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.
20. NÄNABUSHU BREAKS THE NECKS OF THE DANCING GEESE.
Naanabozhoo obookogwebinaan iniw niimi’idiijin nikag
Nänabushu Breaks the Necks of the Dancing Geese (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) Mīsạgu ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ bā‘pic ạnimādcānit. Nänabucu ạnibạbimusät cigwadạc umạdābī sībīns; udạnibạbima∙ạ∙tōn kägä‘pī∙i∙gu miˢ‘tcānig ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ sībi. Cigwadạc udäbābạtān ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ sāga∙i∙gạn, ā‘pidci unicicinini imā wändcisāgitawānig ‘iᵉi´ᵘ sībi. Inābit Nänabuco mīnisi∙u∙tāwạngānig; owâbamāᵉ ni‘känsaᵉ, ā‘pidcisa pā‘tinīnōwaᵉ. Nänabucu wägunänīwinän, nātạgāmäba‘tō, udawī∙u∙dā‘pinān īni´ᵘ cīngubīn; u‘kunācicing ugackīwäginān. Uciwạni‘kä iᵘ cingubī, ā‘pidcisa ubwāwạnänaᵉ iᵘ cingubī. Mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ änīcimādcāt udani∙ā∙sunān ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ umi‘kwābān. Änisāgäwät kīgito aᵘ kiˢ‘tcini‘ka: “Nänabucu sāgäwät. Ucimuyu‘k, kägūgu kīga∙i∙gunān.”
Mii sa go i’iw baapish ani-maajaanid. Naanabozhoo ani-babimosed zhigwa dash omadaabii ziibiins; odani-babimaa’adoon gegapii igo michaanig i’iw ziibi. Zhigwa dash odebaabandaan i’iw zaaga’igan, aapiji onizhishinini imaa wenji-zaagidawaanig i’iw ziibi. Inaabid Naanabozhoo minisi-odaawangaanig; owaabamaan niikaansan, aapijisa baatiininowan. Naanabozhoo wegonen-iwinen, naadagaamebatoo, odawii-odaapinaan iniw zhingobiin; okonaazhishing ogashkiiweginaan. Ozhiwanike iw zhingobii, aapijisa obwaawanenan iw zhingobii. Mii dash i’iw ani-izhi-maajaad odani-aasoonan i’iw omikwaaban. Ani-zaagewed giigido a’aw gichi-nika: “Naanabozhoo zaagewed. Ozhimoyok, gegoo giga-i’igonaan.”**
And so in course of time he was upon his way. While Nänabushu was travelling about, he soon came out upon a brook; he followed its course till at last it (opened out into) a large river. Then presently he came in sight of a lake, very beautiful was the place where the river flowed out (into the lake). While Nänabushu was looking about, (he saw) an island of sand; he saw some Goslings, very numerous were they. Nänabushu, simpleton that he was, went running out towards the land, he went to get some balsam-boughs; in his old soiled blanket he wrapped them. He made a pack of the balsams, a very heavy pack did the balsams make. And so when he started on his way, he had his hands on the tump-line (running from the forehead back over the shoulders). When he came into view (round a point of land), up spoke a big Goose: “Nänabushu is coming into view (round the point). Do you flee, for something shall we be told.”
Mii sa go i’iw baapish (and so it was at that time) ∙ ani-maajaanid (as he set off moving along). Naanabozhoo ani-babimosed (Nänabushu, as he walked along) ∙ zhigwa dash omadaabii ziibiins (then he came out upon a little river); ∙ odani-babimaa’adoon (he followed it along) ∙ gegapii igo michaanig i’iw ziibi (and big indeed grew that river). Zhigwa dash odebaabandaan i’iw zaaga’igan (then he came in sight of the lake), ∙ aapiji onizhishinini imaa wenji-zaagidawaanig i’iw ziibi (very lovely was the place where the river flowed out). Inaabid Naanabozhoo minisi-odaawangaanig (as Nänabushu looked, an island of sand); ∙ owaabamaan niikaansan (he saw the goslings), ∙ aapijisa baatiininowan (very many were they). Naanabozhoo wegonen-iwinen (Nänabushu, foolish one), ∙ naadagaamebatoo (he ran off toward shore), ∙ odawii-odaapinaan iniw zhingobiin (he wanted to take those balsam boughs); ∙ okonaazhishing* ogashkiiweginaan (in his soiled blanket he wrapped them — stems flagged). Ozhiwanike iw zhingobii (he made a pack of the balsam), ∙ aapijisa obwaawanenan* iw zhingobii (very heavy was that balsam pack). Mii dash i’iw ani-izhi-maajaad (and so as he set off) ∙ odani-aasoonan i’iw omikwaaban (he leaned forward on his tump-line). Ani-zaagewed giigido a’aw gichi-nika (as he came into view, the big goose said): “Naanabozhoo zaagewed (Nänabushu is coming into view). ∙ Ozhimoyok (flee, you all), ∙ gegoo giga-i’igonaan (something he will tell us).”
(1) For other versions see Nos. 11 and 48.
