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.
18. NÄNABUSHU SLAYS TOAD-WOMAN, THE HEALER OF THE MANITOUS.
18. Nenabozho Slays Toad-Woman, the Healer of the Manidoog.
Nänabushu Slays Toad-Woman, the Healer of the Manitous (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’ änicimādcāt mīnawä Nänabucu, ạnipapimusät mīnawa. Mīdạc kā∙i∙nändạnk: “Mīmāwīn kī‘pōmägwän kāma‘kạmit nintōcimạn. Mīsa’ cigwa tci∙ạ∙ntunäwag.” Mīsa’ kägä‘t nạntunä‘wāt, ningutingigu awiya onōntawān nạgạmunit:
Mii sa eni-zhi-maajaad miinawaa Nenabozho, ani-babimosed miinawaa. Mii dash gaa-inendang: “Miimawin gii-boomegwen gaa-makamid nindoozhiman. Mii sa zhigwa ji-andoonewag.” Mii sa geget nandone’waad, ningodingigo awiya onoondawaan nagamonid:
And then on his way continued Nänabushu, on his way he continued walking. Now, this was what he thought: “Perchance he thinks he is free who robbed me of my nephew. The time has now come for me to look for him.” Thereupon truly, while seeking for him, he suddenly heard some one singing:
Mii sa (and so) ∙ eni-zhi-maajaad (as he set out) ∙ miinawaa Nenabozho (again Nenabozho) ∙ ani-babimosed (walking along) ∙ Mii dash gaa-inendang (and this is what he thought) ∙ Miimawin gii-boomegwen (perhaps he thinks himself free) ∙ gaa-makamid nindoozhiman (the one who took my nephew from me) ∙ Mii sa zhigwa ji-andoonewag (now is the time to look for him) ∙ Mii sa geget nandone’waad (and so truly seeking him) ∙ ningodingigo awiya onoondawaan nagamonid (suddenly he heard someone singing)
(2) “Piyä‘kwā nimbicinawicin cāⁿ.”
“Piyä‘kwā nimbicinawicin cāⁿ.”
“From the ends of the earth do I come with the sound of my rattles, shaⁿ.”
[song carried verbatim — not glossed]
(3) Mīsa’ nāsi‘tawāt, mīsa’ undcita äni‘tawāt:
Mii sa naazitawaad, mii sa onjida enitawaad:
And so when he went to where it was sounding, it seemed as if he heard the same sound as before:
Mii sa naazitawaad (and so he went toward the sound) ∙ mii sa onjida enitawaad (and indeed he heard it the same)
(4) “Piyä‘kwā nīmbicinawicin cāⁿ.”
“Piyä‘kwā nimbicinawicin cāⁿ.”
“From the ends of the earth do I come with the sound of my rattles, shaⁿ.”
[song carried verbatim — not glossed]
(5) Tcigwa uwābạmān, kuniginīn uma‘ka‘kīn ucīcīgwạnini ayācōningwawānit. Äcikạnōnāt: “Ānīn nō‘ko ānīn änano‘kīyạn?” udinān.
Zhigwa owaabamaan, goniginin omakakiin ozhiishiigwanini ayaazhooningwawaanid. Ezhi-ganoonaad: “Aaniin nooko aaniin enanokiiyan?” odinaan.
Presently he saw the being; lo, it was a toad with her rattle hanging under one arm from the other shoulder. Then he addressed her, saying: “What, my grandmother, what are you working at?” he said to her.
Zhigwa owaabamaan (presently he saw her) ∙ goniginin omakakiin (lo, a toad) ∙ ozhiishiigwanini (her rattle) ∙ ayaazhooningwawaanid (hanging across under the arm) ∙ Ezhi-ganoonaad (then addressing her) ∙ Aaniin nooko (what, my grandmother) ∙ aaniin enanokiiyan (what are you working at) ∙ odinaan (he said to her)
(6) “Kā; ninạntawikubī. Nänabucu ugīpimwān ugimāmcipicīn.”
“Gaa; ninandawigobii. Nenabozho ogii-bimwaan ogimaa-mishibizhiin.”
“Why, I am seeking for some bast. Nänabushu has shot the chief of the big lynxes.”
Gaa (why) ∙ ninandawigobii (I am seeking bast/inner bark) ∙ Nenabozho ogii-bimwaan (Nänabushu shot him) ∙ ogimaa-mishibizhiin (the chief of the big lynxes)
(7) Mīdạc änāt: “Ānīc wā‘tōtạmạn īni’ᵘ wīgupīn?”
Mii dash enaad: “Aaniish waa-doodaman iniw wiigobiin?”
And so he said to her: “What are you going to do with the bast?”
Mii dash enaad (and so he said to her) ∙ Aaniish waa-doodaman (what are you going to do with) ∙ iniw wiigobiin (that bast)
(8) “Kā, Nänabucu wīnạntuwā‘pi‘kānā. Kạnạbạtc kīnisābāwätug, ānīc kīni‘kibī kägā wo∙ō∙ a‘ki. Ānīnti dạc kä∙u∙ndcipimātisit? i‘kitōwag.”
“Gaa, Nenabozho wii-nandowaabikaanaa*. Ganabaj gii-nisaabaawedog, aaniish gii-nikibii gegaa wo’ow aki. Aaniindi dash ge-onji-bimaadizid? ikidowag.”
“Why, an attempt will be made to ensnare Nänabushu. Perhaps he may be drowned, for almost flooded was this earth with water. And in what place can he now be alive? they said.”
Gaa (why) ∙ Nenabozho wii-nandowaabikaanaa (an attempt will be made to snare Nänabushu — stem flagged) ∙ Ganabaj gii-nisaabaawedog (perhaps he was drowned) ∙ aaniish gii-nikibii gegaa wo’ow aki (for this earth was almost flooded) ∙ Aaniindi dash ge-onji-bimaadizid (and in what place can he be alive) ∙ ikidowag (they said)
(9) “Ānīn guta wīn wäntcitōtawāwāt kīma‘kamāwāt īni’ᵘ utōcimini? Mạnitōsa wīn, nīnawint änạngit ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu.
“Aaniin gota wiin wenji-doodawaawaad gii-makamaawaad iniw odoozhimini? Manidoosa wiin, niinawind enangid a’aw Nenabozho.
“Now, what was their purpose that they should deprive him of his nephew? He is really a manitou, so we claim Nänabushu to be.
Aaniin gota wiin (now what indeed) ∙ wenji-doodawaawaad (their reason for doing it) ∙ gii-makamaawaad iniw odoozhimini (that they took his nephew) ∙ Manidoosa wiin (he is truly a manidoo) ∙ niinawind enangid a’aw Nenabozho (so we say of Nänabushu)
(10) “Wä, nōcis, kīn māwīn Nänābucu.”
“We, noozhis, giin mawiin Nenabozho.”
“Ah, my grandson! you must be Nänabushu (himself).”
We (ah) ∙ noozhis (my grandson) ∙ giin mawiin Nenabozho (you must be Nänabushu)
(11) “Kā, nōma∙i∙‘käna kītāgīnīwana∙u∙‘k ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu āwiyāmbān. Ānīn, nō‘ko, ä∙i∙ci∙ā∙yāt ‘aᵉa’ᵘ gā‘pimunt?”
“Gaa, noomayakenaa gii-daa-gii-niiwana’ag a’aw Nenabozho awiyaamban. Aaniin, nooko, e-izhi-ayaad a’aw gaa-bimond?”
“Why, long since would you have been clubbed to death if I had been Nänabushu. How, my grandmother, is the one doing that was shot?”
Gaa (why) ∙ noomayakenaa (long since) ∙ gii-daa-gii-niiwana’ag (would have been clubbed to death) ∙ a’aw Nenabozho awiyaamban (if I were Nänabushu) ∙ Aaniin, nooko, (how, grandmother) ∙ e-izhi-ayaad (how he is doing) ∙ a’aw gaa-bimond (the one who was shot)
(12) “Kā, kägāsạgu ninōtcimō∙ā∙nān, nīnawint ninạnāntawi∙ā∙nān.”
“Gaa, gegaazago ninoojimo’aanaan, niinawind ninanaandawi’aanaan.”
“Oh, nearly now have we healed him, we ourselves are giving him treatment.”
