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.
19. NÄNABUSHU AND THE CARIBOU.²
Naanabozhoo gaye a’aw adik
Nanabushu and the Caribou (2)
Narrated by probably Midāsugaⁿj (Michelson’s own hedge, carried) — Series 2 (Nos. 19–32), 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) Nänabucusa pạpimusä; ningutingigu pạpimusät sībīns umạtạbī; ā‘pidcisa mạckusī‘kāni. Inābit ạdi‘kwạn pimimạdāpīwạn; nībiwa äckạnaᵉ udayāwāni.³ Kwaya‘kigu pimiạiyawakusiwäwạn, mīdạc i∙i´∙ᵘ äjipīpāgimāt: “Nîcīmicā, a‘kawä, kīwīwâpạmin!”
*Naanabozhoo sa babimose; ningoding igo babimosed ziibiins omadaabii; aapiji sa mashkosiikaani. Inaabid adikwan bimimadaabiiwan; niibiwa eshkanan odayaawaani. Gwayak igo bimi’ayawagoziwewan, mii dash i’iw ezhi-biibaagimaad: “Nishiimishe, akawe, gii-wiiwaabamin!”**
Now, Nänabushu was travelling about; now, once while travelling about, he came out upon a brook; an exceedingly broad meadow was there. While looking around, (he saw) a caribou moving out upon the meadow; many the prongs he had on his antlers.³ And straight across the meadow was he moving, whereupon (Nänabushu) called to him with a loud voice: “O my younger brother! wait, I want to see you!”
Naanabozhoo sa (now, Nänabushu) ∙ babimose (was walking about); ningoding igo babimosed (once while walking about) ∙ ziibiins omadaabii (he came out upon a brook); aapiji sa mashkosiikaani (an exceedingly broad meadow it was). Inaabid (as he looked) ∙ adikwan bimimadaabiiwan (a caribou moving out into the open); niibiwa eshkanan odayaawaani (many prongs he had — many horns he had). Gwayak igo (and straight) ∙ bimi’ayawagoziwewan* (it was moving across the meadow), mii dash i’iw ezhi-biibaagimaad (whereupon he called to him): “Nishiimishe (my little younger brother), ∙ akawe (wait), ∙ gii-wiiwaabamin (I want to look at you)!”
(1) Nîbiwa äckạnaᵉ udayāwäni, “many the prongs he had on his antlers;” literally, “many the horns he had.”
(1) Nîbiwa äckạnaᵉ udayāwäni, “many the prongs he had on his antlers;” literally, “many the horns he had.”
(2) Kägä‘t kibi‘tcikāpawiwạn.
Geget gibitchikaabawiwan.
Truly he stopped (and) stood.
Geget (truly) ∙ gibitchikaabawiwan (he stopped and stood still).
(3) Änīcināsi‘kawāt; payäcwâbạmāt ōgạnōnān: “Kägä‘t mạtcīna‘kạmigạt wändusäyān, ōdänāng nimpi∙ū∙ndcī. Awasināgō kinisitiwạg ininiwibạnīg, mīgū ∙i∙ᵘ tābita kīnisitiwāt. Kägä‘t sạnạgạt. Nīnạnạginiwänābạn, mīdạcigu iᵘ piminicimoyān. O∙o∙wisagu tōtạmōbạnīg.” Odōtā‘pināni Nänabucōwạn īni´ᵘ umi‘tigwābīni; äcī‘kwa‘täwānit; kā∙ī∙‘kwa‘täwānit ubi‘kwa‘kuni, cigwasa unạnīmā‘kwīnu‘tāgōn. Cigwadạc kīgitōwạn: “Mīsa o nāsāb ändōdamowā‘pạn.”
Eni-zhi-naazikawaad; bayeshwaabamaad oganoonaan: “Geget maji-inakamigad wendozeyaan, oodenaang nimbi-onjii. Awazinaagoo* ginisidiwag ininiwibaniig, mii go i’iw daabita ginisidiwaad. Geget zanagad. Ninanaaginiwenebaan*, mii dash igo iw bimini-zhimoyaan. O’ow sa go doodamoobaniig.” Odoodaapinaani Naanabozhoowan iniw omitigwaabiini; ezhi-gwatewaanid; gaa-iikwatewaanid obikwakoni, zhigwa sa onaniimaakwiinotaagoon. Zhigwa dash giigidoowan: “Mii sa o naasaab endoodamowaaban.”**
Then (Nänabushu) walked over to where he was; when he was in close view of him, he addressed him, saying: “Truly a wicked time is going on at the place from whence I come, from a town is where I come. Day before yesterday were the men killing one another, actually on both sides were they killing one another. It is truly desperate. I tried to stop the fight, and then I fled away. Thus were they doing at the time.” Nänabushu reached for his bow; then he strung it; after he had strung it, he then aimed (to shoot). And then he spoke, saying: “This was what they did at the time.”