(2) Kāwīndạc wīn pạsigu∙u∙sīwạg īgi´ᵘ ni‘känsạg. Kuniginin, ogạnōnigōwān Nänabucōwạn: “Kägä‘tsagu nintinigāwạgäntạm ānuwâbạmagwānin īgi´ᵘ nicīmäyạg. Kägä‘tiginīn pā‘pina‘kạmigạt wändusäyān; mīsa´ iwiti´ nīmi∙i∙tiwāt ạnicinābäg. Kạgwānisạgimạminwā∙i∙gātäniwạn īni´ᵘ nạgạmunạn nägạmuwātcin. Mīsạgu nā ōnoᵘ pämōndạmanin īni´ᵘ nạgamunạn. Ạmbäsạnō kanīmi∙i∙ninim. Mī∙o∙mā tcibạgitōndạmān īni´ᵘ nagạmunạn. Ninga∙u∙ci‘tōn ‘iᵉi´mā kätacitāyān tcinīmi∙i∙nạgu‘k. Ta∙u∙nicicin nīmi∙i∙tīwigạmik kä∙u∙ci‘tōyān.” Nänabucu mīsa cigwa mādci‘tād uci‘tōd, cingubī wâkā‘kināt; tcitägu pācitcipạgisusinik mī´∙i∙ᵘ äpītā‘tōd ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ unīmi∙i∙tīwigạmig.
Gaawiin dash wiin bazigwii-siiwag igiw niikaansag. Goniginiin, oganoonigowaan Naanabozhoowan: “Geget sa go nindani-gaawendam anoo-waabamagwaanin igiw nishiimeyag. Geget iginin baapinaakamigad wendoosaayaan; mii sa iwidi niimi’idiiwaad anishinaabeg. Gagwaanisagimaaminwaa’igaadeniwan iniw nagamonan negamowaadin. Mii sa go naa onow beemoondaman-in iniw nagamonan. Ambesano ga-nimi’ininim. Mii omaa ji-bagidoondamaan iniw nagamonan. Ninga-ozhitoon i’imaa ge-dazhitaayaan ji-niimi’inagook. Da-onizhishin niimi’idiiwigamig ge-ozhitooyaan.” Naanabozhoo mii sa zhigwa maajiitaad ozhitood, zhingobii waakaakinad; ji-de go baashijibagizosinik mii’iw ebiidaatood i’iw oniimi’idiiwigamig.
But the Goslings did not fly away. Lo, they were addressed by Nänabushu saying: “Truly am I sad at heart whenever I fail to see my little brothers. Now, truly a merry time is going at the place from whence I come; for at that place are the people dancing together. Wonderfully good are the songs that they sing. Pray, let me make you dance. Now, these that I have on my back are those very songs. And down at this spot will I lay the songs. I will fix a place yonder where I will devote (myself) to making you dance. Handsome will be the dance-lodge that I will make.” Nänabushu thereupon set to work making it, with balsams he made a stockade; at only such a height that it could not be taken at a leap was how high he made his dance-lodge.
Gaawiin dash wiin bazigwii-siiwag igiw niikaansag (but those goslings did not fly up). Goniginiin (lo, behold), ∙ oganoonigowaan Naanabozhoowan (they were spoken to by Nänabushu): “Geget sa go nindani-gaawendam (truly I am made sad) ∙ anoo-waabamagwaanin igiw nishiimeyag (whenever I fail to see those, my little brothers — stem flagged). Geget iginin baapinaakamigad wendoosaayaan (truly it is the day-event for which I have come); ∙ mii sa iwidi niimi’idiiwaad anishinaabeg (it is yonder the people dance). Gagwaanisagi-maaminwaa’igaadeniwan iniw nagamonan negamowaadin (wonderfully well-fashioned are the songs when they sing them). Mii sa go naa onow beemoondaman-in iniw nagamonan (it is these songs that I carry — stem flagged). Ambesano ga-nimi’ininim (come now, I will sing-dance for you). Mii omaa ji-bagidoondamaan iniw nagamonan (right here I will set down these songs). Ninga-ozhitoon i’imaa ge-dazhitaayaan (I will make a place where you will perform) ∙ ji-niimi’inagook (so that I dance you all). Da-onizhishin niimi’idiiwigamig ge-ozhitooyaan (lovely will be the dance-lodge I make).” Naanabozhoo mii sa zhigwa maajiitaad ozhitood (Nänabushu then began making it), ∙ zhingobii waakaakinad (bending balsams around it); ∙ ji-de go baashijibagizosinik (just so it could not be leaped over — stem flagged) ∙ mii’iw ebiidaatood i’iw oniimi’idiiwigamig (that was how high he built his dance-lodge).
(3) “Mī´∙i∙ᵘ cigwa tcimādci‘taiyạng tcinīmi∙i∙tiyạnk. Ạmbäsa, mī´∙i∙ᵘ ici∙a∙gwā‘taiyu‘k.” Kägä‘t ni‘känsạg agwä‘tāwạg.
“Mii iw zhigwa ji-maajiitaayang ji-niimi’idiyang. Ambesa, mii iw izhi-agwaataayok.” Geget niikaansag agwetaawag.
“It is now time for us to begin dancing together. Hither, now come you out of the water.” To be sure, the Goslings came out of the water.
“Mii iw zhigwa ji-maajiitaayang ji-niimi’idiyang (it is now time for us to begin to dance together). ∙ Ambesa (come now), ∙ mii iw izhi-agwaataayok (come you all up out of the water).” Geget niikaansag agwetaawag (truly the goslings came up out of the water).
(4) “Ạmbäsạnō, kawīndạmōninim kä∙a∙ī∙cīyäg. Mīgū i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ käni∙i∙nạ∙a∙mān a∙ī∙cīyu‘k ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ tcinīmiyäg. Ayangwāmisiyu‘k. Kägu´ wīwạnīwisi‘kägun. Mīsạgu iᵘ cigwa tcipīndigäyäk ‘iᵉi´mā nīmi∙i∙tīwigạmigunk.”
“Ambesano, ga-wiindamooninim ge-a-izhiiyeg*. Mii go i’iw ge-ni-ina’amaan a-izhiiyok* i’iw ji-niimiyeg. Ayaangwaamisiyok. Gego wiiwaniiwisikegon. Mii sa go iw zhigwa ji-biindigeyeg i’imaa niimi’idiiwigamigong.”
