabaminaanin?
Then truly the voice of Nänabushu was heard saying to him: “Hey, my little brother, would that I knew why you act so whenever I see you anywhere!
Zhigwa geget omadwe-kanoonigoon (then truly the voice of the other was heard calling to him): “Ai, ni-shiimisa, (“hey, my little brother,) amanj wiin i’iw gii-doodaman (wonder why you do that) ningoji wayaabaminaanin? (wherever I see you?)
(9) A‘kawä, kīwitibātcimo‘tạwin!
Akawe, giwii-dibaajimotawin!
Wait, I wish to tell you something!
Akawe, giwii-dibaajimotawin! (wait, I want to tell you something!)
(10) Kägä‘t ki‘tci∙i∙nakamigạt o∙ō∙witi wäntusäyān,” udinān.
Geget gichi-inakamigad o’owidi wendoseyaan,” odinaan.
Truly, a great time is going on over there from whence I have come,” he said to him.
Geget gichi-inakamigad o’owidi wendoseyaan,” (“truly a great event is going on over there where I have come from,”) odinaan (he said to him).
(11) “Awawa, undās, pīcān!
“Awawa, ondaas, bi-izhaan!
“Ay, hither, come here!
“Awawa, ondaas, bi-izhaan! (“come now, hither, come here!)
(12) Kawīn kītānanīsānänimisī.”
Gaawiin gidaa-naniizaanenimisii.”
You have no cause to fear me.”
Gaawiin gidaa-naniizaanenimisii.” (you have no need to fear me.”)
(13) Mīdạc kägä‘t kā‘pīji∙i∙cānit i∙i∙māⁿ ayāt.
Mii dash geget gaa-bi-izhi-izhaanid i’imaa ayaad.
It was true that he went to where (Nänabushu) was.
Mii dash geget gaa-bi-izhi-izhaanid (and so truly he went over) i’imaa ayaad (to where the other was).
(14) “Tiwä’, kägä‘tigu tci∙i∙na‘kamigạt pitcīnāgu, kīnisitiwạg; ki‘tciwâwīyạg kī∙u∙ndcinạnitiwạg; kipickwạ‘tagīnu‘tātiwạg.”
“Diwe, geget igo gichi-inakamigad bijiinaago, gii-nisidiwag; gichi-waawiiyag gii-onji-nanidiwag; gipishkwatagiinodaadiwag.”
“Ah, but there truly was a great time going on yesterday, they were killing one another; for no reason were they slaying one another; they shot one another indiscriminately with arrows.”
“Diwe, geget igo gichi-inakamigad bijiinaago, (“why, truly a great thing went on yesterday,) gii-nisidiwag; (they were killing one another;) gichi-waawiiyag gii-onji-nanidiwag; (for no real reason they were slaying one another;) gipishkwatagiinodaadiwag.” (they shot one another every which way.”)
(15) Ānīc mīgu∙i∙māⁿ äpītcitanātcimu‘tawāt äci∙i∙‘kwa‘täckawāt īni’ᵘ umi‘tigwābīn.
Aaniish mii go imaa epiichi-danaajimotawaad ezhi-ikwateshkawaad iniw omitigwaabiin.
Now, while he was telling him the story, he was stringing his bow.
Aaniish mii go imaa epiichi-danaajimotawaad (now, while he was telling him the story there) ezhi-ikwateshkawaad iniw omitigwaabiin (he was stringing his bow).
(16) “O∙ō∙wisagu tōtamōbạnīg.”
“O’ow isa go doodamobaniig.”
“This was the very way they did at the time.”
“O’ow isa go doodamobaniig.” (“this was the very way they did it.”)
(17) Ä‘cinạnimā‘kwīnōtawāt i∙i∙māⁿ wācä‘pīnit.¹
Ezhi-nanimaakwiinoodawaad i’imaa waashepiinid.
All the while he kept aiming there at his (2) side.
Ezhi-nanimaakwiinoodawaad (meanwhile he kept aiming at him) i’imaa waashepiinid (there at his side).
(18) “Mīsa wuᵉo’ äntōtamowā‘pạn,” udinān.
“Mii sa o’ow endoodamowaapan,” odinaan.
“This was just the way they did,” he said to him.
“Mii sa o’ow endoodamowaapan,” (“this was just the way they did,”) odinaan (he said to him).
(19) Äcipimwāt iimāⁿ wācä‘pīnit.
Ezhi-bimwaad i’imaa waashepiinid.
Then he shot him in the side.
Ezhi-bimwaad i’imaa waashepiinid (then he shot him there in the side).
(20) “Mîcạnîm Nänabucu!
“Mishanim Nenaboozhoo!
“Confound Nänabushu!
“Mishanim Nenaboozhoo! (“confound Nanabushu!)
(21) Kägä‘t ạnạgīnänimạgibạn.”
Geget aana gii-nenimagiban.”