Eni-zhi-naazikawaad (then he walked over to him); bayeshwaabamaad (when he was close in view of him) ∙ oganoonaan (he spoke to him): “Geget maji-inakamigad* wendozeyaan (truly a wicked time is going on at the place from whence I come — stems flagged), oodenaang nimbi-onjii* (from a town is where I come — flagged). Awazinaagoo* (day before yesterday — flagged) ∙ ginisidiwag ininiwibaniig (the men were killing one another), mii go i’iw daabita ginisidiwaad (so it was, on both sides they were killing one another). Geget zanagad (truly it is hard / desperate). Ninanaaginiwenebaan* (I tried to stop them — flagged, reduplication), mii dash igo iw bimini-zhimoyaan (and so I fled away). O’ow sa go doodamoobaniig (this is what they were doing).” Odoodaapinaani iniw omitigwaabiini (he took his — Nänabushu’s — bow); ezhi-gwatewaanid (he aimed at him); gaa-iikwatewaanid obikwakoni (when he had aimed the arrow), zhigwa sa onaniimaakwiinotaagoon (now he drew the bow on him). Zhigwa dash giigidoowan (and now (Nänabushu) spoke): “Mii sa o naasaab endoodamowaaban (this is the same as what they did before).”
(4) Tä‘tiwä, äcipimugut, wäntcitạgu wācä‘pīt u‘tinināgōn. Ānīcnā pīwābi‘k sāgāpi‘kisini i∙i∙mā ubi‘kwa‘kuning. Ānukwāskuni a∙a∙wisa ạdi‘k wändcitạgu ā‘kōnāmut; mīsạgu iᵘ kīnibut.
Detiwe, ezhi-bimogod, wenjida go waazhebiid odininaagoon. Aaniish naa biwaabik zaagaabikizini i’imaa obikwakoning. Aano-gwaaskoni a’aw sa adik wenjida go aakoonaamod*; mii sa go iw ginibod.**
Poor creature! when he was shot by (Nänabushu), right in the side behind the shoulder was he shot. According to the story, a metal was sticking out of the arrow. In vain did the caribou try to leap away, even till he could breathe no more; and then he died.
Detiwe (poor creature!), ezhi-bimogod (when he was shot), wenjida go waazhebiid* (right in the side behind the shoulder) ∙ odininaagoon* (he was shot). Aaniish naa (according to the story) ∙ biwaabik zaagaabikizini (a metal was sticking out) ∙ i’imaa obikwakoning (there in the arrow). Aano-gwaaskoni a’aw sa adik (in vain the caribou leaped) ∙ wenjida go aakoonaamod* (until he could breathe no more); mii sa go iw ginibod (and so then he died).
(5) Tayā, Nänabucu gägä‘t minwäntạm wäntcitạgu wīninōwạn īni´ᵘ udadi‘kumạn. Āᵉ, mīsạgu cigwa mādcī‘kawāt wīninu∙ā∙t. A‘kawä, udạgwāwānā‘k udōci‘tōn; kākīci‘tōd mīdạc imā ạni∙ạ∙gōtōd ‘iᵉi´ᵘ uwīninōn. Pạbā‘pic kākīcī‘kawāt ā‘pidcisa pa‘kạdä. “Pāmāgu wawäni gīcī‘tāyān ningawīsin,” inạndạm. Wīyāsi dạc mīnawā ābi‘ta pimidä udcībā‘kwādān. Cigwasa kā‘kīcitänik, “Mīsa cigwa tcimādạntcigäyān,” inändạm. Wīgwās unạntawâbạndān mīdạc imā äcāgwā∙ạ∙nk. Kāyạgwā∙ạ∙nk Nänabucu kīgito: “Ä‘tawā, ningakīwīyạgạntān. A‘pägicsa i‘kwätug wītō‘pạmạg ā‘pidcigu tatā‘kwutcīngwạnät.” Tä, cigwa upa‘kwäcān ‘iᵉi´ᵘ wīnin. “Kägä‘tsa ningawī∙ạ∙ngạtān.” Pāmāgu pi‘kwạnāng i∙i∙mā tcīgā‘kwāwinini, “Kāntc, kāntc,” inwäwạn mi‘tigōn.
Daayaa, Naanabozhoo geget minwendam wenjida go wininoowan iniw odadikoman. Aa’, mii sa go zhigwa maajii-kawaad winino’aad. Akawe, odagwaawaanaak* odoozhitoon; gaa-giizhitood mii dash imaa ani-agotood i’iw owininoon. Babaapish gaa-giizhii-kawaad aapiji sa bakade. “Baamaa go waweni* giizhitaayaan ninga-wiisin,” inendam. Wiiyaas idash miinawaa aabita bimide ojiibaakwaadaan. Zhigwa sa gaa-giizhitenig, “Mii sa zhigwa ji-maadanjigeyaan,” inendam. Wiigwaas onandawaabandaan mii dash imaa ezhi-aagwaaang*. Gaa-yagwaa’ank Naanabozhoo giigido: “Etawaa, ninga-giiwiiyagandaan. Apegizh sa ikwetog wii-doopamag aapiji go da-daakwojiingwaned*.” Te*, zhigwa obakweshan i’iw winin. “Geget sa ninga-wii’aangadaan.” Baamaa go bikwanaang i’imaa jiigaakwaawinini*, “Kāntc, kāntc,” inwewan mitigoon.**
Oh, now truly pleased was Nänabushu that so unusually fat his caribou should be. Ah! and then was when he began work upon it, cutting up its meat. First, he made a roasting-rack; when he had finished it, he thereupon hung up his fat. By the time he had finished his work on (the caribou), very hungry was he. “Not till I have put (things) in good order will I eat,” he thought. So some meat partly fat he cooked. And when it was done cooking, “It is now time that I eat,” he thought. For (some) birch-bark he sought, upon which he spread out (what he had cooked). After Nänabushu had dipped it out of (the kettle), he said: “Ah! but I shall spoil it by eating it (alone). Would that I might eat with a woman who was short from groin to knee!” However, presently he sliced off a piece of the fat. “Verily, I shall spoil it by eating it (alone).” Then of a sudden at his back from yonder edge of the woods, “Kāntc, kāntc,” came the sound of a tree.