“Harken! I will tell you how you are to act. According as I sing, so do you when you dance. Do you take pains. Don’t you fail in anything. Now is the time for you to enter into the dance-lodge.”
“Ambesano (come now), ∙ ga-wiindamooninim ge-a-izhiiyeg* (I will tell you what you are to do). ∙ Mii go i’iw ge-ni-ina’amaan (just as I beat the song along) ∙ a-izhiiyok* i’iw ji-niimiyeg (so do you when you dance). ∙ Ayaangwaamisiyok (take care, you all). ∙ Gego wiiwaniiwisikegon (don’t any of you fail). ∙ Mii sa go iw zhigwa ji-biindigeyeg i’imaa niimi’idiiwigamigong (now is the time for you to enter into the dance-lodge).”
(5) Äjipīndigäwāt ni‘känsạg, kayä wīn māng; kayä wīn dạc cingibis äjipīndigät. Ka‘kina kā‘pīndigänit Nänabucu ugīpa∙ā∙n udickwāndäm. Cigwa´ Nänabucu wīmādcī∙ạ∙m a‘kawä mīnawā ugạnōnāᵉ: “Mīgu iᵘ känia∙ī∙na∙ạ∙mān, a∙ī∙cīyu‘k. A‘pīdạc pāsinawändisuyān mī∙a∙‘pī käpasigwīyān. Mī wīnigu iᵘ nạnāsawaya∙ī∙ käbabātạcicimoyān. Mīsa cigwa tcimādcī∙ạ∙mān:”
*Ezhi-biindigewaad niikaansag, gaye wiin maang; gaye wiin dash zhingibis ezhi-biindiged. Gakina gaa-biindigenid Naanabozhoo ogii-baa’aan odishkwaandem. Zhigwa Naanabozhoo wii-maaji-am aakawe miinawaa oganoonaan: “Mii go iw ge-ni-ana’amaan, a-izhiiyok. Apii dash baasinawendisoyaan mii apii ge-bazigwiiyaan. Mii wiin igo iw nanaasawaya’ii ge-babaa-dazhi-shimoyaan. Mii sa zhigwa ji-maajii-amaan:”**
Then in went the Goslings, likewise the Loon; and also the Diver entered in. When all had gone inside, Nänabushu closed up the doorway. Now, Nänabushu was about to sing, but first he addressed them again, saying: “Therefore according to what I say in my song, that you do. And when I become thrilled, then shall I rise to my feet. Thereupon in amongst you shall I dance. It is time for me now to begin singing:”
Ezhi-biindigewaad niikaansag (so in went the goslings), ∙ gaye wiin maang (and the loon too); ∙ gaye wiin dash zhingibis ezhi-biindiged (and the diver too went in). Gakina gaa-biindigenid Naanabozhoo ogii-baa’aan odishkwaandem (when all had entered, Nänabushu closed up his doorway). Zhigwa Naanabozhoo wii-maaji-am (now Nänabushu was about to start the song) ∙ aakawe miinawaa oganoonaan (first he spoke to them again): “Mii go iw ge-ni-ana’amaan (so just as I sound the song along), ∙ a-izhiiyok* (do you so). ∙ Apii dash baasinawendisoyaan (and when I become carried away) ∙ mii apii ge-bazigwiiyaan (then is when I will rise up). ∙ Mii wiin igo iw nanaasawaya’ii ge-babaa-dazhi-shimoyaan (it is just so, side to side, that I will dance about — stem flagged). ∙ Mii sa zhigwa ji-maajii-amaan (now then it is time for me to begin the song):”
(6) “Pạsạngwābicimowinạn nīnpīdōnạn, nicīmisitug! Nạbanägātäcimowinạn, nicimisitug, ninpītōnạn.”
“Pasangwaabishimowinan nimbiidoonan, nishiimisidog!
Nabanegaadeshimowinan, nishiimisidog, nimbiidoonan.”
“A dance with the eyes closed do I fetch! / A dance upon one leg, O my little brothers do I fetch.”
“Pasangwaabishimowinan nimbiidoonan (a closed-eye dance I bring), ∙ nishiimisidog (O my little brothers)! / Nabanegaadeshimowinan (a one-legged dance), ∙ nishiimisidog (O my little brothers), ∙ nimbiidoonan (I bring).” ⟨song carried verbatim⟩
(7) Mīdạc cigwa ā‘pidci udcī‘kimāᵉ, mīsạgu kägä‘t ka‘kina pasạngwābicimunit.
Mii dash zhigwa aapiji ojiikimaan, mii sa go geget gakina pasangwaabishimonid.
Thereupon then were they much thrilled with the song, and so all of course danced with their eyes closed.
Mii dash zhigwa aapiji ojiikimaan (and so then he stirred them deeply), ∙ mii sa go geget gakina pasangwaabishimonid (and truly all of them danced with closed eyes).
(8) “Äyänsigwäcimōwinạn nimpīdōnạn, nicīmisitug.”
“Eyaansigwaashimowinan nimbiidoonan, nishiimisidog.”
“A dance with the necks close up together do I fetch, O my little brothers!”
“Eyaansigwaashimowinan nimbiidoonan (a neck-up-close dance I bring), ∙ nishiimisidog (O my little brothers).” ⟨song carried verbatim⟩
(9) Kägä‘t ayänsigwä‘tāwaᵉ pä‘kic nīminit.
Geget ayaansigwetaawag bekish niiminid.
Of course, up close together came their necks, while at the same time they were dancing.
Geget ayaansigwetaawag (truly their necks came up close together) ∙ bekish niiminid (at the same time as they danced).