Gaa (oh) ∙ gegaazago ninoojimo’aanaan (we have nearly healed him) ∙ niinawind ninanaandawi’aanaan (we ourselves are doctoring him)
By conjuring with bones and flat, circular skin rattles loaded with pebbles; the bones to be swallowed to give knowledge concerning the cause of illness, and the rattle to bring one’s power into action.
(13) “Nō‘ko, ānīn i‘ku äna∙a∙mạn nạnāntawi∙ạ∙t?”
“Nooko, aaniin igo ena’aman nanaandawi’ad?”
“My grandmother, how do you usually sing while you are giving him treatment?”
Nooko (my grandmother) ∙ aaniin igo ena’aman (how it is you sing) ∙ nanaandawi’ad (while doctoring him)
(14) “Äyeᵉ, mīsạgu äna∙ạ∙mān, o∙ō∙ kābi∙a∙i∙na∙ạ∙mān:
“Eye’, mii sago ena’aman, o’ow gaa-bi-ina’aman:
“Ay, this is the way I sing, this was how I sang while coming hitherward:
Eye’ (ay) ∙ mii sago ena’aman (this is the way I sing) ∙ o’ow gaa-bi-ina’aman (this is how I sang coming this way)
(15) “Piyä‘kwā nimbicinawicin cāⁿ.”
“Piyä‘kwā nimbicinawicin cāⁿ.”
“From the ends of the earth do I come with the sound of my rattles, shaⁿ.”
[song carried verbatim — not glossed]
(16) Ānīc ōwīngä ugạgwätcimān owīngädạc uwīndamāgōn, kayä i∙i∙māⁿ a‘pī wändạbinit ᵉi∙i∙ᵘ nanāntawi∙i∙wänit, mīdạc kayä imā ändānit. “Ickwäyaiᵉīgu nintāmin. Nīciwạg nōcisäⁿyạg,” udigōn. Ạwīngä oki‘kino∙ạ∙māgōn, ka‘kina ugīki‘kino∙ạ∙māgōn.
Aaniish owiinge ogagwejimaan owiinge dash owiindamaagon, gaye iimaa apii wendabinid iw nanaandawi’iwenid, mii dash gaye imaa endaanid. “Ishkweyaayiingo nindaamin. Niizhiwag noozhisenyag,” odigoon. Awiinge ogikino’amaagon, gakina ogii-gikino’amaagon.
Now, quite everything he asked her, and quite everything he was told, even the place where she sat when she gave her treatment, likewise the place where she lived (in the wigwam). “In one corner of the place do we live. Two are my grandchildren,” he was told. Concerning everything was he taught, concerning all things was he instructed.
Aaniish owiinge ogagwejimaan (now quite everything he asked her) ∙ owiinge dash owiindamaagon (and quite everything he was told) ∙ gaye iimaa apii wendabinid iw nanaandawi’iwenid (also where she sat when doctoring) ∙ mii dash gaye imaa endaanid (and where she lived) ∙ Ishkweyaayiingo nindaamin (in the corner do we live) ∙ Niizhiwag noozhisenyag (two are my grandchildren) ∙ odigoon (he was told) ∙ Awiinge ogikino’amaagon (he was taught everything) ∙ gakina ogii-gikino’amaagon (about all he was instructed)
¹ By conjuring with bones and flat, circular skin rattles loaded with pebbles; the bones to be swallowed to give knowledge concerning the cause of illness, and the rattle to bring one’s power into action. — Jones’s own footnote, printed at the foot of p.146 (the marker ¹ prints after ‘…concerning all things was he instructed.’, p.147). Restored 2026-09-02, English gate (step 5).
(17) Mīdạc a‘pī kā∙i∙cinīwana‘wāt, kā∙i∙cipa‘kunāt. Mīdạc kā∙i∙cipīsi‘kawāt, kā∙i∙cikīckipināt pạngī imā utcīngwaniming. Mīdạc kā∙i∙cōmbiwạnät īni’ᵘ wīgupīn, mīdạc äna∙ạ∙nk äna∙ạ∙minit ạni∙ā∙ntcikwāskwạnit:
Mii dash apii gaa-izhi-niiwana’waad, gaa-izhi-bakonaad. Mii dash gaa-izhi-biiziikawaad, gaa-izhi-giishkibinaad bangii imaa ojiingwaniming. Mii dash gaa-izhi-oombiwaned iniw wiigobiin, mii dash ena’ank ena’aminid ani-aanji-gwaashkwanid:
And so after he had clubbed her to death, he flayed her. And when he got into (the skin), he tore a small opening there at its head. And now, when he had lifted the bast upon his back, he then sang the way she sang when she went hopping along:
Mii dash apii gaa-izhi-niiwana’waad (and so after he clubbed her to death) ∙ gaa-izhi-bakonaad (he flayed her) ∙ gaa-izhi-biiziikawaad (when he put on the skin) ∙ gaa-izhi-giishkibinaad bangii imaa ojiingwaniming (he tore a small opening at the head) ∙ gaa-izhi-oombiwaned iniw wiigobiin (he lifted the bast on his back) ∙ mii dash ena’ank ena’aminid (then he sang as she sang) ∙ ani-aanji-gwaashkwanid (going hopping along)
(18) “Piyä‘kwā nimbicinawicin cāⁿ.”
“Piyä‘kwā nimbicinawicin cāⁿ.”
“From the ends of the earth do I come with the sound of my rattles, shaⁿ.”
[song carried verbatim — not glossed]
(19) Ānīc mīgu ᵉiᵘ änī∙i∙nwät äni∙ā∙ntcikwāskwạnit.
Aaniish mii go iw eni-inwed eni-aanji-gwaashkwanid.
Now, such was the sound of his voice as he went hopping along in a newly changed form.
Aaniish mii go iw (now such was) ∙ eni-inwed (the sound of his voice) ∙ eni-aanji-gwaashkwanid (as he went hopping along)
(20) Cayīgwa utäbābandān mī∙i∙māⁿ ändānit. Cigwa änināsi‘kạnk äciwạnicink pä‘kānạtinik wīgiwām; änicināsi‘kạnk sāgitcipại∙i∙tawaᵉ. “Nō‘ko, ō∙o∙māⁿ kuca ändāyạng.”
Zhayiigwa odebaabandaan mii imaa endaanid. Zhigwa eni-naazikang ezhi-wanishing bekaanadinig wiigiwaam; eni-zhi-naazikang zaagijibayiidawaan. “Nooko, o’omaa gosha endaayang.”
Presently he came in sight of the place where (the manitous) lived. When on his way to the place, he lost the way (and) came to a different wigwam; while on his way to it, (he saw some children) coming racing out. “O my grandmother! why, here is where we live.”
Zhayiigwa odebaabandaan mii imaa endaanid (presently he sighted where they lived) ∙ Zhigwa eni-naazikang (when going toward it) ∙ ezhi-wanishing (he lost the way) ∙ bekaanadinig wiigiwaam (came to a different wigwam) ∙ eni-naazikang zaagijibayiidawaan (while approaching, they came racing out to him) ∙ Nooko, o’omaa gosha endaayang (O grandmother, here is where we live)
(21) “Kägä‘t.”
“Geget.”
“Indeed.”
Geget (indeed)
(22) “Ānīn wīn, nō‘ko, kā∙u∙ndciwạnicinạn?”
“Aaniin wiin, nooko, gaa-onji-wanishinan?”
“Pray, how, my grandmother, came you to lose the way?”
Aaniin wiin, nooko, (pray, how, grandmother) ∙ gaa-onji-wanishinan (the reason you lost the way)
(23) “Kā, kānạgu‘ku awīngä gạgībwābimoyān, mīdạc i∙i∙’ᵘ kāwīn nīsābābandaⁿzin ‘iᵉi’ᵘ äntāyạng. Intawā, nōcisitug, icisạgini‘käniciyu‘k.” Mīdạc kägä‘t kā∙u∙nạbit, ānīc mīgū imāⁿ äntaci‘känit wạgitcitcīngwạn iᵉi’ᵘ ạbinōtcīyaᵉ. Cigwa umi‘kawâbạmigō ‘i∙i∙māⁿ kīnānigic kāwāt īni’ᵘ udōma‘ka‘kīwayānạn. “Wä, nō‘ko, ạnicinābäwacaga∙ā∙nk kigī∙i∙nạcaga∙ä∙!”