Daayaa (oh!), Naanabozhoo geget minwendam (Nänabushu was truly glad) ∙ wenjida go wininoowan (that so very fat it was) ∙ iniw odadikoman (that caribou of his). Aa’, mii sa go zhigwa maajii-kawaad* (so then he began work on it) ∙ winino’aad* (cutting up the meat). Akawe (first), odagwaawaanaak* odoozhitoon (he made a roasting-rack); gaa-giizhitood (when he had finished it) ∙ mii dash imaa ani-agotood i’iw owininoon (then he hung up his fat there). Babaapish gaa-giizhii-kawaad (by the time he had worked on it) ∙ aapiji sa bakade (he was very hungry). “Baamaa go waweni* giizhitaayaan (not until I have put things in order) ∙ ninga-wiisin (will I eat),” inendam (he thought). Wiiyaas idash miinawaa aabita bimide (and some meat half fat) ∙ ojiibaakwaadaan (he cooked). Zhigwa sa gaa-giizhitenig (and when it was cooked), “Mii sa zhigwa ji-maadanjigeyaan (now it is time I begin eating),” inendam. Wiigwaas onandawaabandaan (birch-bark he sought) ∙ mii dash imaa ezhi-aagwaaang* (and there he dipped it out). Gaa-yagwaa’ank Naanabozhoo giigido (when Nänabushu had dipped it out, he said): “Etawaa (too bad), ninga-giiwiiyagandaan (I shall spoil it eating alone). Apegizh sa ikwetog wii-doopamag (would that I might eat with a woman) ∙ aapiji go da-daakwojiingwaned* (one short from groin to knee).” Te*, zhigwa obakweshan i’iw winin (presently he sliced off a piece of the fat). “Geget sa ninga-wii’aangadaan (truly I shall spoil it eating alone).” Baamaa go bikwanaang (then of a sudden at his back) ∙ i’imaa jiigaakwaawinini* (there at yonder edge of the woods — stem flagged), “Kāntc, kāntc,” (vocable — carried as printed, never converted) ∙ inwewan mitigoon (was the sound a tree made).
(6) Mīsa´ upạgitinān Nänabucu wāca‘kamu‘pạn. “Kägä‘tsa ningīkagwānisạgīnawämigun.” Wäwīp äcipa‘kwäcạnk ‘iᵉi´ᵘ wâmīdci‘pạn ūmawinạnān īni´ᵘ mi‘tigōn. Äji∙a∙‘kwāndawät; mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kākacki∙u∙t, mīdạc imā äjida‘tōt ‘iᵉi´ᵘ wâmīdci‘pạn. Mīsa ‘iᵉi´ᵘ äjita‘kwạmigut īni´ᵘ mi‘tigōn; payä‘ta∙u∙cigo pīdänimạtini. Ānīc mīsa ‘iᵉi´ᵘ ayạgōsit. Ānīc ānawi udānuwī‘kwutci‘tōn kāwīn ugacki‘tōsīn ‘iᵉi´ᵘ unintc. Ningutingigu ayạgōsit inābit kā‘pi∙u∙ndusät, owâbạmān ma∙ī∙ngạnạn pīmạtāpiskusiwänit; mīnawā päcik, käyābi päjik kwaya‘kigu pimi∙a∙yawackusiwäwaᵉ. Kwätcigu pämi‘ku‘pīnit äjipīpāgimāt: “Niˢ‘tcīnistcā!” udināᵉ.
Mii sa obagidinaan Naanabozhoo waazhakamoban. “Geget sa ningii-gagwaanizagiinawemigon.” Wewiib ezhi-bakweshank i’iw waa-miijiban* omawinanaan iniw mitigoon. Ezhi-akwaandawed; mii dash i’iw gaa-gashkitood, mii dash imaa ezhi-datood i’iw waa-miijiban*; mii sa i’iw ezhi-dakwamigod iniw mitigoon; bayeta-o-zhi go biidenimaadini. Aaniish mii sa i’iw ayagoozid. Aaniish aanawi odaanawi-gwajitoon* gaawiin ogashkitoosiin i’iw oninj. Ningoding igo ayagoozid inaabid gaa-bi-ondozed, owaabamaan ma’iinganan bimadaabiskoziwenid; miinawaa bezhig, geyaabi bezhig gwayak igo bimi’ayawashkoziwewan. Gwech igo bemi-go-biinid ezhi-biibaagimaad: “Niitchiinishe!” odinaan.**
Thereupon down Nänabushu laid what he was going to put into his mouth. “Truly am I terribly angered by that.” When he had quickly sliced off (a piece of) what he was going to eat, he rushed to the tree. Then up he climbed; and when he got up, he then placed there what he was going to eat. Thereupon he was caught fast by the tree; for just at the moment (a gust of) wind came. And so now up there he hung. To be sure, he tried in vain to get his finger out, but he could not succeed. Then by and by, while hanging up there and looking towards the place from whence he had come afoot, he saw a Wolf coming out into the meadow; (he saw) another, still another, coming out into the meadow. Just as they were about entering the cover of the woods, then he called aloud to them: “My younger brothers!” he said to them.