(10) Nänabucu äjikīgitut: “Ä‘ e´ⁱ, mīcigwa pāsinạwänintisuyān!” Äjipasigwīt Nänabucu pạpānīmi, Nänabucu udạninātcicimu‘tawāᵉ. Wägunäniwinän pimi∙a∙yasigwä‘tānit ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ ni‘känsaᵉ. Äji∙u∙dōtā‘pināt äjipō‘kugwäbināt; mīnawā ābiding pimi∙a∙yasigwä‘tānit äjipō‘kugwäbināt. Ckwāntänk iwiti tạcicimu ‘aᵉa´ᵘ māng. Intigunạntagu umạdwägwäwäbinā, iᵘ ni‘tạm māng. Wägunäniwinän pạngī
Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod: “A’a’ii, mii zhigwa baasinawenindizoyaan!” Ezhi-bazigwiid Naanabozhoo babaa-niimi, Naanabozhoo odani-naajishimotawaan. Wegonen-iwinen bimi-ayaasigwetaanid i’iw niikaansan. Ezhi-odoodaapinaad ezhi-bookogwebinaad; miinawaa abiding bimi-ayaasigwetaanid ezhi-bookogwebinaad. Ishkwaandeng iwidi dazhi-shimo a’aw maang. Indigo nandago omadwegwewebinaa, iw nitam maang. Wegonen-iwinen bangii*
Nänabushu then spoke up: “Behold, now am I in a transport of delight!” Rising to his feet, Nänabushu moved about, dancing here and there, approaching (the Goslings) while he danced. Foolishly did the Goslings hold their necks close up together. As he took them up, he broke their necks; once again when they bunched with necks together, he broke their necks.
Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod (Nänabushu then spoke): “A’a’ii (behold!), ∙ mii zhigwa baasinawenindizoyaan (now I am carried away with delight)!” Ezhi-bazigwiid Naanabozhoo babaa-niimi (rising up, Nänabushu danced about), ∙ Naanabozhoo odani-naajishimotawaan (Nänabushu went dancing toward them). Wegonen-iwinen bimi-ayaasigwetaanid i’iw niikaansan (those goslings holding their necks up close along the way). ∙ Ezhi-odoodaapinaad ezhi-bookogwebinaad (as he took them up he broke their necks); ∙ miinawaa abiding bimi-ayaasigwetaanid ezhi-bookogwebinaad (and once again, as they held necks close, he broke their necks). Ishkwaandeng iwidi dazhi-shimo a’aw maang (by the doorway yonder that loon was dancing). ∙ Indigo nandago* omadwegwewebinaa (it seemed as though he heard the sound of the flinging — nandago flagged), ∙ iw nitam maang (that first one, the loon). ∙ Wegonen-iwinen bangii (foolishly, a little).
(11) äjitōckābit ä‘tawā, inäbit māng, na∙i∙tāg ubimibō‘kugwänāni Nänabucōwạn ni‘känsaᵉ. Äjikīgitut māng: “Ä‘ēᵉeⁱ, Nänabucu kidickwạnigunān!” Mīsa´ a‘kawä ä‘kitut māng, mīgu iᵘ ānawitäbācitcipạgisut.
Ezhi-doshkaabid etawaa, inaabid maang, naa-itaa obimi-bookogwenaani Naanabozhoowan niikaansan. Ezhi-giigidod maang: “Aa’ii, Naanabozhoo gidishkwaaninigonaan!” Mii sa aakawe ekidod maang, mii go iw aanawi-debaashi-jibagizod.
By the doorway yonder the Loon was dancing. Now, it seemed as if he heard the sound of the breaking of necks, thus it seemed to the Loon. Happening to open his eyes a little, why, when the Loon looked, it was to see Nänabushu at just the time when he was among the Goslings breaking their necks. Then up spoke the Loon: “Look out! by Nänabushu are we being killed off.” Now, when the Loon first spoke, he then cleared (the balsam enclosure), just barely getting over.
Ezhi-doshkaabid etawaa (as he opened his eyes a little), ∙ inaabid maang (the loon looked), ∙ naa-itaa obimi-bookogwenaani Naanabozhoowan niikaansan (and lo, Nänabushu was breaking the necks of the goslings). Ezhi-giigidod maang (the loon spoke up): “Aa’ii (look out!), ∙ Naanabozhoo gidishkwaaninigonaan (Nänabushu is finishing us off)!” Mii sa aakawe ekidod maang (so as soon as the loon said it), ∙ mii go iw aanawi-debaashi-jibagizod (he just barely cleared the place, getting out).
(12) Ā‘tāᵃ, Nänabucu mīwạnigu iniwäti māngwạn nwā‘pinạnāt. ‘Tā, māng ānupapisingwa∙i∙gät. Ānawidạc päcunāgwạtini i∙i∙wä nibi ābạnābit āca päcu Nänabucowạn; äjipa‘kubīgwackunit māng. Ä‘tawā, äjitạngiskāgut ‘iᵉi´mā ucīgạnāng. Kayä wīn ä∙i∙tāg ānupa‘kubība∙i∙wä ‘aᵉa´ᵘ cingibis, mī gayä wīni i´ᵘ kītangickāgut īni´ᵘ Nänabucōwạn. Mīsa iᵘ cigwa äjikīgitut Nänabucu: “Mīsa iᵘ mini‘k kä∙a∙‘kīwạng kä∙i∙cināgusit ‘aᵉaᵘ māng, kayä ‘aᵉa´ᵘ cingibis.”