“Gaa, gaanagogo awiinge gagiibwaabimoyaan, mii dash iw gaawiin niisaababandaanzin iw endaayang. Indawaa, noozhisidog, izhi-zaginikenizhiyok.” Mii dash geget gaa-onabid, aaniish migo imaa endazhi-genid wagijijiingwan iw abinoojiiyag. Zhigwa omikawaabamigo iimaa giinaanigizhkawaad iniw odoomakakiiwayanan. “We, nooko, anishinaabewazhagaa’ang gigii-inazhagaa’e!”
“Oh, by reason of too much weeping have my eyes become closed, and that is why I cannot clearly see where we live. Therefore, O my grandchildren! do you lead me thither by the hand.” Whereupon truly, after he was seated, then there upon his lap played the children. Then was it discovered where he had ripped an opening in that toad-skin of his. “Why, my grandmother, like the skin of a human being is the look of your skin!”
Gaa, gaanagogo awiinge gagiibwaabimoyaan, (oh, by too much weeping my eyes are closed) ∙ mii dash iw gaawiin niisaababandaanzin iw endaayang (so I cannot clearly see where we live) ∙ Indawaa, noozhisidog, izhi-zaginikenizhiyok (therefore, my grandchildren, lead me by the hand) ∙ Mii dash geget gaa-onabid (and so truly after he sat) ∙ aaniish migo imaa endazhi-genid wagijijiingwan iw abinoojiiyag (then there on his lap the children played) ∙ Zhigwa omikawaabamigo iimaa giinaanigizhkawaad (then it was discovered where he had torn it) ∙ iniw odoomakakiiwayanan (his toad-skin) ∙ We, nooko, anishinaabewazhagaa’ang (why grandmother, it is like a human being’s skin) ∙ gigii-inazhagaa’e (the look of your skin)
(24) “Nyā, nōcis, kānạ mī∙i’∙ᵘ ä‘pōsoyān īni’ᵘ wīgupīn icī‘kạmān kägạbägījik pimina‘kwātạmān,” utināᵉ i∙i∙ᵘ ōcicäⁿy∙aᵉ.
“Nya, noozhis, gaa na mii iw e-boosoyaan iniw wiigobiin ishkamaan* gegabe-giizhig biminakwaadamaan,” odinaan iniw ozhishenyan.
“Ah, my grandchild! that was how I rubbed myself when working with the bast, as throughout the whole of every day I was making twine,” she said to her grandchildren.
Nya, noozhis, (ah, my grandchild) ∙ gaa na mii iw e-boosoyaan iniw wiigobiin (that is how I rubbed myself working the bast) ∙ ishkamaan gegabe-giizhig (taking it up all day long — stem flagged, 18-L-24) ∙ biminakwaadamaan (making twine) ∙ odinaan iniw ozhishenyan (she said to her grandchildren)
(25) Mīdạc pī∙u∙t tcibisạgạswä∙i∙nt. Cigwa unāgucinini. Cayīgwa kägä‘t pīdäwācinōn, cigwa pīta‘pābiwạn. “Nō‘ko, awisạgạswān,” pī∙i∙‘kitōwạn. Mīdạc kägä‘t änicimādcāt. Cayīgwa udäbābạndān ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ändānit, ugīwâbạmān odōcimạn kibickwāntä∙i∙gäwint. Mīgu’ ∙i∙ᵘ ānawi äci∙a∙īnābinit, kägāgu mawi. Ạnicāgu ạntạgäntasik kāwīn untcimawisī äcipīndigät. Tcigwa kā∙u∙nabit, awänibạn käwâbạmat.
Mii dash bii’od jibisagaswe’ind. Zhigwa onagoshinini. Zhayiigwa geget biidewaazhinoon, zhigwa biidapaabiwan. “Nooko, awi-zagaswaan,” bii-ikidowan. Mii dash geget eni-zhi-maajaad. Zhayiigwa odebaabandaan iw endaanid, ogii-waabamaan odoozhiman gibishkwaande’igewind. Mii go iw aanawi ezhi-ayinaabinid, gegago mawi. Anishaa go andagendasig gaawiin onji-mawisii ezhi-biindiged. Zhigwa gaa-onabid, aweniban ge-waabamaad.
And then he waited to be asked to where the smoking was being held. Already was the evening coming on. Then he truly heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Presently some one came and peeped inside. “My grandmother, come and smoke,” (the person) came saying. Whereupon truly then away he went. Now, when he was come in sight of where they dwelt, he saw that his nephew was used as a cover over the entry-way. Even yet he could see it, and he almost wept. By reason solely of his power to control his feelings was why he did not cry when entering. Then, after he was seated, there was no one for him to see.
Mii dash bii’od jibisagaswe’ind (then he waited to be asked to the smoking) ∙ Zhigwa onagoshinini (already evening came on) ∙ Zhayiigwa geget biidewaazhinoon (then truly footsteps approached) ∙ zhigwa biidapaabiwan (someone peeped in) ∙ Nooko, awi-zagaswaan, (grandmother, come and smoke) ∙ bii-ikidowan (came saying) ∙ Mii dash geget eni-zhi-maajaad (and so truly away he went) ∙ Zhayiigwa odebaabandaan iw endaanid (when he sighted where they dwelt) ∙ ogii-waabamaan odoozhiman gibishkwaande’igewind (he saw his nephew used as a doorway cover) ∙ Mii go iw aanawi ezhi-ayinaabinid (even yet he could see it) ∙ gegago mawi (he almost wept) ∙ Anishaa go andagendasig gaawiin onji-mawisii ezhi-biindiged (only by self-control he did not cry as he entered) ∙ Zhigwa gaa-onabid, aweniban ge-waabamaad (after he sat, there was no one to see)
(26) Ādcikackikibitäni, mīdạc iwiti ayānit. Cayīgwa nanāntawi∙i∙wäwaᵉ kạnawâbạmāt, pạnä‘ku iwiti ạwasaya∙ī∙. Cayīgwa kayä wīn uwīnạnāntawi∙ā∙n. Kīcā ugī∙u∙ci‘tōn ‘iᵉimāⁿ wā‘pi∙a∙‘pa∙i∙wät, mi‘tigōᵉ ugī∙a∙‘kwākwa‘pināᵉ.
Ajidekashkikibidaani, mii dash iwidi ayaanid. Zhayiigwa nanaandawi’iwewan ganawaabamaad, banego iwidi awasayaii. Zhayiigwa gaye wiin owii-nanaandawi’aan. Giizhaa ogii-ozhiton i’imaa waa-bi-apa’iwed, mitigoon ogii-akwaagwapinaan.**
There was a hanging partition dividing the room, and there beyond was (the wounded). Then, as they began ministering, he kept watch of them, and continuously round to the other side (of the partition they kept passing). Presently he too began ministering to him. In advance had he made ready the way by which he meant to flee, some wood he had heaped in a pile.
Ajidekashkikibidaani (a hanging partition divided it) ∙ mii dash iwidi ayaanid (and there beyond was the one) ∙ Zhayiigwa nanaandawi’iwewan ganawaabamaad (as they doctored he watched them) ∙ banego iwidi awasayaii (continuously to the far side) ∙ Zhayiigwa gaye wiin owii-nanaandawi’aan (then he too began to doctor him) ∙ Giizhaa ogii-ozhiton i’imaa waa-bi-apa’iwed (in advance he had made ready the place by which he would flee — stem flagged) ∙ mitigoon ogii-akwaagwapinaan (wood he had piled up — stem flagged)
(27) Mīdạc cigwa kayä wīn ạnī∙i∙cāt ‘iᵉi’witi awasaya∙i∙, cigwa owâbạmān āsotā‘kwa∙i∙gāsunit. Ā‘pidci wācä‘pīnit sāngāngäsininik ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ubigwa‘k. Wäwänigu udōninān äcicicigwänawāt.
Mii dash zhigwa gaye wiin ani-izhaad iwidi awasayaii, zhigwa owaabamaan aasodaakwa’igaazonid. Aapiji waashepiinid zaangaangezininig iw obigwak. Weweni go odooninaan ezhi-zhiizhiigwenawaad.
And so when presently he too went round to the other side, he then saw him who sat propped with a support at the back. Right in his side was the feather of the arrow barely to be seen. And with a careful grip he held it as he worked it vigorously back and forth.