Mii sa obagidinaan (and so he let it go) ∙ Naanabozhoo waazhakamoban* (Nänabushu, what he had been chewing). “Geget sa ningii-gagwaanizagiinawemigon* (truly I almost gnawed it off).” Wewiib ezhi-bakweshank i’iw (quickly when he had bitten it off) ∙ waa-miijiban* omawinanaan iniw mitigoon (what he was going to eat, he rushed to the tree) ∙ Ezhi-akwaandawed (then up he climbed); mii dash i’iw gaa-gashkitood (and when he got up) ∙ mii dash imaa ezhi-datood i’iw waa-miijiban* (he placed there what he was going to eat). mii sa i’iw ezhi-dakwamigod iniw mitigoon (then his hand was caught by the wood); bayeta-o-zhi go biidenimaadini (only toward himself could he draw it). Aaniish mii sa i’iw ayagoozid (so there he hung). Aaniish aanawi odaanawi-gwajitoon* (he tried hard in vain) ∙ gaawiin ogashkitoosiin i’iw oninj (he could not free his hand). Ningoding igo ayagoozid (once while hanging there) ∙ inaabid gaa-bi-ondozed (looking toward where he had come from), owaabamaan ma’iinganan bimadaabiskoziwenid (he saw wolves coming over the rise); miinawaa bezhig (another), geyaabi bezhig (and still another) ∙ gwayak igo bimi’ayawashkoziwewan (came straight out into the meadow). Gwech igo bemi-go-biinid (as soon as they were coming near) ∙ ezhi-biibaagimaad (he called to them): “Niitchiinishe (my little younger brother)!” odinaan (he said to them).
(7) Kibi‘tcikāpawiwaᵉ. Ānīc ‘a‘a´widac a‘kiwäⁿzīma∙ī∙ngạn ogạnōnā ‘iᵉi´ᵘ unīdcānisaᵉ: “Mīsa´ aᵘ Nänabucu kāgạnōninạnk. Kägō ugīni‘tōnātug i∙i∙mā kībāskinawät. Kägōdạc iciwäbisitug ‘iᵉi´mā kī∙ạ∙gōsit. ‘A‘āᵘ, mādcādā´, ijātā´ ‘iᵉi´mā kībāskinawät.”
Gibitchikaabawiwan. Aaniish a’awidash akiwenziima’iingan oganoonaan i’iw onijaanisan: “Mii sa a’aw Naanabozhoo gaaganooninang. Gegoo ogii-nitoonaadog i’imaa gii-baaskinawed. Gegoo idash izhiwebizidog i’imaa gii-agoozid. A’aaw, maajaadaa, izhaadaa i’imaa gii-baaskinawed.”**
They stopped (and) stood. Now, the old Wolf addressed his children, saying: “That is Nänabushu who is speaking to us. Something probably he has killed at yonder place where his smoke is lifting. And something must have happened to him, that he should be hanging there. Well, let us go, let us go thither where he has a smoke going!”
Gibitchikaabawiwan (they stopped and stood). Aaniish a’awidash akiwenziima’iingan (now that old Wolf) ∙ oganoonaan i’iw onijaanisan (addressed his children): “Mii sa a’aw Naanabozhoo gaaganooninang (that is Nänabushu who speaks to us). Gegoo ogii-nitoonaadog (something he must have killed) ∙ i’imaa gii-baaskinawed* (there where his smoke rises). Gegoo idash izhiwebizidog (and something must have happened to him) ∙ i’imaa gii-agoozid (that he is hanging there). A’aaw, maajaadaa (well, let us go), izhaadaa i’imaa (let us go there) ∙ gii-baaskinawed* (where he has a smoke going).”
(8) Nänabucu kạnawâbạmāt pimādcība∙i∙tinit.
Naanabozhoo ganawaabamaad bimaajiiba’idinid.
Nänabushu then watched them as they began racing hitherward.
Naanabozhoo ganawaabamaad (Nänabushu watched them) ∙ bimaajiiba’idinid (as they began racing along toward him).
(9) Ānīn kä∙i∙cinạmowāt ma∙ī∙ngạnạg pạnägu ạdi‘kwạn nạnawicigāsunit. Ānīc kä∙i∙nābạmāwāt,¹ mīsạgu cigwa mātạmāwāt. Kāwīn kanạgä nōmạg kītạcitāsīwạg ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kī‘kitạmwāwāt. Ā‘pidcigu wäwīp cigwa ạnimādcāwạg.
Aaniin ge-izhinamowaad ma’iinganag apane go adikwan nanawizhigaazonid. Aaniish ge-inaabamaawaad, mii sa go zhigwa maadamaawaad. Gaawiin ganage noomag giidazhitaasiwag i’iw gii-gidamwaawaad. Aapiji go wewiib zhigwa ani-maajaawag.**
What should the Wolves have appear but a vast store of caribou already prepared. Now, they had nothing to gain by simply looking upon it,¹ so thereupon they set to work eating it. Not a whit were they a long (time) occupied before they had it all eaten up. And very soon were they started on their way.
Aaniin ge-izhinamowaad ma’iinganag (what did the wolves see) ∙ apane go adikwan nanawizhigaazonid (nothing but caribou all prepared). Aaniish ge-inaabamaawaad* (now from just looking at it) ∙ mii sa go zhigwa maadamaawaad* (so they set to eating it). Gaawiin ganage noomag giidazhitaasiwag (not for any long while were they busy) ∙ i’iw gii-gidamwaawaad (before they had eaten it all). Aapiji go wewiib zhigwa ani-maajaawag (and very quickly then they set off).
(1) Änīc kā·i·nābạmäwāt, “they had nothing to gain by simply looking upon it” (literally, “why should they look upon it,” but the sense is in the other rendering).