Truly, that was the very thing I thought he would do.”
Geget aana gii-nenimagiban.” (truly, that was just what I thought he would do.”)
(22) Ānīc mīsa’ kā∙i∙cinisāt, äcimātcī‘kawāt.
Aaniish mii sa gaa-izhi-nisaad, ezhi-maajiikawaad.
So after he had killed (the Caribou), he then set to work flaying (and) cutting him up.
Aaniish mii sa gaa-izhi-nisaad (so after he had killed him), ezhi-maajiikawaad (he set to work skinning and cutting him up).
(23) Papänạginạngä i‘kāmōwạn; äcipạpimagōtōt īni’ᵘ uwīninōmạn; äcigạpācimāt ka‘kina.
Bapenaginange ikaamoowan; ezhi-pabimagoodood iniw owiininoman; ezhi-gabaashimaad gakina.
Exceedingly fat was (the Caribou); then he went (and) hung up his fat; then he boiled it all.
Bapenaginange ikaamoowan (exceedingly fat was he); ezhi-pabimagoodood iniw owiininoman (then he went and hung up his fat); ezhi-gabaashimaad gakina (then he boiled all of it).
(24) Kā∙i∙cikīziswāt, ugītackwämạg ugī∙ạ∙gwāwān.
Gaa-izhi-giizizwaad, ogiidashkwemag ogii-agwaawaan.
After he had finished cooking it, then out upon a sheet of birch-bark he dipped the meat.
Gaa-izhi-giizizwaad (after he had finished cooking it), ogiidashkwemag ogii-agwaawaan (he dipped the meat out onto a sheet of birch-bark).
(25) Mīdạc kā∙i∙‘kitut a‘pī kā∙u∙nabī‘tawāt: “Tibigic käuntạmāwạgän?” kī∙i∙‘kitō.
Mii dash gaa-ikidod apii gaa-onabiitawaad: “Dibigizh ge-ondamaawagen?” gii-ikido.
And this was what he said when he came to where it lay: “Wonder from what part of the body I shall take (what I am to eat)!” he said.
Mii dash gaa-ikidod apii gaa-onabiitawaad (and this is what he said when he sat down to it): “Dibigizh ge-ondamaawagen?” (“wonder from what part I shall take my eating!”) gii-ikido (he said).
(26) “Intawāsa uctigwāning ninga∙u∙ntạmā.
“Indawaa sa oshtigwaaning ninga-ondamaa.
“I think that from the head I will take what I am to eat of him.
“Indawaa sa oshtigwaaning ninga-ondamaa. (“I think I will eat from the head.)
(27) Kāmāwīn nintāminu‘tcigäsī, nintāpā‘pī∙i∙gōg nīnimucäⁿyạg² ugī∙a∙cäwäbạmān,” gī∙i∙nändạm.
Gaa maawiin nindaa-minochigesii, nindaa-baapi’igoog niinimooshenyag ogii-ashewebamaan,” gii-inendam.
Perhaps it would not be proper for me to do that, for I should be made fun of by my loves (3) on account of my having begun at the opposite end,” (thus) he thought.
Gaa maawiin nindaa-minochigesii, (perhaps it would not be right for me to do that,) nindaa-baapi’igoog niinimooshenyag (I would be laughed at by my loves) ogii-ashewebamaan,” (for starting at the wrong end,”) gii-inendam (he thought).
(28) “Nindābā‘pi∙i∙gōg nīnimōcäⁿyạg,” kīnändạm.
“Nindaa-baapi’igoog niinimooshenyag,” gii-nendam.
“I should be laughed at by my loves,” (thus) he thought.
“Nindaa-baapi’igoog niinimooshenyag,” (“I would be laughed at by my loves,”) gii-nendam (he thought).
(29) “Ạmạntcisawīn i∙i∙witi upi‘kwạnāng undạmạk?
“Amanj isa wiin i’iwidi obikwanaang ondamag?
“Wonder if it would be well for me to eat of him at the back!
“Amanj isa wiin i’iwidi obikwanaang ondamag? (“wonder if it would be well to eat of him at the back?)
(30) Kāwīnsa, kạnạbạtc nindābā‘pi∙i∙gōg.
Gaawiin sa, ganabaj nindaa-baapi’igoog.
No, indeed, for probably I should then be laughed at.
Gaawiin sa, ganabaj nindaa-baapi’igoog. (no indeed, for probably I would be laughed at.)
(31) Kạnạbạtc ugīkāntcwäbamān ki‘tciayābä∙ạ∙di‘kwạn, nindā∙i∙gōg māwīn nīnimucäⁿyạg.
Ganabaj ogii-kaanjwebamaan gichi-ayaabe-adikwan, nindaa-igoog maawiin niinimoshenyag.
‘Perhaps he shoved the big bull Caribou forward while eating upon him,’ would be said of me perhaps by my loves.