*Aataa, Naanabozhoo mii waniigo iniwedi maangwan nwaapinanaad. ‘Daa, maang anoo-babisingwa’iged. Aanawi dash beshonaagwadini i’iwe nibi aabaanaabid azhaa besho Naanabozhoowan; ezhi-bakobiigwaashkonid maang. Etawaa, ezhi-dangishkaagod i’imaa ojiiganaang. Gaye wiin e’itaa anoo-bakobiiba’iwe a’aw zhingibis, mii gaye wiini iw gii-dangishkaagod iniw Naanabozhoowan. Mii sa iw zhigwa ezhi-giigidod Naanabozhoo: “Mii sa iw minik ge-aakiiwang ge-izhinaagozid a’aw maang, gaye a’aw zhingibis.”**
Oh, but how Nänabushu did go in pursuit of yonder Loon! Ah, and how the Loon did struggle in vain to get away! And though near by seemed yonder water, yet when he looked back, here close was Nänabushu; then into the water leaped the Loon. Poor thing! he was kicked on the small of his back. And in time did the Diver also try to escape into the water, but to no purpose, for he too was kicked by Nänabushu. Thereupon then up spoke Nänabushu: “Therefore as long as the world lasts, thus will look the loon, so too the diver.”
Aataa (oh!), ∙ Naanabozhoo mii waniigo iniwedi maangwan nwaapinanaad* (Nänabushu went chasing after that loon). ‘Daa (now), ∙ maang anoo-babisingwa’iged (the loon blinking in vain). ∙ Aanawi dash beshonaagwadini i’iwe nibi (the water seemed close by) ∙ aabaanaabid azhaa besho Naanabozhoowan (as he glanced back, Nänabushu was already near); ∙ ezhi-bakobiigwaashkonid maang (the loon leaped into the water). Etawaa (alas), ∙ ezhi-dangishkaagod i’imaa ojiiganaang (he was kicked there on the rump). Gaye wiin e’itaa anoo-bakobiiba’iwe a’aw zhingibis (the diver too made in vain for the water), ∙ mii gaye wiini iw gii-dangishkaagod iniw Naanabozhoowan (and he too was kicked by Nänabushu). Mii sa iw zhigwa ezhi-giigidod Naanabozhoo (so then Nänabushu spoke): “Mii sa iw minik ge-aakiiwang ge-izhinaagozid a’aw maang (as long as the world lasts, thus shall the loon look), ∙ gaye a’aw zhingibis (so too the diver).”
(13) Mīsa cigwa äjigu‘pīt iwiti unīmi∙i∙tīwigạmigunk, äniwä‘kigu nībiwa ugīnisā ‘iᵉi´ᵘ nikänsaᵉ. Nänabucu äjikīgitut: “Ạmạntcigic ā‘pidci kä∙i∙ciminosä‘kwäyān ogo´ᵘ nini‘känsimạg? Ạmbäsạnō, ninganigwā∙a∙bwänạg.” Kägä‘t mādci‘tā Nänabucu ki‘tcibōtawät mi‘tāwangānk. Ā‘pidcisa nībiwa kā∙i∙cāwạngitänik, mīsa cigwa mādci‘tād ningwā∙a∙bwät. Mīdạc ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ kīwitāckutä änisāgisitäcimāᵉ ‘iᵉi´ᵘ uni‘känsimaᵉ.
Mii sa zhigwa ezhi-gopiid iwidi oniimi’idiiwigamigong, aniweki go niibiwa ogii-nisaan i’iw niikaansan. Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod: “Amanj igosh aapiji ge-izhi-minoshaakweyaan ogow niniikaansimag? Ambesano, ninga-ningwa’abwenag.” Geget maajiitaa Naanabozhoo gichi-boodawed mitaawangaang. Aapijisa niibiwa gaa-izhi-zhaawangidenig, mii sa zhigwa maajiitaad ningwa’abwed. Mii dash i’iw giiwitaashkode anizaagizideshimaan i’iw oniikaansiman.**
So then up from the shore he went to his dance-lodge yonder, and rather a good many Goslings he had killed. Nänabushu then said: “Wonder in what especially fine way I may cook these Goslings of mine! I say, I am going to bake them.” Truly to work set Nänabushu building a great fire upon the sandy beach. When a very great deal of the sand was hot, accordingly then did he begin baking them. And so in a circle about the fireplace he laid his Goslings, (covering them) so that only their feet could be seen sticking out.
Mii sa zhigwa ezhi-gopiid iwidi oniimi’idiiwigamigong (so then he went up to his dance-lodge yonder), ∙ aniweki go niibiwa ogii-nisaan i’iw niikaansan (and a good many of those goslings he had killed). Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod (Nänabushu spoke): “Amanj igosh aapiji ge-izhi-minoshaakweyaan ogow niniikaansimag? (I wonder in what really fine way I should cook these goslings of mine?) ∙ Ambesano, ninga-ningwa’abwenag* (come now, I will roast them buried in the embers).” Geget maajiitaa Naanabozhoo gichi-boodawed mitaawangaang (truly Nänabushu set to work building a great fire on the sandy beach). Aapijisa niibiwa gaa-izhi-zhaawangidenig (when a great deal of the sand was hot), ∙ mii sa zhigwa maajiitaad ningwa’abwed* (then he began roasting them in the embers). Mii dash i’iw giiwitaashkode anizaagizideshimaan i’iw oniikaansiman (and so around the fire he set his goslings with their feet sticking out).
(14) Kā‘kīcītād mīdạc i∙i∙ᵘ kägä‘t wīnibā. “Ạmbäsạnō, kīganawänta∙i∙n igiwä nini‘känsimạg,” udinān īni´ᵘ utcītīn. “Nintcīt, kạnawänim gwätcinạtawīn awīya ningakimōtimik iwä nini‘känsimaᵉ.” Nänabucu äjitcāngitiyäkisut; mīdạc iwiti näyāciwạninik äjitcāngitiyä‘kidut. Mīnawā ugạnōnān īni´ᵘ utcītīn: “Wīndạmawicin ạnicinābäg sāgäwa∙o∙wāt.”