(10) Nänabucu ugạnōnāᵉ: “Niˢtcīmiˢtcā, kägu´ tā‘taganāpi‘kägun!”
Naanabozhoo oganoonaan: “Niitchiimishe, gego da-daganaabikegon!”
Nänabushu addressed them, saying: “My little brothers, don’t you look up!”
Naanabozhoo oganoonaan (Nänabushu addressed them): “Niitchiimishe (my little brothers), gego da-daganaabikegon (don’t you look up)!”
(11) Ma∙ī∙ngạnạg äcitā‘tạganābiwāt, ä‘tiwä, ānīn äcinạmowāt pạnägu wīnin ạgōtäni. Wäntcitạgu kāmạma‘kantiwād mīdciwād. Kāwīn kanạgä nōmạg kītạci‘tāsīwạg kī‘kitāmowāt. Ạnimādcība∙i∙tiwaᵉ; kāpickunāgusinit, nạbāwic kibi‘tānimạtini. Kutciwī‘kwutci∙u∙ äjikacki‘tō‘t ‘iᵉi´ᵘ anintc. Äjinīsāntawät, ä‘tawā Nänabucu kägä‘t kō‘padäntạm. Äjiki‘tcimawit, ānīc ā‘pidci wīwīsini. Indawā ‘iᵉiwä miskwīwa‘kạmigānik mīi´ᵘ itinunk mwācạgạntcigät. Ā‘pidcigu wasi‘tāwī. “Ạmbägicsa´ kacki‘tōyān ‘ī´∙i∙ᵘ tciginäbigōnsiwiyān.” Änigu‘k uwī‘kwạtcitōn ‘ī∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ wī‘kinäbi‘kōnsiwit. Kägä‘t ugạcki‘tōn ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ kinäbi‘kōnsiwit, mīsadạc iᵘ pitcīnạg minwīt ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ wīsinit. Äniwä‘k ạnitätäwīsini. Mīdạc iᵘ ustigwān äniwä‘k ‘iᵉi´ᵘ pạsigạnạgạtinik äniwä‘k udōntcimi‘kān ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ pimitä. Mägwāgu ‘i∙ᵉi´∙witi wīsinit pạsigạnạgạtinig, ä‘tiwä, äcinōntä∙ạ∙nicinābäwit. Wäntạgu imā ukā‘tigwāng mī∙i∙mā äji∙ā∙ta∙ō∙sut.
Ma’iinganag ezhi-da-daganaabiwaad, etiwe, aaniin ezhinamowaad apane go winin agotenid. Wenjida go gaa-mamakaadendiwaad miijiwaad. Gaawiin ganage noomag giidazhitaasiwag gii-gidamoowaad. Ani-maajiiba’idiwag; gaa-bishgonaagozinid nabaawizh gibitaanimadini. Goji-wiikwoji’o* ezhi-gashkitood i’iw oninj*. Ezhi-niisandawed, etawaa Naanabozhoo geget goopadendam. Ezhi-gichi-mawid, aaniish aapiji wii-wiisini. Indawaa i’iwe miskwiwakamigaanig* mii iw idinong mwaazhaganjiged*. Aapiji go wasitaawi. “Ambegizh sa gashkitooyaan i’iw ji-ginebigoonsiwiyaan.” Enigok owiikwajitoon i’iw wii-ginebigoonsiwid. Geget ogashkitoon i’iw ginebigoonsiwid, mii sa dash iw bijiinag minwiid i’iw wiisinid. Eniwek ani-detewiisini. Mii dash iw oshtigwaan eniwek i’iw bazigaanagatinig eniwek odoonjimikaan* i’iw bimide. Megwaa go i’iw widi wiisinid bazigaanagatinig, etiwe, ezhi-noonde’aa-anishinaabewid. Wendago imaa ogaatigwaang* mii imaa ezhi-da-oozod.**
As the Wolves looked up, why, what were they to behold but a great heap of fat hanging aloft. What they simply did was to grab it from one another when they ate. Not at all long were they at it before they had it eaten up. Then off they started racing together; when they were out of sight, unfortunately not till then did the wind go down. He tried getting his fingers loose till he succeeded. When down he climbed, poor Nänabushu truly felt disappointed. Then he had a great cry, for he was very anxious to eat. Now, there was blood on the ground, and such was the place where he ate. Very awkward was it (for him to get to it). “Would, indeed, that I might become a little serpent!” With all his power he tried to become a little snake. Truly successful was he in changing to a little snake, and then he was in an easy position to eat. Pretty well contented was he as he continued eating. And now the head¹ had in it somewhat of a groove, where he discovered some fat. And while he was eating there in the groove, why, he turned into a person before he expected. Exactly over his forehead was where he was held fast.