Ganabaj ogii-kaanjwebamaan gichi-ayaabe-adikwan, (‘perhaps he shoved the big bull caribou forward while eating on him,’) nindaa-igoog maawiin niinimoshenyag. (would be said of me perhaps by my loves.)
(32) Ạmạntcisawīn pimi‘tcaya∙ī∙undạmạk?” kī∙i∙nändạm.
Amanj isa wiin bimichaya’ii ondamag?” gii-inendam.
Wonder if it would be well for me to eat of him at the side!” (thus) he thought.
Amanj isa wiin bimichaya’ii ondamag?” (wonder if it would be well to eat of him at the side?”) gii-inendam (he thought).
(33) “Kāwīnsa, kạnạbạtc nindāpā‘pī∙‘i∙gōk.
“Gaawiin sa, ganabaj nindaa-baapi’igoog.
“No indeed, for perhaps I should be laughed at.
“Gaawiin sa, ganabaj nindaa-baapi’igoog. (“no indeed, for perhaps I would be laughed at.)
(34) Ugīpimitcwäbamān nindā∙i∙gōk ki‘tci∙ā∙yābä∙ạ∙di‘kwạn, nīnimōcäⁿyạg nindā∙i∙gōg.”
Ogii-pimijwebamaan nindaa-igoog gichi-ayaabe-adikwan, niinimooshenyag nindaa-igoog.”
‘He tried to push a great bull caribou sidewise when eating upon him,’ would be said of me by my loves.”
Ogii-pimijwebamaan nindaa-igoog gichi-ayaabe-adikwan, (‘he pushed a great bull caribou sidewise while eating on him,’ would be said of me,) niinimooshenyag nindaa-igoog.” (it would be said of me by my loves.”)
(35) Mägwāgu tạnwäwä‘tōd mīsīwä tcīgā‘tig ugībạbā∙a∙‘tōn umạma∙i∙bimān.
Megwaa go danwewetood miziwe jiigaatig ogii-babaa-atoon omama’ibimaan.
And while engaged in this talk, he laid round about the foot of a tree all the grease (which he had boiled down).
Megwaa go danwewetood (and while he kept talking away) miziwe jiigaatig ogii-babaa-atoon omama’ibimaan (he went about laying all his rendered grease around the foot of a tree).
(36) Mīdạc ạ‘pī äjinōndāgwatinig kisībā‘kwạt, “Kägä‘tsa ningi‘tcisasiskimigun.
Mii dash apii ezhi-noondaagwadinig giziibaakwad, “Geget sa nin-gichi-sasiskimigon.
And so when the creaking of trees rubbing (together) was heard, “Truly by some one am I sought beseechingly.
Mii dash apii ezhi-noondaagwadinig giziibaakwad, (and so when the creaking of the trees was heard,) “Geget sa nin-gichi-sasiskimigon. (“truly someone is beseeching me hard.)
(37) Kạnạbạtcsa kayä wīn wīwīsini.”
Ganabaj sa gaye wiin wii-wiisini.”
Perhaps, indeed, some one too wants to eat.”
Ganabaj sa gaye wiin wii-wiisini.” (perhaps it too wants to eat.”)
(38) Kāpa‘kwäcwāt i∙i∙māⁿ uwīninōwinit, äci∙a∙‘kwāntawät.
Gaa-pakwezhwaad i’imaa owiininoowinid, ezhi-akwaandawed.
After slicing off a piece from a fatty part (of the caribou), then up the tree he climbed.
Gaa-pakwezhwaad i’imaa owiininoowinid (after slicing off a piece from a fatty part of him), ezhi-akwaandawed (then up the tree he climbed).
(39) Mīdạc iwiti awipōsinạng;¹ kayägu wīninōn ugīsindā‘kwicimān.
Mii dash iwidi awi-poozinang; gaye go wiininoon ogiziindaakwishimaan.
And so there he went and placed the fat; (4) and he put the fat in where it was creaking.
Mii dash iwidi awi-poozinang; (and so there he went and set the fat;) gaye go wiininoon ogiziindaakwishimaan (and he wedged the fat into where it was creaking).
(40) Äciki‘tcipītānimạdînik, äcita‘kwạmigut ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kisībā‘kwat.
Ezhi-gichi-biidaanimadinig, ezhi-dakwamigod i’iw giziibaakwad.
When a great gust of wind came up, he was then caught fast by the creaking tree.
Ezhi-gichi-biidaanimadinig (when a great gust of wind came up), ezhi-dakwamigod i’iw giziibaakwad (he was caught fast by the creaking tree).
(41) Aⁱ, mīsa imāⁿ ä∙i∙ntanagōsit!
Ay, mii sa imaa e-indanagoozid!
Ah, and so there he hung!
Ay, mii sa imaa e-indanagoozid! (ah, and so there he hung!)
(42) Pīnicigu kabäya∙ī∙ ạgōsi.
Biinish igo gabeya’ii agoozi.