Mii dash zhigwa gaye wiin ani-izhaad iwidi awasayaii (and so when he too went to the far side) ∙ zhigwa owaabamaan aasodaakwa’igaazonid (he saw him propped with a back-support) ∙ Aapiji waashepiinid zaangaangezininig iw obigwak (right in his side the arrow-feather barely showed) ∙ Weweni go odooninaan (with a careful grip he held it) ∙ ezhi-zhiizhiigwenawaad (as he worked it back and forth)
(28) “Micạnîm Nänabucu! Misa nicit!” i‘kitō.
“Mishanim Nenabozho! Mii sa nizhid!” ikido.
“Confound Nänabushu! Now he is killing me!” he said.
Mishanim Nenabozho (confound Nänabushu) ∙ Mii sa nizhid (now he is killing me) ∙ ikido (he said)
(29) Pạsigwintcisät Nänabucu udạnimamipinān ōtōcimiwayānạn, mādcība∙i∙wät. Unsusāma‘kạmik kāpiyapitcipitwäwätciwaninik igu, änigu‘k pimipa‘tō. Äckamigu ä‘kupiski‘kīt a‘kwa∙ạ∙m. Mī yānawi cigwa päcwäntạnk ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ōmisōnu‘kān, cayīgwa upäcwâbạndạn ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ōmisōnu‘kān. Mī cigwa ä‘kukitcipisut ä‘kwa∙ạ∙ng äcipōsit ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ōmisōmu‘kān.
Bazigwinjised Nenabozho odanimaamibinaan odoozhimiwayanan, maajiiba’iwed. Onzosaamakamig gaa-bi-yaabijibidwewejiwaninig igo, enigok bimibatoo. Eshkamigo ekobishkigiid akwa’am. Mii yaanawi zhigwa beshwendang iw omizoonokaan, zhayiigwa obeshwaabandaan iw omizoonokaan. Mii zhigwa ekokijibizod ekwa’ang ezhi-boozid iw omizoonokaan.
Springing to his feet, Nänabushu seized the skin of his nephew as he went, (and) started in flight. Frightful was the roar of the water that came pursuing after, at top speed he ran. Then by degrees till up to the knee in water was he wading. When truly, now, he thought he was nigh to his raft, then near by did he see his raft. When up to his waist he was wading in water, then he went aboard his raft.
Bazigwinjised Nenabozho (springing up, Nänabushu) ∙ odanimaamibinaan odoozhimiwayanan (seized his nephew’s skin as he fled) ∙ maajiiba’iwed (started running) ∙ Onzosaamakamig gaa-bi-yaabijibidwewejiwaninig igo (frightful the roar of water pursuing) ∙ enigok bimibatoo (at top speed he ran) ∙ Eshkamigo ekobishkigiid akwa’am (by degrees up to the knee he waded) ∙ Mii yaanawi zhigwa beshwendang iw omizoonokaan (when he thought he neared his raft) ∙ zhayiigwa obeshwaabandaan iw omizoonokaan (then he saw his raft near) ∙ Mii zhigwa ekokijibizod ekwa’ang ezhi-boozid iw omizoonokaan (up to his waist wading, he boarded his raft)
(30) Äcini‘kipīnit i∙i∙ᵘ mi‘tigōᵉ, mīsa’ a‘panä kägä‘t unāwändān wâsa anāmīndîm a‘ki ayānik. Ōwâbạmā ayānit pämātagānit ạnōtc awäsīyaᵉ. Mīsa wīpōsiwaᵉ ‘iᵉ∙i∙māⁿ utcīmāning, mīsa’ äcī‘kunīcawāt. “Pä‘kā,” udināᵉ. “Pānimā pīcā‘käg,” udināᵉ. Mīsa cigwa kī∙i∙nändạnk: “Ānīn käcictcigäyān awägwän käbītōt ‘iᵉi’ᵘ a‘ki?” kī∙i∙nändạm. Cigwa ugī‘kạnōnāᵉ ‘iᵉi’ᵘ mạnitōwäⁿca, mīdạc ni‘tạm nigigwạn: “Kāwīnina kītānāsi‘kaⁿsīn ‘iᵉi’ᵘ a‘ki?” udinān.
Ezhi-niikibinid iw mitigoon, mii sa apane geget onawendaan waasa anaamindim aki ayaanik. Owaabamaa ayaanid bemaadagaanid anooj awesiiyan. Mii sa wii-boozigwaa imaa ojiimaning, mii sa ezhi-gonizhawaad. “Bekaa,” odinaag. “Baanimaa biizhaakeg,” odinaag. Mii sa zhigwa gii-inendang: “Aaniin ge-izhichigeyaan awegwen ge-biidood aki?” gii-inendam. Zhigwa ogii-ganoonaag iw manidoowenza, mii dash nitam nigigwan: “Gaawiinina gidaa-naazikanzin iw aki?” odinaan.
When the water overflowed the trees, then at once he truly realized what a long way down in the water the earth was. He saw all kinds of game-folk swimming around. And when they wished to go aboard his raft, he kept them off. “Wait,” he said to them. “Not till after a while do you come,” he said to them. And so he then thought: “How shall I do (to select) what one is to fetch some earth?” he thought. Presently he spoke to the smaller animal-folk, and so the first was the Otter: “Would you not go after some earth?” he said to him.
Ezhi-niikibinid iw mitigoon (when the water overflowed the trees) ∙ mii sa apane geget onawendaan waasa anaamindim aki ayaanik (he realized how far down the earth was) ∙ Owaabamaa ayaanid bemaadagaanid anooj awesiiyan (he saw all kinds of game-folk swimming) ∙ Mii sa wii-boozigwaa imaa ojiimaning (when they wished to board his canoe) ∙ mii sa ezhi-gonizhawaad (he held them off) ∙ Bekaa (wait) ∙ Baanimaa biizhaakeg (come later) ∙ Aaniin ge-izhichigeyaan awegwen ge-biidood aki (how shall I choose who fetches earth) ∙ ogii-ganoonaag iw manidoowenza (he spoke to the lesser animal-folk) ∙ nitam nigigwan (first the otter) ∙ Gaawiinina gidaa-naazikanzin iw aki (would you not go after the earth) ∙ odinaag (he said to him)
(31) Mīsa gägä‘t kā∙i∙cigōgīnit. Ningutingigu awäyāt kī∙u∙ndci∙ā∙pōckạndcisäwạn, kānisābāwänigwän. Kā∙i∙cipạbwätānāt, kā∙i∙cigagwätcimāt: “Ānīn?” ugī∙i∙nān.
Mii sa geget gaa-izhi-googiinid. Ningoding igo aweyaad gii-onji-aaboozhkanjisewan, gaa-nisaabaawenigwen. Gaa-izhi-babwedaanaad, gaa-izhi-gagwejimaad: “Aaniin?” ogii-inaan.**
Thereupon truly down into the water (the Otter) dived. And by and by the one that had gone down came up out of the water dead, he must have drowned. When (Nänabushu) had breathed upon him, then he asked him: “Well?” he said to him.
Mii sa geget gaa-izhi-googiinid (and so truly he dived down) ∙ Ningoding igo (by and by) ∙ aweyaad gii-onji-aaboozhkanjisewan (someone came bursting up out of the water — stem flagged) ∙ gaa-nisaabaawenigwen (he must have drowned — flagged) ∙ Gaa-izhi-babwedaanaad (when he had breathed upon him) ∙ gaa-izhi-gagwejimaad (as he asked him) ∙ Aaniin (well?) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said to him)
¹ Such as wolves, foxes, beavers, badgers, minks, hares, and the like. — Jones’s own footnote, printed at the foot of p.150 (the marker ¹ prints after ‘…he said to him.’, p.151, closing this section). Restored 2026-09-02, English gate (step 5).
(32) “Mīgu ‘iᵉi’ᵘ täbābạmagwābạn īgi’ᵘ mi‘tigōg piwä‘kwāna‘kisiwāt, mīdạc a‘pī kā∙i∙ciwạnäntạmān.”
“Mii go iw debaabamagwaaban igiw mitigoog biwekwaanakiziwaad, mii dash apii gaa-izhi-wanendamaan.”
“Just as I came in sight of the tree-tops, then was when I lost my wits.”
Mii go iw debaabamagwaaban igiw mitigoog (just as I sighted the tree-tops) ∙ biwekwaanakiziwaad (where their tips showed) ∙ mii dash apii gaa-izhi-wanendamaan (then I lost my senses)
(33) “Tạga, kīn, ạmi‘k nāsi‘kạn ‘iᵉi’ᵘ a‘ki.”