Ma’iinganag ezhi-da-daganaabiwaad (when the wolves looked up), etiwe (alas / why), aaniin ezhinamowaad (what did they behold) ∙ apane go winin agotenid (nothing but fat hanging). Wenjida go gaa-mamakaadendiwaad miijiwaad (what amazed them was what they ate). Gaawiin ganage noomag giidazhitaasiwag (not long were they busy) ∙ gii-gidamoowaad (eating it up). Ani-maajiiba’idiwag (then off they started racing together) ∙ gaa-bishgonaagozinid nabaawizh* gibitaanimadini* (when they were out of sight, unfortunately not till then did the wind go down — stems flagged). Goji-wiikwoji’o* ezhi-gashkitood i’iw oninj* (he tried getting his fingers loose till he succeeded — flagged). Ezhi-niisandawed (when he climbed down), etawaa Naanabozhoo geget goopadendam (Nänabushu felt truly let down). Ezhi-gichi-mawid (as he cried hard), aaniish aapiji wii-wiisini (he was very hungry). Indawaa i’iwe miskwiwakamigaanig* (so there where the ground was bloody) ∙ mii iw idinong mwaazhaganjiged* (that is where he scraped with his fingers). Aapiji go wasitaawi (very poorly he managed). “Ambegizh sa gashkitooyaan (oh that I might be able) ∙ i’iw ji-ginebigoonsiwiyaan (to become a little snake).” Enigok owiikwajitoon (with all his might he tried) ∙ i’iw wii-ginebigoonsiwid (to become a little snake). Geget ogashkitoon (truly he managed it) ∙ i’iw ginebigoonsiwid (becoming a little snake), mii sa dash iw bijiinag minwiid i’iw wiisinid (and only then was he content in eating). Eniwek ani-detewiisini (as a small one he got filled). Mii dash iw oshtigwaan (and so the head) ∙ eniwek i’iw bazigaanagatinig (being somewhat hollow within) ∙ eniwek odoonjimikaan* i’iw bimide (there he got some of the fat). Megwaa go i’iw widi wiisinid bazigaanagatinig (while he was eating there in the hollow), etiwe, ezhi-noonde’aa-anishinaabewid (alas, he began turning back to human form). Wendago imaa ogaatigwaang* (right there at his crown) ∙ mii imaa ezhi-da-oozod (that is where he was caught).
(1) The head of the caribou.
(12) Ä‘tā, Nänabucu kāwīn wâbạndạⁿzīn ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kä∙i∙jāt. Wägunänīwinän ki‘tci∙ä∙nigu‘k äjimādcāt. Papimiba‘tōd ā‘pidcisa kusigwạnini ‘iᵉi´ᵘ ustigwān; cigwasa pạpimiba‘tōd äjibitā‘kucing, “Tcwäⁿ, tcwäⁿ,” kā∙ī∙nwäwäkami‘kicing. Nänabucu äjikīgitut: “Kidawänänā‘tigu?” Cigwa ugạnōnigōn: “Nīnisa‘ku ucä‘kạmigānk kānānībiwi∙ā∙n.”
Etaa, Naanabozhoo gaawiin owaabandanziin i’iw ge-izhaad. Wegonen iwinen gichi-enigok ezhi-maajaad. Babimibatood aapiji sa goozigwanini i’iw oshtigwaan; zhigwa sa babimibatood ezhi-bidaakoshing, “Dewen, dewen,” gaa-inwewekamikishing. Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod: “Gidawenenaadig?” Zhigwa oganoonigoon: “Niin sa go oshekamigaang gaa-naaniibiwi’aan.”**
Why, Nänabushu did not see where to go. It so happened that with great speed he started. As he ran along, exceedingly heavy was the head; when running along, he bumped against a tree. “Tcwäⁿ, tcwäⁿ,” was the sound he made when he fell. Nänabushu then said: “And what kind of a tree are you?” Then was he answered: “Always on the ridge do I stand.”
Etaa (alas), Naanabozhoo gaawiin owaabandanziin i’iw ge-izhaad (Nänabushu could not see where he was going). Wegonen iwinen gichi-enigok ezhi-maajaad (somehow with great force off he went). Babimibatood (as he ran along) ∙ aapiji sa goozigwanini i’iw oshtigwaan (very heavy was the head); zhigwa sa babimibatood (and as he was running) ∙ ezhi-bidaakoshing (he bumped up against something), “Dewen, dewen,” (vocable — the sound of the knock; carried as printed) ∙ gaa-inwewekamikishing (the sound it made landing). Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod (Nänabushu spoke): “Gidawenenaadig? (Who are you?)” Zhigwa oganoonigoon (then it spoke to him): “Niin sa go oshekamigaang* gaa-naaniibiwi’aan* (always on the ridge / high ground do I stand).”
(13) “Ōᵘ, kīwīgwāsiᵘ.”
“Oo, giwiigwaasiw.”
“Oh, then you are a birch!”
“Oo (oh), giwiigwaasiw (you are a birch).”
(14) “Kägä‘t, Nänabucu, nīwīgwasiᵘ.”
“Geget, Naanabozhoo, niiwiigwaasiw.”
“To be sure, Nänabushu, I am a birch.”
“Geget (to be sure), Naanabozhoo, niiwiigwaasiw (I am a birch).”
(15) Mīnawa mādcā änigu‘k. Ningutingigu pi‘tā‘kucin minawā Nänabucu, mīsa käyābi äniwäwä‘kạmikicing. Nänabucu äjikīgitut: “Kituwänänā‘tigu?”
Miinawa maajaa enigok. Ningoding igo bidaakoshin minawaa Naanabozhoo, mii sa geyaabi eniwewekamikishing. Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod: “Gidawenenaadig?”
He continued speeding on. And one other time against a tree Nänabushu bumped, whereupon he made the same noise as he fell. Nänabushu then said: “What kind of a tree are you?”
Miinawa maajaa enigok (again he set off with force). Ningoding igo bidaakoshin minawaa Naanabozhoo (once again Nänabushu bumped into something), mii sa geyaabi eniwewekamikishing (and again it sounded as he landed). Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod (Nänabushu spoke): “Gidawenenaadig? (Who are you?)”