Even till a long while after was he hanging.
Biinish igo gabeya’ii agoozi (even for a long while he hung there).
(43) Ningutingigu inābit iwiti wayäkwākusi’ᵘ ma∙i∙ngạnaᵉ untatābīpa∙i∙tiwaᵉ, mīdạc äcikạnōnāt: “Kägu wīn ōmāⁿ pīcākägun!”
Ningoding igo inaabid iwidi wayekwaakosiw ma’iinganan ondadaabiipa’idiwan, mii dash ezhi-ganoonaad: “Gego wiin o’omaa bi-izhaakegon!”
Then suddenly, while looking toward the other end of the meadow, (he saw) some wolves running hitherward into the meadow, whereupon he addressed them, saying: “Don’t you come this way!”
Ningoding igo inaabid iwidi wayekwaakosiw (then suddenly, as he looked off to the far end of the meadow) ma’iinganan ondadaabiipa’idiwan, (some wolves came running this way into the meadow,) mii dash ezhi-ganoonaad: (whereupon he called to them:) “Gego wiin o’omaa bi-izhaakegon!” (“don’t you come this way!”)
(44) “Kägō māwīn ugīni‘tōnātug Nänabucu.
“Gegoo maawiin ogii-nitoonaadog Nenaboozhoo.
“Something doubtless must Nänabushu have slain.
“Gegoo maawiin ogii-nitoonaadog Nenaboozhoo. (“Nanabushu must surely have killed something.)
(45) ‘A‘a’ᵘ, tạga a‘pa∙i∙titā!”
A’aw, daga apa’ididaa!”
Come on, do let us run over there!”
A’aw, daga apa’ididaa!” (come on, let us run over there!”)
(46) Intigumi kībigagwätcikanitiwāᵉ.
Indigomi gii-bi-gagwejikanidiwan.
It seemed as if they tried to race (to where he was).
Indigomi gii-bi-gagwejikanidiwan (it seemed as though they tried to race one another there).
(47) Cayigwa pạgạmisäwaᵉ, äciwâbạmānit īni’ᵘ udadi‘kumạn.
Zhayiigwa bagamisewan, ezhi-waabamaanid iniw odadikoman.
Now, when they came running up to the place, they saw his caribou.
Zhayiigwa bagamisewan (now, when they came running up), ezhi-waabamaanid iniw odadikoman (they saw his caribou).
(48) A‘pạnägu kāma‘kạndinit.
Apane go gaa-makandinid.
Straightway did they fall upon it, grabbing it from one another.
Apane go gaa-makandinid (at once they fell to grabbing it from one another).
(49) Aē’ⁱ, ānīc kägīdōtạnk, mīsā‘pạnä udadi‘kumạn.
Aiii, aaniish ge-gii-doodang mii sa apane odadikoman.
Alas! naturally was there nothing for him to do, for entirely gone was his caribou.
Aiii, aaniish ge-gii-doodang (alas, what could he do) mii sa apane odadikoman (for his caribou was entirely gone).
(50) Äcikạnōnāt: “Nicīmisā, kägu’ wīn tcātcīgā‘tig pā∙i∙nābi‘kägun!”
Ezhi-ganoonaad: “Ni-shiimisa, gego wiin jaajiigaatig baa-inaabikegon!”
Then he addressed them, saying: “O my little brothers! don’t you come and look round about this tree!”
Ezhi-ganoonaad: (then he called to them:) “Ni-shiimisa, gego wiin jaajiigaatig baa-inaabikegon!” (“my little brothers, don’t you go looking around the foot of this tree!”)
(51) “‘A‘a’ᵘ, kägō ogīa‘tōnātug!”
“A’aw, gegoo ogii-atoonaadog!”
“Come on, something he probably has laid out (there)!”
“A’aw, gegoo ogii-atoonaadog!” (“come on, he has probably laid out something there!”)
(52) Mīdạc kägä‘t kāma‘kạndinitigu umạma∙i∙bimān.
Mii dash geget gaa-makandinid igo omama’ibimaan.
Whereupon truly they grabbed away from one another the grease (which he had boiled down).
Mii dash geget gaa-makandinid igo omama’ibimaan (whereupon truly they grabbed his rendered grease from one another).
(53) Cigwa wānimādciba∙i∙tīwaᵉ, “Kägu’ wīn, nicīmisātug, icpiming inābi‘kägun!”
Zhigwa waa-ani-maajiiba’idiwan, “Gego wiin, ni-shiimisadog, ishpiming inaabikegon!”
Presently were they about to race away when, “Don’t now, O my little brothers, don’t you look up!”
Zhigwa waa-ani-maajiiba’idiwan, (presently, as they were about to race away,) “Gego wiin, ni-shiimisadog, ishpiming inaabikegon!” (“don’t now, my little brothers, don’t you look up!”)