“Daga, giin, amik, naazika’an iw aki.”
“Pray, you, O Beaver! go fetch some earth.”
Daga, giin, amik, (pray, you, beaver) ∙ naazika’an iw aki (go after the earth)
(34) Kägä‘t kā∙i∙cigōgīt ‘aᵉa’ᵘ ạmi‘k. Tcigwa’ mīnawā kī∙ā∙bōckạntcisäwạn. Äcipạbwätānāt, “Ānīn?” udinān. “Kāwīnina kạnạgä kībäcwābạndaⁿzīnābạn?”
Geget gaa-izhi-googiid a’aw amik. Zhigwa miinawaa gii-aaboozhkanjisewan. Ezhi-babwedaanaad, “Aaniin?” odinaan. “Gaawiinina ganage gibeshwaabandaanzinaaban?”
Truly then down into the water dived the Beaver. Presently he was another to come up out of the water dead. When (Nänabushu) breathed upon him, “Well?” he said to him. “Did you not approach anywhere at all to it?”
Geget gaa-izhi-googiid a’aw amik (truly the beaver dived down) ∙ Zhigwa miinawaa gii-aaboozhkanjisewan (presently he too came up dead) ∙ Ezhi-babwedaanaad (when he breathed on him) ∙ Aaniin (well?) ∙ Gaawiinina ganage gibeshwaabandaanzinaaban (did you not get near it at all)
(35) “Kägä‘t ābi‘tawā‘tig mi‘tigōg nintāyānābạn, mīdạc kā∙i∙ciwạnäntạmān.”
“Geget aabita-watig mitigoog nindayaanaaban, mii dash gaa-izhi-wanendamaan.”
“Truly, as far as halfway down the trees I was, whereupon I lost my senses.”
Geget aabita-watig mitigoog nindayaanaaban (truly halfway down the trees I was) ∙ mii dash gaa-izhi-wanendamaan (then I lost my senses)
(36) “Abā‘pinisiwāgạn,” udinān.
“Abaabiniziwaagan,” odinaan.
“Too bad,” he said to him.
Abaabiniziwaagan (too bad) ∙ odinaan (he said to him)
(37) “Tạga, kīn, wajack.”
“Daga, giin, wazhashk.”
“Now, you, Muskrat.”
Daga, giin, wazhashk (now, you, muskrat)
(38) Mīdạc kägä‘t äcikōgīt ‘aᵉa’ᵘ wajack. Cīgwa ābōckạntcisäwạn. Äciwutā‘pināt ugīkạckā‘kunitcāntạmini, ä∙i∙tawini‘k uda‘kunạmini ‘iᵉi’ᵘ a‘ki; kayä usitāning, ä∙ī∙tawisit usitāning a‘täni ‘iᵉi’ᵘ a‘ki.
Mii dash geget ezhi-googiid a’aw wazhashk. Zhigwa aaboozhkanjisewan. Ezhi-odaapinaad ogiikashkagonijandamini, eyiitawinik odagonamini iw aki; gaye ozidaaning, eyiitawizid ozidaaning ateni iw aki.
Whereupon truly into the water dived the Muskrat. Presently he came up out of the water dead. As (Nänabushu) took him up, he was holding (the earth) in his clinched paws, in both paws he was holding the earth; also in his feet, in each foot was some earth.
Mii dash geget ezhi-googiid a’aw wazhashk (truly the muskrat dived) ∙ Zhigwa aaboozhkanjisewan (presently he came up dead) ∙ Ezhi-odaapinaad (as he took him up) ∙ ogiikashkagonijandamini (he held it in his clenched paws) ∙ eyiitawinik odagonamini iw aki (in both paws he held the earth) ∙ gaye ozidaaning, eyiitawizid ozidaaning ateni iw aki (also in each foot was some earth)
(39) “Ānīc mīsa ‘iᵉi’ᵘ tcikạckitōyạng tci∙ō∙ci‘tōyạng ‘iᵉi’ᵘ a‘ki,” ugināᵉ. Ānīc mī cigwa kīpōdātạnk ‘iᵉi’ᵘ a‘ki, äckạmigu kīmiˢtcāni, äckạm kī∙a∙ji‘tōt. Ānīc mīgu kā∙i∙cictcigät. Cigwa äjiki‘kändạnk äckạm miˢtcānig, o∙ō∙widạc kī∙i∙‘kitō: “Tạga, mā∙ī∙ngạn, wâbandạn änigu‘kwāgwän,” udinān ma∙ī∙ngạnạn kā∙ạ∙nōnāt.
“Aaniish mii sa iw ji-gashkitooyang ji-ozhitooyang iw aki,” odinaag. Aaniish mii zhigwa gii-boodaadang iw aki, eshkamigo gii-michaani, eshkam gii-izhitood. Aaniish mii go gaa-izhichiged. Zhigwa ezhi-gikendang eshkam michaanig, o’ow idash gii-ikido: “Daga, ma’iingan, waabandan enigokwaagwen,” odinaan ma’iinganan gaa-anoonaad.
“So therefore shall we now be able to create the earth,” he said to them. So it was then that he breathed upon the earth, and by degrees it grew in size, larger he made it. Now, such was what he did. When he knew that it was grown larger, then this he said: “Pray, Wolf, do you see how big this earth is,” he said to the Wolf that he had employed.
Aaniish mii sa iw ji-gashkitooyang ji-ozhitooyang iw aki (so now we can create the earth) ∙ mii zhigwa gii-boodaadang iw aki (then he breathed on the earth) ∙ eshkamigo gii-michaani (by degrees it grew) ∙ eshkam gii-izhitood (larger he made it) ∙ mii go gaa-izhichiged (such was what he did) ∙ Zhigwa ezhi-gikendang eshkam michaanig (when he knew it was bigger) ∙ Daga, ma’iingan, waabandan enigokwaagwen, (pray, wolf, see how big it is) ∙ odinaan ma’iinganan gaa-anoonaad (he said to the wolf he had employed)
(40) Mīdạc kägä‘t kā∙i∙cimādcānit, mīdạc kā∙i∙citạgwicininit.
Mii dash geget gaa-izhi-maajaanid, mii dash gaa-izhi-dagwishininid.
Thereupon truly away went (the Wolf), and then afterwards back home he came.
Mii dash geget gaa-izhi-maajaanid (and so truly he went off) ∙ mii dash gaa-izhi-dagwishininid (and then he arrived back)
(41) “Kāwīnisa tānigu‘kwāsinōn,” kī∙i∙nändạm. “Usām tā∙ạ∙gāsin.” Mīdạc kā∙i∙cictcigät mīnawā nawatc tcimiˢtcānig, mīdạc mīnawā kācī∙i∙nāt: “Tạga, wâbandạn mīnawā änigu‘kwāgwän,” ugī∙i∙nān.
“Gaawiinisa daa-inigokwaasinoon,” gii-inendam. “Onzaam daa-agaasin.” Mii dash gaa-izhichiged miinawaa nawaj ji-michaanig, mii dash miinawaa gaa-izhi-inaad: “Daga, waabandan miinawaa enigokwaagwen,” ogii-inaan.
“(This,) indeed, shall not be the size of the earth,” he thought. “Too small it will be.” And so what he did next was to have it larger, whereat again he spoke to (the Wolf): “Pray, do you see again how big it is,” he said to him.
Gaawiinisa daa-inigokwaasinoon (this shall not be the earth’s size) ∙ gii-inendam (he thought) ∙ Onzaam daa-agaasin (too small it will be) ∙ Mii dash gaa-izhichiged miinawaa nawaj ji-michaanig (so he made it yet larger) ∙ Daga, waabandan miinawaa enigokwaagwen, (pray, see again how big) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said to him)
(42) Mīsa’ kägä‘t kīmādcānit mīnawā. Kuniginīn, äniwä‘k kạbäya∙i∙ inäntiwạn; cigwa tạgwicinōn mīnawā.
Mii sa geget gii-maajaanid miinawaa. Goniginin, eniwek gabeya’ii inendiwan; zhigwa dagwishinon miinawaa.
Thereupon truly off (the Wolf) started again. Lo, somewhat longer was he absent; then back was he come again.