(16) “Äyeᵉ, nīni‘ku ạnipätinānk kānānībawiyān.”
“Eye’, niin go anibedinaang gaa-naaniibawiyaan.”
“Yea, ever on the hillside do I stand.”
“Eye’ (yea), niin go anibedinaang (I on the slope of the hill) ∙ gaa-naaniibawiyaan (always do I stand).”
(17) “Ōᵘ, kīcingwā‘kuᵘ ingwạna.” Mīsa´, äjimādcība‘tōt intiku ạnibä‘kạmigā, inäntạm Nänabucu. Ningutingigu mīnawā äjipitā‘kucink. “Awänän kīn ayāwiyạn?”² i‘kito. “Nīnsa‘ku ä‘kwa‘kạmigā‘k kānānībawiyān.” “Ōᵘ, kigīci‘ki´ᵘ.” “Nänabucu, kägä‘t ningīci‘kiᵘ.” Änigu‘k äjimādcāt Nänabucu. Nīcingigu kā‘pạngicing, pạnägu kāsāswänik īni´ᵘ u‘tawạgạn. Mīsa cigwa mādcīy∙ātạgāt. Kāwīn ugi‘kändạⁿzīn ā‘pī‘tcānig ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ sāga∙i∙gạn.
“Oo, giizhingwaakow ingwana.” Mii sa, ezhi-maajiibatood indigo anibekamigaa*, inendam Naanabozhoo. Ningoding igo miinawaa ezhi-bidaakoshing. “Awenen giin ayaawiyan?” ikido. “Niin sa go ekwakamigaak* gaa-naaniibawiyaan.” “Oo, gigiizhikiw.” “Naanabozhoo, geget ningiizhikiw.” Enigok ezhi-maajaad Naanabozhoo. Niizhing igo gaa-bangishing, apane go gaazaazwenig* iniw odawagan. Mii sa zhigwa maajii-yaadagaad*. Gaawiin ogikendanziin aapiichaanig* i’iw zaaga’igan.
“Oh, then you are indeed a pine!” And then as he started, it seemed that he was running down hill, so thought Nänabushu. And another time he bumped against a tree (and) fell. “Who are you?”² he said. “Always by the edge of the bank do I stand.” “Oh, then you are a cedar!” “Nänabushu, truly am I a cedar.” With all his speed then started Nänabushu. And when he was come at the end of the second leap, then was there a steady ringing in his ears. Thereupon he then began swimming. He did not know how big was the lake.
“Oo (oh), giizhingwaakow ingwana (it is a pine, so it is).” Mii sa, ezhi-maajiibatood (and so as he ran off) ∙ indigo anibekamigaa* (it seemed downhill ground), inendam Naanabozhoo (thought Nänabushu). Ningoding igo miinawaa ezhi-bidaakoshing (once more he bumped against something). “Awenen giin ayaawiyan? (Who are you?)” ikido (he said). “Niin sa go ekwakamigaak* gaa-naaniibawiyaan (always by the edge of the bank do I stand — stem flagged).” “Oo, gigiizhikiw (oh, then you are a cedar)!” “Naanabozhoo, geget ningiizhikiw (Nänabushu, truly I am a cedar).” Enigok ezhi-maajaad Naanabozhoo (with full force Nänabushu started). Niizhing igo gaa-bangishing (at the second leap when he came down), apane go gaazaazwenig* iniw odawagan (steadily ringing were his ears). Mii sa zhigwa maajii-yaadagaad* (then he began swimming). Gaawiin ogikendanziin aapiichaanig* i’iw zaaga’igan (he did not know how big the lake was).
(1) Awänän kīn ayāwiyạn, literally, “who are you that you are.”
(1) Awänän kīn ayāwiyạn, literally, “who are you that you are.”
(18) Mī nạngwạna iᵘ ạnicinābäᵉ ändaci ōdänawi‘tōnit ‘iᵉi´ᵘ sāga∙i∙gạn iwitạc pämātạgāt. Nintigumi kägä‘t ạdi‘k pämādạgāt äcināgusit Nänabucu. Pāmāgu mīnạngwạna iᵘ imā u‘pimäcicutäᵘˣ wändcipa‘kubīt waᵉa´ᵘ Nänabucu. “Ä‘ē, ‘ä‘ēⁱ, micäwä pämātạgāt! ‘Ā‘a´ᵘ, mawinạtawātā!” Pạnägu kāmạdwäta‘ta∙ō∙nạgwänig.
Mii nangwana iw anishinaabeg endazhi-oodenawitoonid i’iw zaaga’igan iwidash bemaadagaad. Nindigomi geget adik bemaadagaad ezhinaagozid Naanabozhoo. Baamaa go minangwana iw imaa obimeshishodew wenjiba-kobiid wa’aw Naanabozhoo. “Esh, aaye, mishewe bemaadagaad! A’aaw, mawinadawaadaa!” Apane go gaa-madwedaata-oonagweng*.**
There happened to be some people dwelling in a town by the lake where he was swimming. Very much like a caribou swimming past was the look of Nänabushu. Then of a sudden there was stirring at yonder place, off a way from where Nänabushu had gone down into the water. “Halloo, an elk is swimming past! Come, let us chase him in our canoes!” And forthwith there arose a hubbub (with paddles and canoes when shoving off into the water).