Gaa-giizhiitaad mii dash i’iw geget wii-nibaa. “Ambesano, gii-ganawenda’in igiwe niniikaansimag,” odinaan iniw ojiidiin. “Ninjiid, ganawenim gwajinaadawiin awiya ningakimoodimig iwe niniikaansima.” Naanabozhoo ezhi-jaangidiyekizod; mii dash iwidi neyaashiwaninig ezhi-jaangidiyekidod. Miinawaa oganoonaan iniw ojiidiin: “Wiindamawishin anishinaabeg zaagewa’owaad.”
When he had finished (this work), he was of course anxious to sleep. “I say, I would have you keep watch of these Goslings of mine,” he said to his bottom. “My bottom, do you keep watch over them, lest some one rob me of my Goslings.” Nänabushu lay with bottom up; it was over towards the cape he lay with his bottom turned. Again he addressed his bottom, saying: “Inform me if any people come paddling into view (round the point).”
Gaa-giizhiitaad mii dash i’iw geget wii-nibaa (when he had finished, truly he wished to sleep). “Ambesano (come now), ∙ gii-ganawenda’in igiwe niniikaansimag (do you watch over these goslings of mine),” ∙ odinaan iniw ojiidiin (he said to his rump). “Ninjiid (look here), ∙ ganawenim gwajinaadawiin awiya ningakimoodimig iwe niniikaansima (watch carefully lest anyone rob me of my goslings).” Naanabozhoo ezhi-jaangidiyekizod (Nänabushu lay with his rump raised); ∙ mii dash iwidi neyaashiwaninig ezhi-jaangidiyekidod (turning his rump toward where the water was). Miinawaa oganoonaan iniw ojiidiin (again he addressed his rump): “Wiindamawishin anishinaabeg zaagewa’owaad (tell me when the people come paddling into view).”
(15) Ugạnōnigōn utcītīn: “Kīgawīndamōn.” Nänabucu cigwasa´ ạninibā, ā‘pidci cigwa ạnibōsāngwām. Äjia‘kawābit ‘aᵉa´ᵘ miskwāsạp ạnicinābäᵉ sāgäwa∙ạ∙mōᵉ. Ānīcnā äjikīgitut: “Pīwitäg sāgäwa∙ạ∙mōg.”
Oganoonigoon ojiidiin: “Giga-wiindamoon.” Naanabozhoo zhigwa sa ani-nibaa, aapiji zhigwa ani-boozaangwam. Ezhi-aakawaabid a’aw miskwaasab anishinaaben zaagewa’amoon. Aaniish naa ezhi-giigidod: “Biiwideg zaagewa’amog.”
He was answered by his bottom saying: “I will inform you.” Nänabushu presently went off to sleep, he was soon in very deep slumber. While the bottom was watching, some people came paddling into view (round the point). Naturally then up he spoke: “Some visitors are paddling into view (round the point).”
Oganoonigoon ojiidiin (he was answered by his rump): ∙ “Giga-wiindamoon (I will inform you).” ∙ Naanabozhoo zhigwa sa ani-nibaa (Nänabushu now fell to sleeping), ∙ aapiji zhigwa ani-boozaangwam (now deep was his slumber). Ezhi-aakawaabid a’aw miskwaasab anishinaaben zaagewa’amoon (as the red rump kept watch, the people came paddling into view). Aaniish naa ezhi-giigidod (well now, it said): “Biiwideg zaagewa’amog (you visitors come paddling into view).”
(16) Ānīcnā owâbạmāwān Nänabucōwạn tcāngitiyä‘kisunit kayä ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ undābasawänit. Äjigīkitōwāt īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg: “Kägu udayānātug Nänabucu imā kī∙u∙ndābasawät. Ạmbäsạnō, wī‘kimōtimātā wägutugwän äyāgwän imā kī‘tcāngitiyä‘kisut.”
Aaniish naa owaabamaawaan Naanabozhoowan jaangidiyekizonid gaye i’iw ondaabasawenid. Ezhi-giigidowaad igiw anishinaabeg: “Gego odayaanaadog Naanabozhoo imaa gii-ondaabasawed. Ambesano, wii-gimoodimaadaa wegodogwen eyaagwen imaa gii-jaangidiyekizod.”
Of course, they saw Nänabushu lying bottom up, and also the smoke of his fire. Then up spoke the people: “Something must Nänabushu have yonder where the smoke of his fire is lifting. Pray, let us go rob him of whatever he has yonder where he lies with bottom up.”
Aaniish naa owaabamaawaan Naanabozhoowan jaangidiyekizonid (well, they saw Nänabushu with his rump raised and scorched) ∙ gaye i’iw ondaabasawenid (and giving off smoke). Ezhi-giigidowaad igiw anishinaabeg (the people said): “Gego odayaanaadog Naanabozhoo imaa gii-ondaabasawed (let us not bother Nänabushu, smoking there). ∙ Ambesano, wii-gimoodimaadaa wegodogwen eyaagwen imaa gii-jaangidiyekizod (come, let us rob him of whatever there is, there where his rump is raised).”
(17) Ānīc, mī cigwa kī‘kanōnigut īni´ᵘ utcitīn, ānīc ānu∙ī∙nābit Nänabucu; mīdạc äjini‘käwäba∙ạ∙mowāt ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ utcīmāniwā, mīnawā cigwa ạnibōsāngwāmu ‘aᵉa´ᵘ Nänabucu. Mīnawā äjitibābạmāwāt īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg. Ānīc inābit ‘aᵉa´ᵘ Nänabucu utcītīn, pāmāgu mīnawa ạnicinābä pā∙u∙ndcimināwägumunit. “Pīwitäg sāgäwa∙a∙mōwạg!” i‘kitowạn utcītīn.