(54) Ānīc äcidā‘taganāpiwāt īgi’ᵘ ma∙ī∙ngạnạg, pạnägu wīnin kā∙i∙nagōtänig.
Aaniish ezhi-daataganaabiwaad igiw ma’iinganag, bane go wiinin gaa-inagoodenig.
So when up the Wolves looked, nothing but fat (did they see) hanging there.
Aaniish ezhi-daataganaabiwaad igiw ma’iinganag (so when the wolves looked up), bane go wiinin gaa-inagoodenig (nothing but fat was hanging there).
(55) Ānīc kayä kāma‘kạndinit i∙i∙ᵘ ma∙ī∙ngạna.
Aaniish gaye gaa-makandinid i’iw ma’iingana.
So of course the Wolves also grabbed that away from one another.
Aaniish gaye gaa-makandinid i’iw ma’iingana (so the wolves too grabbed that away from one another).
(56) Kā‘kitānawänit änimādcība∙i∙tinit; äcipạgitạmigut.
Gaa-gidaanawenid eni-maajiiba’idinid; ezhi-bagidamigod.
After they had eaten it up, then away they went racing; then was he let loose from the grip.
Gaa-gidaanawenid eni-maajiiba’idinid; (after they had eaten it up they went racing off;) ezhi-bagidamigod (then he was let loose).
(57) Nạpä’m upạgitạmigun i∙i∙ᵘ kisībā‘kwạt.
Napem obagidamigon i’iw giziibaakwad.
When it was all over, he was set free by the creaking tree.
Napem obagidamigon i’iw giziibaakwad (at last he was set free by the creaking tree).
(58) Äcinīsāntawät.
Ezhi-niisaandawed.
Then down he climbed from the tree.
Ezhi-niisaandawed (then down he climbed).
(59) Mīsa’ ānugwīnawī∙i∙cī‘kạnk, ānīc mī∙ä∙‘ta utōctigwānim ä‘tänig.
Mii sa aano-gwiinawii-izhiikang, aaniish mii eta odoo-shtigwaanim etenig.
Thereupon he went in vain to see what he yet had left, for there remained only his (caribou) head.
Mii sa aano-gwiinawii-izhiikang, (thereupon he went in vain to see what he had left,) aaniish mii eta odoo-shtigwaanim etenig (for only his caribou head remained).
(60) Ānīc utānutcīctcīgwantān i∙i∙ᵘ utōctigwānim.
Aaniish odaano-jiichiigwandaan i’iw odoo-shtigwaanim.
So he tried in vain to gnaw upon what was left (of the meat of) his (caribou) head.
Aaniish odaano-jiichiigwandaan i’iw odoo-shtigwaanim (so he tried in vain to gnaw on his caribou head).
(61) Ānīc mīyä‘ta wīnintip äyānig.
Aaniish mii eta wiinindib e-yaanig.
Now only the brain was left.
Aaniish mii eta wiinindib e-yaanig (now only the brain was left).
(62) Ānīc ukwīnawī∙i∙nā‘pinạtōn.
Aaniish ogwiinawii-inaapinadoon.
Naturally he had no means of getting at it.
Aaniish ogwiinawii-inaapinadoon (naturally he had no way of getting at it).
(63) “Taga intawā, ningakinäbi‘kōnsi‘kās,” kī∙i∙näntạm.
“Daga indawaa, ninga-kinebigoonsikaas,” gii-inendam.
“Then, therefore, I will take on the form of a little snake,” he thought.
“Daga indawaa, ninga-kinebigoonsikaas,” (“come then, I will turn myself into a little snake,”) gii-inendam (he thought).
(64) Mīdạc kägä‘t kā∙i∙cinägusit, mī∙i∙wäti wīnintip wäntci‘tōt.
Mii dash geget gaa-izhinaagozid, mii iwedi wiinindib wenjitood.
Thereupon truly that was the form he took upon himself, the reason he did it was on account of the brain there (in the skull).
Mii dash geget gaa-izhinaagozid, (and so truly that was how he looked,) mii iwedi wiinindib wenjitood (the reason being the brain in there).
(65) Mägwāgu tạcī‘kạnk äci∙ạ∙nicinābäwit, mīsa’ mādcāt.
Megwaa go dazhiikang ezhi-anishinaabewid, mii sa maajaad.
And while busied with the brain he became a human being, whereupon off he started.
Megwaa go dazhiikang ezhi-anishinaabewid, (and while busied with it he became a person again,) mii sa maajaad (whereupon off he started).
(66) Mīdạc äci∙u∙täckanīmạgạtînig, aⁱ, ānīc gägīcictcigät!
Mii dash ezhi-odeshkaniimagadinig, ay, aaniish ge-gii-izhichiged!
And so when there were horns (upon his head), ah, what was he then to do!
Mii dash ezhi-odeshkaniimagadinig, (and so when there were horns upon him,) ay, aaniish ge-gii-izhichiged! (ah, what was he to do!)