Mii nangwana iw anishinaabeg (now, there were some people) ∙ endazhi-oodenawitoonid i’iw zaaga’igan (dwelling in a town by the lake) ∙ iwidash bemaadagaad (while he was swimming). Nindigomi geget adik (truly like a caribou) ∙ bemaadagaad ezhinaagozid Naanabozhoo (Nänabushu looked as he swam). Baamaa go minangwana iw imaa obimeshishodew* (by and by, as they passed along there) ∙ wenjiba-kobiid wa’aw Naanabozhoo (from where Nänabushu came out of the water). “Esh, aaye (halloo), mishewe bemaadagaad (an elk is swimming past)! A’aaw, mawinadawaadaa* (come, let us chase him)!” Apane go gaa-madwedaata-oonagweng* (and the sound of canoes shoving off arose all about).
(19) Ā‘tā, Nänabucu änigu‘k äjimādcāt.
Aataa, Naanabozhoo enigok ezhi-maajaad.
Oh, how Nänabushu went with all his speed!
Aataa (oh), Naanabozhoo enigok ezhi-maajaad (Nänabushu set off with all his force).
(20) “Ā,” pigīgitōwạg, “ä∙ä∙ēⁱ, kāwäsā, kimicạgạnigunān!”
“Aa,” bigiigidoowag, “aaye, gaawesa, gimishaganigonan!”
“Ah,” they said as they came, “too bad, impossible, we shall be beaten to the shore!”
“Aa (ah),” bigiigidoowag (they spoke as they came), “aaye (alas), gaawesa (it cannot be done) ∙ gimishaganigonan (he will beat us to the shore)!”
(21) “Mīnạgwạna päcu ninga∙i∙cimicạgā,” inändạm. Mīdạc kägä‘t änigu‘k Nänabucu äjimādcāt. Ningutingigu äjitäbạ‘kīckikät.
“Minangwana besho ninga-zhi-mishagaa*,” inendam. Mii dash geget enigok Naanabozhoo ezhi-maajaad. Ningoding igo ezhi-debakiishkiged*.
“It must be that nigh to the shore am I getting,” he thought. Thereupon truly with full speed then Nänabushu started. Then all at once he touched the bottom.
“Minangwana besho ninga-zhi-mishagaa* (it must be that I am getting near to shore),” inendam (he thought). Mii dash geget enigok Naanabozhoo ezhi-maajaad (and then truly with all force Nänabushu went). Ningoding igo ezhi-debakiishkiged* (then all at once he touched the bottom).
(22) Ā‘pidcisa upäcwâbạmāwān īgi´ ạnicinābän kanawâbamāwāt, kuniginīn, Nänabucōwạn ạni∙u∙ndci∙ạ∙gwāgwāckuniwạn. Ānīc ạnibä∙ā∙bi‘kāni; kumāgu a‘pī tägwucininit, ä‘tiwä, äcōcācāpi‘kicininit Nänabucōwạn. Äcibāsisitōnit ‘iᵉi´wä udōctigwānimini. Kā∙o∙nickābi‘tōnit ạnigạgawā‘piwạn. Mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ ạnigīgitōnit: “Kägä‘tigu micäwä pämātạgāt inäntạmōg īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg.”
Aapiji sa obeshwaabamaawaan igiw anishinaaben ganawaabamaawaad, goniginiin, Naanabozhoowan ani-onji-agwaagwaashkoniwan. Aaniish anibe-aabikaani; gomaa go apii degwozhininid, etiwe, ezhi-oozhaazhaabikizhininid Naanabozhoowan. Ezhi-baasisitoonid i’iwe odoshtigwaanimini. Gaa-onishkaabitoonid ani-gagawaapiwan. Mii dash i’iw ani-giigidoonid: “Geget igo mishewe bemaadagaad inendamoog igiw anishinaabeg.”**
Exceedingly nigh were the people observing (the elk), when, lo, Nänabushu went leaping out of the water. Now, there was a bank of loose stones sloping down to the water; and when he was come a certain distance, why, upon a rock Nänabushu slipped (and) fell. Then he burst open that (caribou) head of his. When up he sprang from where he fell, away he went falling headlong with laughter. And this he said as he went along: “So truly an elk was swimming past, thought the people.”
Aapiji sa obeshwaabamaawaan igiw anishinaaben (very near the people watched him), ganawaabamaawaad (as they observed), goniginiin (lo and behold), Naanabozhoowan ani-onji-agwaagwaashkoniwan (Nänabushu went leaping out of the water). Aaniish anibe-aabikaani (now there was a slope of loose stones); gomaa go apii degwozhininid (and when he came a certain distance), etiwe, ezhi-oozhaazhaabikizhininid* Naanabozhoowan (Nänabushu slipped on a rock). Ezhi-baasisitoonid i’iwe odoshtigwaanimini (he burst open that head of his). Gaa-onishkaabitoonid (when he sprang up from there) ∙ ani-gagawaapiwan* (off he went, tumbling with laughter). Mii dash i’iw ani-giigidoonid (and this he said as he went): “Geget igo mishewe bemaadagaad (truly an elk was swimming past) ∙ inendamoog igiw anishinaabeg (thought the people).”
(23) Kāwīn kạnagä tibātcimosīwan Nänabucōwạn ānuwikạgwätcimāwāt.
Gaawiin ganage dibaajimosiiwan Naanabozhoowan aano-wii-gagwejimaawaad.
Nothing at all did Nänabushu tell when in vain they tried to question him.
Gaawiin ganage dibaajimosiiwan Naanabozhoowan (nothing at all did Nänabushu tell) ∙ aano-wii-gagwejimaawaad (though in vain they tried to question him).