Aaniish, mii zhigwa gii-ganoonigod iniw ojiidiin, aaniish anoo-inaabid Naanabozhoo; mii dash ezhi-nikewaaba’amowaad i’iw ojiimaaniwaa, miinawaa zhigwa ani-boozaangwaamo a’aw Naanabozhoo. Miinawaa ezhi-dibaabamaawaad igiw anishinaabeg. Aaniish inaabid a’aw Naanabozhoo ojiidiin, baamaa go miinawaa anishinaabe baa-onji-minaawegomonid. “Biiwideg zaagewa’amowag!” ikidowan ojiidiin.
Well, so when he was addressed by his bottom, then did Nänabushu look, but to no purpose; and so when they paddled round to the other side of the point, then again into sound slumber did Nänabushu fall. Then another look at him the people took. So while the bottom of Nänabushu was looking about, then suddenly again the people came into view on the water. “Visitors are appearing (round the point)!” said his bottom.
Aaniish, mii zhigwa gii-ganoonigod iniw ojiidiin (now then he was spoken to by his rump), ∙ aaniish anoo-inaabid Naanabozhoo (Nänabushu looked in vain); ∙ mii dash ezhi-nikewaaba’amowaad i’iw ojiimaaniwaa (and they paddled their canoes off to one side), ∙ miinawaa zhigwa ani-boozaangwaamo a’aw Naanabozhoo (and again Nänabushu fell sound asleep). Miinawaa ezhi-dibaabamaawaad igiw anishinaabeg (again the people kept watch on him). Aaniish inaabid a’aw Naanabozhoo ojiidiin (and so Nänabushu’s rump looked about), ∙ baamaa go miinawaa anishinaabe baa-onji-minaawegomonid (and presently again the people came paddling along). “Biiwideg zaagewa’amowag (visitors come paddling into view)!” ∙ ikidowan ojiidiin (said his rump).
(18) Ānīc Nänabucu ānu∙ī∙nābit, ānicnā āca ki∙a∙cä∙u∙ta∙ạ∙mōg īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg. “Kägä‘t kīgakīnawick,” udinān īni´ᵘ utcītạn. Wägunänīwinän upāpāsạgupinān īni´ᵘ utcītạn. “Pāmāgu kägä‘t wâbạmạtwābạn īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg kitākīkạnōc. Kägu´ mīnawā kanocici‘kän. Mini‘kigu wạnibāyān niwīnibā.” Mīsa gägä‘t Nänabucu nibāt.
Aaniish Naanabozhoo anoo-inaabid, aaniish naa azhaa gii-azhe-odaa’amoog igiw anishinaabeg. “Geget gii-gakiinawish,” odinaan iniw ojiidan. Wegonen-iwinen obaa-baazagobinaan iniw ojiidan. “Baamaa go geget waabamadwaaban igiw anishinaabeg gidaa-giikanoozh. Gego miinawaa ganoozhishiken. Minik igo waniibaayaan niwii-nibaa.” Mii sa geget Naanabozhoo nibaad.
Now, when Nänabushu looked, it was no use, for naturally back did the people turn their canoes. “A truly downright liar you are,” he said to his bottom. Foolishly he scratched his bottom. “If you had really seen the people, you should have spoken to me. Don’t you speak to me again. As long as I had intended sleeping, so do I wish to sleep.” Thereupon truly Nänabushu went to sleep.
Aaniish Naanabozhoo anoo-inaabid (now Nänabushu looked in vain), ∙ aaniish naa azhaa gii-azhe-odaa’amoog igiw anishinaabeg (the people had already turned their canoes back). “Geget gii-gakiinawish (you are a real liar),” ∙ odinaan iniw ojiidan (he said to his rump). Wegonen-iwinen obaa-baazagobinaan iniw ojiidan (foolishly he scratched his rump). “Baamaa go geget waabamadwaaban igiw anishinaabeg gidaa-giikanoozh (only when you really see the people should you call to me). ∙ Gego miinawaa ganoozhishiken (don’t speak to me again). ∙ Minik igo waniibaayaan niwii-nibaa (as long as I had meant to sleep, so do I want to sleep).” Mii sa geget Naanabozhoo nibaad (so truly Nänabushu slept).
(19) Mīdạc ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ äjikīgitōwāt īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg: “Ạmbäsa, mī∙i´∙ᵘ cigwa kīpōsāngwāmigwän aᵘ Nänabucu.” Cigwa äjimādcīkwaciwäwād ina‘kwaciwäwāt Nänabucōwạn. Äjigabāwāt äji∙i∙jāwāt imā ckutäwạninig. Ä‘tawā, pạnägu nikänsaᵉ sāgisitäcinōᵉ! Wäwīp umō‘kāwạngawāwā ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ äjikimōtimāwāt Nänabucōwạn. Ānīc mạtwängwāmōwạn. Wäwīp ugicpisitäpināwā; näyāp tibickō äji∙a∙yāni‘pạn usi‘tạm usāgisitōnāwā. Wäwīp opōsi∙ā∙wā ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ ni‘tänsaᵉ, mīsa cigwa äjimādcāwād.