(67) Äcipitā‘kwicink, “Kītawänänā‘tigō, nicīmisā?”
Ezhi-pidaakwishing, “Giidawenenaatigoo, ni-shiimisa?”
When he bumped against a tree, “What sort of a tree are you, my little brother?” (he asked.)
Ezhi-pidaakwishing, (when he bumped against a tree,) “Giidawenenaatigoo, ni-shiimisa?” (“what kind of tree are you, my little brother?”)
(68) “Äyeᵉ, nīnisạ‘ku pạgwata‘kạmik kānānībawiyān.”
“Eye’, niin isa go bagwadakamig gaa-naaniibawiyaan.”
“Ay, in the deep solitude of the forest ever do I stand.”
“Eye’, niin isa go bagwadakamig gaa-naaniibawiyaan.” (“yes, deep in the wilderness is where I always stand.”)
(69) “Ōⁿ, nicīmisa, kiminaikōwimīzạn.”
“Oon, ni-shiimisa, gi-mina’igoowim iizan.”
“Then really, my little brother, you must be a tamarack.”
“Oon, ni-shiimisa, gi-mina’igoowim iizan.” (“oh, my little brother, you must be a tamarack then.”)
(70) “Äyeᵉ,” ugī∙i∙gōn.
“Eye’,” ogii-igoon.
“Yes,” he was told.
“Eye’,” ogii-igoon (“yes,” he was told).
(71) Mīnawā äcipitā‘kwicink, “Kitawänänā‘tigo, nicīmisa?”
Miinawaa ezhi-pidaakwishing, “Gidawenenaatigo, ni-shiimisa?”
When he bumped against another tree, “What kind of a tree are you, my little brother?” he asked.
Miinawaa ezhi-pidaakwishing, (again he bumped against a tree,) “Gidawenenaatigo, ni-shiimisa?” (“what kind of tree are you, my little brother?”)
(72) “Nīnîsa‘ku wạdciwink kānānībawiyān.”
“Niin isa go wajiwing gaa-naaniibawiyaan.”
“Always upon the mountain do I stand.”
“Niin isa go wajiwing gaa-naaniibawiyaan.” (“upon the mountain is where I always stand.”)
(73) “Ōⁿ, kicingwā‘kōwimizạn.”
“Oon, gi-shingwaakoowim iizan.”
“Then, indeed, you must (then) be a pine.”
“Oon, gi-shingwaakoowim iizan.” (“oh, you must be a pine then.”)
(74) Mīnawā äcipitā‘kwicing, “Kitawänänā‘tigo?”
Miinawaa ezhi-pidaakwishing, “Gidawenenaatigo?”
When he bumped against another tree, “What kind of a tree are you?” (he asked.)
Miinawaa ezhi-pidaakwishing, (again he bumped against a tree,) “Gidawenenaatigo?” (“what kind of tree are you?”)
(75) “Nīnisạ‘ku kāwāwāsana‘kikābawiyān ningutci sāga∙i∙gạn tayäbinā‘kwạ‘kin.”
“Niin isa go gaawaawaasanakigaabawiyaan ningoji zaaga’igan dayebinaakwakin.”
“Continually do I stand with glistening top for one that comes in sight of a lake anywhere.”
“Niin isa go gaawaawaasanakigaabawiyaan (“I always stand with a glistening top) ningoji zaaga’igan dayebinaakwakin.” (wherever a lake comes into view.”)
(76) “Nicīmisa, kīwīgwāsiwimizạn.”
“Ni-shiimisa, gii-wiigwaasiwim iizan.”
“My little brother, you then must be a birch.”
“Ni-shiimisa, gii-wiigwaasiwim iizan.” (“my little brother, you must be a birch then.”)
(77) Änicimādcāt.
Eni-izhi-maajaad.
Then on his way he went.
Eni-izhi-maajaad (then on his way he went).
(78) Minawā äcipitā‘kwicink, “Kitawänänā‘tigu, nicīmisa?”
Miinawaa ezhi-pi-daakwishing, “Gidawenenaatigo, ni-shiimisa?”
When he bumped against another tree, “What kind of a tree are you, my little brother?” (he asked.)
Miinawaa ezhi-pi-daakwishing, (again he bumped against a tree,) “Gidawenenaatigo, ni-shiimisa?” (“what kind of tree are you, my little brother?”)
(79) “Nīnisa‘ku ningutci sāga∙i∙gạn äyāgin nōmagä nō‘piming kānānibwiyān.”
“Niin isa go ningoji zaaga’igan eyaagin noomage* noopiming gaa-naaniibwiyaan.”
“Wherever there is a lake, then a short way back in the forest is where I always stand.”
“Niin isa go ningoji zaaga’igan eyaagin (“wherever there is a lake) noomage* noopiming gaa-naaniibwiyaan.” (a short way back in the woods is where I always stand.”)