Mii sa geget gii-maajaanid miinawaa (truly off he went again) ∙ Goniginin, eniwek gabeya’ii inendiwan (lo, somewhat longer he was gone) ∙ zhigwa dagwishinon miinawaa (then he came back again)
(43) Mīdạc kā∙i∙nāt: “‘Aᵘ, ạmbä, ạgwā‘tāyu‘k,” ugī∙i∙nāᵉ ạnōtc awäsīyaᵉ. Mīdạc kägä‘t. Mīsa cigwa kī‘pimādci∙ā∙t ‘iᵉi’ᵘ awäsīyaᵉ.
Mii dash gaa-inaad: “Aw, ambe, agwaatayok,” ogii-inaag anooj awesiiyan. Mii dash geget. Mii sa zhigwa gii-bimaaji’aad iw awesiiyan.
Whereupon (Nänabushu) said to them: “Now, come, go you ashore,” he said to all the various game-folk. And so it was true. So, then, now he had saved the lives of the game-folk.
Mii dash gaa-inaad (then he said to them) ∙ Aw, ambe, agwaatayok (now, come, go ashore) ∙ ogii-inaag anooj awesiiyan (he said to all kinds of game-folk) ∙ Mii dash geget (and so it was) ∙ Mii sa zhigwa gii-bimaaji’aad iw awesiiyan (now he had saved the lives of the game-folk)
(44) Cigwa kītạgwicinōn kā∙ạ∙nōnāt. “Äyeᵉ, osām tā∙a∙gāsā,” ugī∙i∙nān. “Ānawi kīnīcugunäntiyạn, kāwīn kätäbisäsinōn kä∙i∙cīnit pitcīnạg wā‘pimātisit,” ugī∙i∙nān. Mīsa mīnawā kā∙i∙ji∙ō∙citōt, “Cigwa tạga,” ugī∙i∙nān; “mīmā tạc i∙i∙ᵘ tänigu‘kwāgwän,” ugī∙i∙nān.
*Zhigwa gii-dagwishinon gaa-anoonaad. “Eye’, osaam daa-agaasaa,” ogii-inaan. “Aanawi gii-niizhogonendiyan, kaawiin ge-debisesinoon ge-izhiinid bijiinag waa-bimaadizid,” ogii-inaan. Mii sa miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood, “Zhigwa daga,” ogii-inaan; “miimaa dash iw de-inigokwaagwen,” ogii-inaan.**
Now, back home came the one he had employed. “Ay, too small it will be,” he said to him. “Though you have been gone two days, yet it will not be (big) enough to contain all that are to live in times to come,” he said to him. And so when he had worked upon it again, “Now, once more,” he said to him: “perhaps it is now big enough,” he said to him.
Zhigwa gii-dagwishinon gaa-anoonaad (now he arrived home, the one he had sent) ∙ “Eye’, osaam daa-agaasaa” (ay, too small it would be) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said to him) ∙ Aanawi gii-niizhogonendiyan (although you have been gone two days) ∙ ge-debisesinoon ge-izhiinid bijiinag waa-bimaadizid (it will not be enough for those yet to live — stem flagged) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said to him) ∙ Mii sa miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood (so he worked it again) ∙ Zhigwa daga (now once more) ∙ miimaa dash iw de-inigokwaagwen (perhaps now it is big enough) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said to him)
(45) Mīsa’ mīnawā kā∙i∙cimādcānit. Mīsa bābī∙ā∙t pīnic ni∙o∙gun. Kānī∙o∙gunạgạtnig, cigwa tạgwicinōn. “Kägätsa pīˢtcā kā∙i∙cāyān.”
Mii sa miinawaa gaa-izhi-maajaanid. Mii sa baabii’aad biinish niiyogon. Gaa-niiyogonagadinig, zhigwa dagwishinon. “Gegetsa biichaa gaa-izhi-aayaan.”
Thereupon again off started (the Wolf). And then he awaited his coming for the space of four days. When the four days were ended, then (the Wolf) arrived. “Truly far have I been.”
Mii sa miinawaa gaa-izhi-maajaanid (so again off he started) ∙ Mii sa baabii’aad biinish niiyogon (he awaited him four days) ∙ Gaa-niiyogonagadinig, zhigwa dagwishinon (when four days ended, he arrived) ∙ Gegetsa biichaa gaa-izhi-aayaan (truly far have I been)
(46) “Kāwīn,” ugī∙i∙nān: “usām ạtcina kidinänt. Kāwīn tātä∙i∙nigu‘kwāsinōn,” ugī∙i∙nān. Mīsa’ mīnawā kā∙i∙ji∙ō∙ci‘tōt; kānī∙u∙gunagạtinink, “Tạgackumā, inābin änigu‘kwāgwän mīnawā,” udinān.
“Gaawiin,” ogii-inaan: “onzaam achina gidinend. Gaawiin daa-de-inigokwaasinoon,” ogii-inaan. Mii sa miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood; gaa-niiyogonagadining, “Dagashkomaa, inaabin enigokwaagwen miinawaa,” odinaan.
“No,” he said to him: “too short a time have you been gone. It will not be large enough,” he said to him. And then he created some more of it; when four days were ended, “Pray, now, do you see again how large it is,” he said to him.
Gaawiin (no) ∙ onzaam achina gidinend (too short a time you were gone) ∙ Gaawiin daa-de-inigokwaasinoon (it will not be big enough) ∙ Mii sa miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood (so he made more of it) ∙ gaa-niiyogonagadining (when four days ended) ∙ Dagashkomaa, inaabin enigokwaagwen miinawaa, (pray, see again how big) ∙ odinaan (he said to him)
(47) Mēdạc kägä‘t kīmādcānit. Cayīgwa mīnawā kīmādcāwạn mīsa’ pābī∙ā∙t mīnawā. Ạ∙ī∙, pīnic kabäya∙ī∙ änäntinint. Cigwa tạgwicin. “Kägätsa pī‘tcā ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kā∙i∙cāyān,” ugī∙i∙nān.
Mii dash geget gii-maajaanid. Zhayiigwa miinawaa gii-maajaawan mii sa baabii’aad miinawaa. Aii, biinish gabeya’ii enendinind. Zhigwa dagwishin. “Gegetsa biichaa iw gaa-izhi-aayaan,” ogii-inaan.
Thereupon truly off started (the Wolf). When again (the Wolf) had gone, then (Nänabushu) waited for his coming again. Oh, for a long while was he gone. Then he came back. “Truly far have I been,” he said to (Nänabushu).
Mii dash geget gii-maajaanid (truly off he started) ∙ Zhayiigwa miinawaa gii-maajaawan mii sa baabii’aad miinawaa (when he went, he awaited him again) ∙ Aii, biinish gabeya’ii enendinind (oh, for a long while he was gone) ∙ Zhigwa dagwishin (then he came back) ∙ Gegetsa biichaa iw gaa-izhi-aayaan (truly far have I been) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said)
(48) Mēdạc, “Äyeᵉ, asām ạtcina kidinänt,” ugī∙i∙nān. “Nawạtcisa käyābi ka∙u∙ci‘tōmin o∙o∙ a‘ki.” Mīdạc mīnawā kā∙i∙ciuji‘tōd, nawatc tcimiˢtcānig kī∙i∙cictcigät.
Mii dash, “Eye’, onzaam achina gidinend,” ogii-inaan. “Nawajisa geyaabi ga-ozhitoomin o’ow aki.” Mii dash miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood, nawaj ji-michaanig gii-izhichiged.
Thereupon, “Ay, too short a while have you been gone,” he said to him. “Larger yet will we make this earth.” Thereupon again he worked upon it, to the end that it might be larger he did his work.
Mii dash, “Eye’, onzaam achina gidinend,” (ay, too short you were gone) ∙ Nawajisa geyaabi ga-ozhitoomin o’ow aki (we will make this earth larger yet) ∙ Mii dash miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood (so he worked it again) ∙ nawaj ji-michaanig gii-izhichiged (he worked it to be larger)
(49) Mīdạc kägä‘t änī∙o∙gunagạtnik mīnawā kā∙i∙cimādcānit. Mīsa’ mīnawā pābī∙ā∙t; pīnic ningukīsis änäntinint. “Mīmāwīn iᵉi’ᵘ ā‘pitäntit,” ugī∙i∙nänimān. Kāwin nạngwana i’ᵘ käyā‘pitäntisinik, ningukīsis kā∙i∙näntinint cigwa tạgwicinōn. “Kägä‘tsa ā‘pitci pī‘tcā kā∙i∙cāyān,” i‘kitōwạn.
*Mii dash geget e-niiyogonagadinig miinawaa gaa-izhi-maajaanid. Mii sa miinawaa baabii’aad; biinish ningo-giizis enendinind. “Miimawin iw aapitendid,” ogii-inenimaan. Gaawiin nangwana iw ge-aapitendizinig, ningo-giizis gaa-inendinind zhigwa dagwishinon. “Gegetsa aapiji biichaa gaa-izhi-aayaan,” ikidowan.**
Thereupon truly, after four days were ended, then again away started (the Wolf). And so again (Nänabushu) waited for his coming; for a moon was (the Wolf) away. “Perhaps now he is gone forever,” was his thought of him. But it was not time for him yet to be gone forever; so when he had been gone for a moon, then back he came. “Truly very far have I been,” said (the Wolf).
Mii dash geget e-niiyogonagadinig miinawaa gaa-izhi-maajaanid (truly after four days off he went again) ∙ Mii sa miinawaa baabii’aad (so again he awaited him) ∙ biinish ningo-giizis enendinind (for a moon he was gone) ∙ Miimawin iw aapitendid (perhaps he is gone for good) ∙ ogii-inenimaan (he thought of him) ∙ Gaawiin nangwana iw ge-aapitendizinig (but it was not yet time for him to be gone forever — stem flagged) ∙ ningo-giizis gaa-inendinind zhigwa dagwishinon (after a moon he came back) ∙ Gegetsa aapiji biichaa gaa-izhi-aayaan (truly very far have I been) ∙ ikidowan (he said)
(50) “Äyeᵉ, kāwīn ‘iᵉi’ᵘ mini‘k kitā∙i∙cinạntāwänimisinōn tci∙i∙näntiyạn,” ugī∙i∙nān. “Na∙ä∙gātạmina tātạci käbimātisit umā
“Eye’, gaawiin iw minik gidaa-izhi-nandawenimisinoon ji-inendiyan,” ogii-inaan. “Naegaadamina* daa-dazhi-gebimaadizid omaa
“Ay, but not for so short a time do I wish you to be absent,” Nänabushu said to him. “Not so very few
Eye’ (ay) ∙ gaawiin iw minik gidaa-izhi-nandawenimisinoon (not for so short a time do I wish you) ∙ ji-inendiyan (to be gone) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said to him) ∙ Naegaadamina daa-dazhi-gebimaadizid omaa (not so very few will live here — stem flagged) [runs onto p156]
(51) a‘kīng,” ugī∙i∙nān. “Pitcīnạg tạbā‘ta∙ī∙no käpimādisit omāⁿ a‘kīng,” ugī∙i∙nān. Mīnawā kā∙i∙ji∙u∙ci‘tōwāt, nawạtc tcimiˢtcānig kījictcigäwāt.
akiing,” ogii-inaan. “Bijiinag daa-baata’ino gebimaadizid omaa akiing,” ogii-inaan. Miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitoowaad, nawaj ji-michaanig gii-izhichigewaad.
will the number be of them who shall live here on earth,” he said to him. “In time many will they be who shall live here on earth,” he said to him. When they had created more of it, it was to the end that it might be larger that they worked.
akiing (on earth) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said) ∙ Bijiinag daa-baata’ino gebimaadizid omaa akiing (in time many will live here on earth) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said to him) ∙ Miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitoowaad (when they made more of it) ∙ nawaj ji-michaanig gii-izhichigewaad (they worked it to be larger)
(52) Mīdạc mīnawā kā∙i∙cimādcānit.
Mii dash miinawaa gaa-izhi-maajaanid.
Thereupon again away went (the Wolf).
Mii dash miinawaa gaa-izhi-maajaanid (and so again away he went)
(53) Mīsa’ pābī∙ā∙t mīnawā, pīnic ningūki‘kinūnawin kī∙i∙näntiwạn. Cigwa ningupibōn kā∙i∙näntinit cigwa tạgwicinōn.
Mii sa baabii’aad miinawaa, biinish ningo-gikinoonowin gii-inendiwan. Zhigwa ningo-biboon gaa-inendinid zhigwa dagwishinon.
And then (Nänabushu) waited for his coming again, as long as a full cycle of seasons was (the Wolf) gone. When for a winter he had been gone, then back he came.
Mii sa baabii’aad miinawaa (so he awaited him again) ∙ biinish ningo-gikinoonowin gii-inendiwan (for a full year he was gone) ∙ Zhigwa ningo-biboon gaa-inendinid zhigwa dagwishinon (after a winter he came back)
(54) “Mīsa iᵘ kägā cigwa kä∙i∙nigu‘kwāg. Kāwīn pō‘tc ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ta∙i∙nigu‘kwāsinōn. Mīnawāsa nawatc ninga∙u∙ci‘tōn.” Mīsa’ mīnawā kā∙i∙ci∙ō∙ci‘tōt, “Ānīc mīnawā inābin,” ugī∙i∙nān.
“Mii sa iw gega zhigwa ge-inigokwaag. Gaawiin booch iw daa-inigokwaasinoon. Miinawaasa nawaj ninga-ozhiton.” Mii sa miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood, “Aaniish miinawaa inaabin,” ogii-inaan.
“Therefore it is now almost as large as it will be. It is not yet so large as it should be. Again will I make it larger.” And when he had made some more of it, “Now again do you look,” he said to him.
Mii sa iw gega zhigwa ge-inigokwaag (it is now almost as big as it will be) ∙ Gaawiin booch iw daa-inigokwaasinoon (it is not yet big enough) ∙ Miinawaasa nawaj ninga-ozhiton (again I will make it larger) ∙ Mii sa miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood (so he made more of it) ∙ Aaniish miinawaa inaabin (now again look) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said to him)
(55) Cigwa minawā kīmādcāwạn.
Zhigwa miinawaa gii-maajaawan.
Then again off started (the Wolf).
Zhigwa miinawaa gii-maajaawan (then again off he started)
(56) Mīsa’ mīnawā pābī∙ā∙t. Cigwa mīnawā ningu‘ki‘kinōnawin kī∙i∙näntiwạn, mīdạc cigwa pīnic nicuki‘kinōnawin änäntinit. Mīsa pāpī∙ā∙t awänibạn kätạgwicininit. Mīdạc kā∙i∙nändạnk: “Awänibạn,” kī∙i∙nändạm. Mīsa’ ānubābī∙ā∙t, mīsa’ äci∙ā∙‘pitäntinit. Kā∙i∙ci∙i∙‘kitut: “Tạga, kīn, kāgāgi, kīwitāsän ạmạntc inigu‘kwāgwän,” ugī∙i∙nān.
Mii sa miinawaa baabii’aad. Zhigwa miinawaa ningo-gikinoonowin gii-inendiwan, mii dash zhigwa biinish niizho-gikinoonowin enendinid. Mii sa baabii’aad aweniban gaa-dagwishininid. Mii dash gaa-inendang: “Aweniban,” gii-inendam. Mii sa anobaabii’ad, mii sa ezhi-aapitendinid. Gaa-izhi-ikidod: “Daga, giin, gaagaagi, giiwitaasen amanj inigokwaagwen,” ogii-inaan.
And so when (Nänabushu) waited again for his coming, then for another cycle of seasons was (the Wolf) absent, and then it came to pass that for two full rounds of seasons was (the Wolf) gone. And then he waited for him, but he was not destined to come back. And this was what he thought: “He is gone,” he thought. And so in vain he waited for him; but (the Wolf) was gone forever, at which he said: “Pray, you, O Raven! do you fly round over (this earth) to find out how large it is,” he said to him.
Mii sa miinawaa baabii’aad (so again he awaited him) ∙ Zhigwa miinawaa ningo-gikinoonowin gii-inendiwan (another year he was gone) ∙ mii dash zhigwa biinish niizho-gikinoonowin enendinid (then for two years he was gone) ∙ Mii sa baabii’aad aweniban gaa-dagwishininid (he waited but he would not return) ∙ “Aweniban,” gii-inendam (‘he is gone,’ he thought) ∙ Mii sa anobaabii’ad (in vain he waited) ∙ mii sa ezhi-aapitendinid (for he was gone for good) ∙ Daga, giin, gaagaagi, giiwitaasen amanj inigokwaagwen, (pray, you, raven, fly around to see how big it is) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said to him)
(57) Mīdạc kägä‘t cigwa kīpạsigwa∙u∙t. Mīsa’ ‘pạnä kāmādcīsänit awänibạn ānubāpī∙ā∙t; wī‘kā ānunạntawābạmät, ninguki‘kinōnawin kā∙i∙näntinit. Cigwa pạgamisäwạn. “Äniwä‘kigu, Nänabucu, miˢtcā wo∙ō∙ a‘ki,” ugī∙i∙gōn.