(80) “Ōⁿ, nicīmisa, kitāsātīwimizạn.”
“Oon, ni-shiimisa, gida-asaadiiwim iizan.”
“Really, my little brother, you then must be a poplar.”
“Oon, ni-shiimisa, gida-asaadiiwim iizan.” (“oh, my little brother, you must be a poplar then.”)
(81) “Äyeᵉ.”
“Eye’.”
“Yes.”
“Eye’.” (“yes.”)
(82) Mīnawā änicimādcāt.
Miinawaa eni-izhi-maajaad.
Then on his way he continued.
Miinawaa eni-izhi-maajaad (again on his way he went).
(83) Mīnawā äjipitā‘kwicink, “Kitawänänā‘tigu, nicīmisa?”
Miinawaa ezhi-pidaakwishing, “Gidawenenaatigo, ni-shiimisa?”
When he bumped against another tree, “What kind of a tree are you, my little brother?” (he asked.)
Miinawaa ezhi-pidaakwishing, (again he bumped against a tree,) “Gidawenenaatigo, ni-shiimisa?” (“what kind of tree are you, my little brother?”)
(84) “Nīnisa‘ku sāga∙i∙gạning ä‘kugīcka‘kamigāg kānānībawiyān.”
“Niin isa go zaaga’iganing eko-giishkakamigaag gaa-naaniibawiyaan.”
“Always by the bank of a lake do I stand.”
“Niin isa go zaaga’iganing eko-giishkakamigaag gaa-naaniibawiyaan.” (“by the bank of a lake is where I always stand.”)
(85) “Ōⁿ, nicīmisa, kigīcikīwimizạn.”
“Oon, ni-shiimisa, gi-giizhikiiwim iizan.”
“Oh, my little brother, then you must be a cedar.”
“Oon, ni-shiimisa, gi-giizhikiiwim iizan.” (“oh, my little brother, you must be a cedar then.”)
(86) “Äyeᵉ,” udigōn.
“Eye’,” odigoon.
“Yes,” he was told.
“Eye’,” odigoon (“yes,” he was told).
(87) Änicimādcāt, pitcīnạgigu äni∙u∙da∙a∙mīt äcipa‘kubita‘ku‘kīt.
Eni-izhi-maajaad, bijiinag igo eni-oda’amiid ezhi-pakobiidakokiid.
Then on his way he started, and the instant he made another step he walked into the water.
Eni-izhi-maajaad, (then on his way he started,) bijiinag igo eni-oda’amiid ezhi-pakobiidakokiid (and the moment he took another step he walked into the water).
(88) Ānīc mīgu äcipạna‘kīnạnk äcimādcīyātạgāt.
Aaniish mii go ezhi-panakiinang ezhi-maajiiyaadagaad.
Well, he then began wading out into the water, then he began swimming.
Aaniish mii go ezhi-panakiinang (well, then he began wading out) ezhi-maajiiyaadagaad (then he began to swim).
(89) Pạpimātạgāt, ningutingigu awiya unōntawā: “‘E‘ē‘e, adi‘k pämādagāt!” i‘kitōwaᵉ.
Babimaadagaad, ningoding igo awiya onoondawaa: “Eyiiye, adik bemaadagaad!” ikidowan.
While swimming along he suddenly heard the sound of somebody (saying): “Halloo, there goes a caribou swimming along!” they said.
Babimaadagaad, (as he swam along,) ningoding igo awiya onoondawaa: (suddenly he heard someone:) “Eyiiye, adik bemaadagaad!” (“halloo, there goes a caribou swimming!”) ikidowan (they said).
(90) Ānīc, “‘A∙‘a∙ᵘ, māwinata∙u∙‘k!”
Aaniish, “A’aw, maawinada-ok!”
Then, “Come on, go after it!”
Aaniish, “A’aw, maawinada-ok!” (then, “come on, go after it!”)
(91) Ānīc misa gägä‘t mawinata∙u∙nt.
Aaniish mii sa geget mawinada-ond.
So thereupon they truly started after it.
Aaniish mii sa geget mawinada-ond (so truly they went after it).
(92) Ānīc kāwīn nạntạgänimusī pimātagāt.
Aaniish gaawiin nandagenimosii bimaadagaad.
Now, with all his power he swam.
Aaniish gaawiin nandagenimosii bimaadagaad (now, sparing no effort he swam).
(93) Äckạm päcwäwitạmō, kāwīn nạntạgänimusī.
Eshkam beshwewidamo, gaawiin nandagenimosii.
As nearer he heard the sound of them, then with all his speed did he go.
Eshkam beshwewidamo, (nearer and nearer he heard them,) gaawiin nandagenimosii (he spared no effort).
(94) “Ä‘ē‘ē’, kimicaganigunān!”
“Eyii’ii. Gi-mishaganigonaan!”
“Halloo, we shall be beaten to the shore!”