Mii dash geget zhigwa gii-bazigwa’od. Mii sa apane gaa-maajisenid aweniban anobaabii’ad; wiika anonandawaabamaad, ningo-gikinoonowin gaa-inendinid. Zhigwa bagamisewan. “Eniwekigo, Nenabozho, michaa wo’ow aki,” ogii-igoon.
Thereupon truly then up (the Raven) rose on the wing. And so gone was he when he started flying away, and it was needless of (Nänabushu) to wait for him; for a long while he vainly watched for him, for one full round of seasons had he been gone when he came flying back home. “Rather large, O Nänabushu! is this earth,” he was told.
Mii dash geget zhigwa gii-bazigwa’od (truly then up he rose on the wing) ∙ Mii sa apane gaa-maajisenid (he was gone when he flew off) ∙ aweniban anobaabii’ad (in vain he waited) ∙ wiika anonandawaabamaad (long he watched for him) ∙ ningo-gikinoonowin gaa-inendinid (a full year he was gone) ∙ Zhigwa bagamisewan (then he came flying back) ∙ Eniwekigo, Nenabozho, michaa wo’ow aki, (rather large, Nänabushu, is this earth) ∙ ogii-igoon (he was told)
(58) “Mīsa’ kägā i∙i∙ᵘ tä∙i∙nigu‘kwāg, mānū nawạtc mīnawä tcimiˢtcāg ninga∙i∙cictcigä,” ugī∙i∙nān. Mīdạc kägä‘t mīnamā kā∙i∙ji∙u∙ci‘tōt i∙i∙ᵘ a‘ki. Kānī∙u∙gunạtînik cigwa mīnawā ugạnōnān īni’ᵘ kāgāgiwạn.
“Mii sa gega iw de-inigokwaag, manoo nawaj miinawaa ji-michaag ninga-izhichige,” ogii-inaan. Mii dash geget minamaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood iw aki. Gaa-niiyogonadinig zhigwa miinawaa oganoonaan iniw gaagaagiwan.
“It is now almost big enough, but to the end that it yet may be larger will I make it,” he said to him. Thereupon truly more of the earth did he make. After four days were ended, he then again spoke to the Raven.
Mii sa gega iw de-inigokwaag (it is now almost big enough) ∙ manoo nawaj miinawaa ji-michaag ninga-izhichige (but I will make it yet larger) ∙ ogii-inaan (he said to him) ∙ Mii dash geget minamaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood iw aki (truly he made more of the earth) ∙ Gaa-niiyogonadinig zhigwa miinawaa oganoonaan iniw gaagaagiwan (after four days he again spoke to the raven)
(59) Mīdạc kägä‘t mīnawā cigwa äcipasigwa∙u∙t ‘aᵉa’ᵘ kāgāgi. Mīsa cigwa mīnawā kī‘kīwitāsät i∙i∙ᵘ a‘ki.
Mii dash geget miinawaa zhigwa ezhi-bazigwa’od a’aw gaagaagi. Mii sa zhigwa miinawaa gii-giiwitaased iw aki.
Whereupon truly again up flew the Raven. And then again did he fly roundabout the earth.
Mii dash geget miinawaa zhigwa ezhi-bazigwa’od a’aw gaagaagi (truly again up flew the raven) ∙ Mii sa zhigwa miinawaa gii-giiwitaased iw aki (then again he flew round the earth)
(60) Mīsa’ mīnawā pāpī∙ā∙t Nänabucu. Pīnic nīcuki‘kinōnuwin änäntinit; awänibạni‘ku kätagwicininit, pīnic cigwa kạbäya∙i∙ änäntinit; wī‘kā cigwa tạgwicinōn mīnawā. Mīdạc kā∙i∙nāt: “‘A, mānu nạwatc käyābi tạmiˢtcā.” Mīdạc kägä‘t mīnawā kā∙i∙ji∙ō∙ci‘tōt i∙i∙ᵘ a‘ki nī∙u∙gun, “Ānīc, tạgạckumā, mīnawā awīnābin,” ugī∙i∙nān īni’ᵘ kāgāgiwạn. Cayīgwa mīnawā pābī∙ā∙t, mīsa’ kā∙i∙ci∙ā∙‘pitäntinit. Ānupābī∙ā∙t.
Mii sa miinawaa baabii’aad Nenabozho. Biinish niizho-gikinoonowin enendinid; aweniban igo gaa-dagwishininid, biinish zhigwa gabeya’ii enendinid; wiika zhigwa dagwishinon miinawaa. Mii dash gaa-inaad: “A, manoo nawaj geyaabi daa-michaa.” Mii dash geget miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood iw aki niiyogon, “Aaniish, dagashkomaa, miinawaa awi-inaabin,” ogii-inaan iniw gaagaagiwan. Zhayiigwa miinawaa baabii’aad, mii sa gaa-izhi-aapitendinid. Anobaabii’aad.
Thereupon again for him did Nänabushu wait. For as long as two cycles of the seasons was (the Raven) gone; as time went on, there was no sight of him coming back, continuing so till he had been gone a long while; a long time afterwards he came back again. And this was what he said to him: “Well, let it be still larger.” Thereupon truly, after he had been creating it for four days more, “Well, now, this time, again go you and see,” he said to the Raven. Again he waited for him, but this time he was gone forever. In vain he waited for him.
Mii sa miinawaa baabii’aad Nenabozho (so again Nänabushu waited) ∙ Biinish niizho-gikinoonowin enendinid (for two years he was gone) ∙ aweniban igo gaa-dagwishininid (with no sight of his return) ∙ biinish zhigwa gabeya’ii enendinid (gone a long while) ∙ wiika zhigwa dagwishinon miinawaa (long afterward he came back) ∙ Mii dash gaa-inaad: “A, manoo nawaj geyaabi daa-michaa.” (then he said: well, let it be larger) ∙ Mii dash geget miinawaa gaa-izhi-ozhitood iw aki niiyogon (truly he made the earth four days more) ∙ Aaniish, dagashkomaa, miinawaa awi-inaabin, (well, now, go again and see) ∙ ogii-inaan iniw gaagaagiwan (he said to the raven) ∙ Zhayiigwa miinawaa baabii’aad (again he waited) ∙ mii sa gaa-izhi-aapitendinid (but he was gone forever) ∙ Anobaabii’aad (in vain he waited)
(61) “Mīsa ‘iᵉi’ᵘ intawā kä∙i∙nigu‘kwāg o a‘ki,” ugī∙i∙nāᵉ. Mīdạc, “Mīmāwīn tciwäbā∙a∙ngibạn,” kī∙i∙‘kitō. “Intawā tcigusigunk ninga∙a∙ci‘tōn wī‘kā tcibītcimi‘kāsunu‘k.”¹
“Mii sa iw indawaa ge-inigokwaag o aki,” ogii-inaag. Mii dash, “Miimawin ji-webaa’angiban,” gii-ikido. “Indawaa ji-goozigwang ninga-izhiton wiika ji-bichi-mikaazonok.”
“That then, no doubt, will be the extent of this earth,” he said to the (animal-folk). And now, “(I) fear that this will float away,” he said. “Therefore in order that it may be heavy will I make it so that it shall never be moved.”
Mii sa iw indawaa ge-inigokwaag o aki (that then will be the size of this earth) ∙ ogii-inaag (he said to them) ∙ Miimawin ji-webaa’angiban (I fear this will float away) ∙ gii-ikido (he said) ∙ Indawaa ji-goozigwang ninga-izhiton (so I will make it heavy) ∙ wiika ji-bichi-mikaazonok (so that it shall never be moved)
¹ Unfortunately the ending is incomplete. — Jones’s own footnote, printed at the foot of p.158 (the first of two notes there; the second belongs to No. 19). The marker ¹ prints at the very end of the Ojibwe text (p.158) and again on the English (p.159, ‘…shall never be moved.¹’).