“Eyii’ii. Gi-mishaganigonaan!” (“halloo, he will beat us to the shore!”)
(95) “Mīnangwana cigwa ānawi päcwâbatạmowānän,” inäntạm.
“Mii nangwana zhigwa aanawi beshwaabadamowaanen,” inendam.
“It is possible that I surely must be getting close (to the shore),” he thought.
“Mii nangwana zhigwa aanawi beshwaabadamowaanen,” (“it must be that I am getting close now,”) inendam (he thought).
(96) Ānīc kāwīn nạntagänimusī pimātạgāt.
Aaniish gaawiin nandagenimosii bimaadagaad.
Yet with all his might he swam.
Aaniish gaawiin nandagenimosii bimaadagaad (yet sparing no effort he swam).
(97) Äckạm pigīgitōwaᵉ, “Tabā‘pinisiwāgạn, misa micagạninạnk!”
Eshkam bi-giigidowan, “Da-baapiniziwaagan, mii sa mishaganinang!”
Nearer came the sound of their voices, near by he heard them saying: “Too bad, he is landing ahead of us!”
Eshkam bi-giigidowan, (nearer came their voices,) “Da-baapiniziwaagan, mii sa mishaganinang!” (“too bad, he is landing ahead of us!”)
(98) Kā∙i∙‘kitunint.
Gaa-ikidonind.
(Such) was what they said.
Gaa-ikidonind (such was what was said).
(99) Äcitäba‘kīnạnk, wayībagu täba‘kīnạnk.
Ezhi-debakiinang, wayiiba go debakiinang.
Then he came to where he could touch bottom, soon was he where he could touch bottom.
Ezhi-debakiinang, (then he could touch bottom,) wayiiba go debakiinang (soon he could touch bottom).
(100) Ānīc mīnạngwana cōckwānābi‘kānig i∙i∙māⁿ kā∙i∙ji∙ạ∙gwāsiba‘tōd.
Aaniish mii nangwana zhooshkwaanaabikaanig i’imaa gaa-izhi-agwaasibatood.
Now, it happened to be a slippery bank where he ran up out of the water.
Aaniish mii nangwana zhooshkwaanaabikaanig (now, it happened to be a slippery rocky bank) i’imaa gaa-izhi-agwaasibatood (there where he ran up out of the water).
(101) Mägwāgu änibạbimipa‘tōd äci∙u∙jājābi‘kicink äcibīkusitōd ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utōctigwānim.
Megwaa go eni-babimipatood ezhi-ozhaazhaabikishing ezhi-biigosidood i’iw odoo-shtigwaanim.
And while he was running along, he slipped and fell upon a rock, bursting open his (caribou) head.
Megwaa go eni-babimipatood (and while he was running along) ezhi-ozhaazhaabikishing (he slipped on the rock) ezhi-biigosidood i’iw odoo-shtigwaanim (and burst open his caribou head).
(102) Inābiwāt īgi’ᵘ ạnicinābäg, Nänabucōwạn ạni∙u∙ndcikīgitōwạn: “Kägä‘tigu adi‘k pämātạgāt, kägätigu ạti‘k pämātạgāt,” ani∙i∙‘kitōwạn Nänabucōwạn, ạnigagāwā‘piwạn.
Inaabiwaad igiw anishinaabeg, Nenaboozhoowan ani-onji-giigidowan: “Geget igo adik bemaadagaad, geget igo adik bemaadagaad,” ani-ikidowan Nenaboozhoowan, ani-gagawaapiwan.
As the people looked, (they saw) Nänabushu, who said as he went running from there: “Truly it was a caribou swimming along, truly it was a caribou swimming along,” said Nänabushu as he went, as he fell headlong laughing.
Inaabiwaad igiw anishinaabeg, (as the people looked,) Nenaboozhoowan ani-onji-giigidowan: (Nanabushu spoke as he went off from there:) “Geget igo adik bemaadagaad, geget igo adik bemaadagaad,” (“truly it was a caribou swimming, truly it was a caribou swimming,”) ani-ikidowan Nenaboozhoowan, (said Nanabushu as he went,) ani-gagawaapiwan (laughing as he went).
(103) Kāwīn kanagä piyāpimigābawisīwạn, pạnä mīsa ạnipạpimusät.
Gaawiin ganage bi-yaapimigaabawisiiwan, bane mii sa ani-babimosed.
Not did he stop in his career to look back at them, ever straight ahead he continued his way.
Gaawiin ganage bi-yaapimigaabawisiiwan, (not at all did he stop to look back,) bane mii sa ani-babimosed (ever straight on he kept walking).
(1) For another version see No. 19
(2) At the Caribou’s side.
(3) Nīnimucänyạg, “my loves;” literally, “my cousins;” more literally still, “my relatives” (that are the children of the sister of my mother).
(4) Awipōsinạng: the real sense is that “he went (and) greased” (the place). The expression is a Bois Fort idiom.