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-giigidowaad igiw anishinaabeg: “Ambesa, mii iw zhigwa gii-boozaangwaamigwen a’aw Naanabozhoo.” Zhigwa ezhi-maajii-gwaazhiwewaad inakwazhiwewaad Naanabozhoowan. Ezhi-gabaawaad ezhi-izhaawaad imaa ishkodewaninig. Etawaa, apane go niikaansan zaagizideshinoon! Wewiib omookaawangawaawaa i’iw ezhi-gimoodimaawaad Naanabozhoowan. Aaniish madwengwaamowan. Wewiib ogishbizidebinaawaa*; neyaab dibishkoo ezhi-ayaanipan* ozitam* ozaagizidoonaawaa. Wewiib oboozi’aawaa i’iw niitaanzhan, mii sa zhigwa ezhi-maajaawaad.**
Thereupon then said the people: “Come, now is when Nänabushu must be sleeping soundly.” Then off they started in their canoes, going towards where Nänabushu was. When they landed, then they went to where the fire was. Ah, what a heap of Goslings with feet sticking out! Quickly they dug them out of the ashes when they robbed Nänabushu of them. Now they could hear the sound of him asleep. Quickly they broke off the legs; back in the same way as before they placed their feet sticking out. Quickly they put the Goslings into their canoes, and then they started away.
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-giigidowaad igiw anishinaabeg (and so the people said): “Ambesa (come), ∙ mii iw zhigwa gii-boozaangwaamigwen a’aw Naanabozhoo (now Nänabushu must be sound asleep).” Zhigwa ezhi-maajii-gwaazhiwewaad (then they set off paddling) ∙ inakwazhiwewaad Naanabozhoowan (paddling toward Nänabushu). Ezhi-gabaawaad ezhi-izhaawaad imaa ishkodewaninig (they landed and went to where the fire was). Etawaa (ah), ∙ apane go niikaansan zaagizideshinoon (nothing but goslings with feet sticking out)! ∙ Wewiib omookaawangawaawaa* i’iw (quickly they dug them out of the sand — stem flagged), ∙ ezhi-gimoodimaawaad Naanabozhoowan (when they robbed Nänabushu of them). ∙ Aaniish madwengwaamowan* (well, he could be heard sleeping — form flagged). ∙ Wewiib ogishbizidebinaawaa* (quickly they broke off the legs — stem flagged); ∙ neyaab dibishkoo ezhi-ayaanipan* ozitam* ozaagizidoonaawaa (back in the same way as before they set their feet sticking out — forms flagged). ∙ Wewiib oboozi’aawaa i’iw niitaanzhan (quickly they loaded the goslings into the canoes), ∙ mii sa zhigwa ezhi-maajaawaad (and then they set off away).
(20) Cigwasa kuskusi Nänabucu; äjicīpīt, “Ī‘a´, nindōsāmigwān. Kwätcinạtawīn ta∙u∙sāmisōwạg nini‘känsimạg.” Mīsa cigwa udā‘pinạng ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ päjik usitāni īni´ᵘ uni‘känsimạn, mī nangwạna iᵘ äji∙u∙ndcībi‘tōd ‘iᵉi´ᵘ usitāni. “Pabāpinisiwāgạn, mīsa gägä‘t kī∙u∙sāmisuwāt igiwä nini‘känsimạg.” Minawā päjik umạmōn ‘iᵉi´ᵘ usitāni, mīsa käyābi äji∙u∙ndcibitōd ‘iᵉi´ᵘ usitāni. Mīdạc ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ äjimạmōt ‘iᵉi´ᵘ mi‘tig äjinạntwāwạngawāt; awänibạn awīya. “Abā‘pinisiwāgạn,” inändạm. “Gwä‘tcinạtawīn ningī‘kimōtimigo nini‘känsimạg.” Mīsa´ undcita ānunạntwāwạngawāt. Wägunänīwinän nạndu‘kawätcigä; kägä‘t mi‘tāwạngānk pimi‘kawäwaᵉ kī‘kabānigwän ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ ạnicinābäᵉ. Mīsa cigwa kī‘kwaya‘kwäntạnk ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ kī‘kimōtimint. Wägunäniwinän äjikacki‘tōt udijibā‘pāsạgupinān īni´ᵘ utcītạn.
Zhigwa sa goshkozi Naanabozhoo; ezhi-zhiibiid, “Ii’a, nindoozaamigwen. Gwajinaadawiin da-osaamisowag niniikaansimag.” Mii sa zhigwa odaapinang i’iw bezhig ozidaani iniw oniikaansiman, mii nangwana iw ezhi-onjibitood i’iw ozidaani. “Babaapiniziwaagan, mii sa geget gii-osaamisowaad igiwe niniikaansimag.” Miinawaa bezhig omamoon i’iw ozidaani, mii sa geyaabi ezhi-onjibitood i’iw ozidaani. Mii dash i’iw ezhi-mamood i’iw mitig ezhi-nandawaawangawaad; aweniban awiya. “Abaapiniziwaagan,” inendam. “Gwajinaadawiin ningii-gimoodimigoog niniikaansimag.” Mii sa onjida anoo-nandawaawangawaad. Wegonen-iwinen nandokawechige; geget mitaawangaang bimi-kawewag gii-gabaanigwen i’iw anishinaaben. Mii sa zhigwa gii-gwayako-wendang i’iw gii-gimoodimind. Wegonen-iwinen ezhi-gashkitood odizhi-baa-paazagobinaan iniw ojiidan.**
Presently from slumber woke Nänabushu; as he stretched (himself), “Oh, I slept too long! It is possible that overdone might be my Goslings.” And so when he reached for the foot of one of his Goslings, why, he really pulled out (only) a leg. “Too bad! it is the truth that too long have these Goslings of mine been cooking.” One more foot he took hold of, and in the same way he pulled out another foot. Thereupon taking a stick, he searched for them digging in the ashes; but there wasn’t a single one. “Bad luck,” he thought. “It is possible that I have been robbed of my Goslings.” And so with a will he tried to dig them out (of the ashes), but with no result. It occurred to him to seek for tracks; truly, on the beach were some footprints which the people must have made when they landed. Thereupon now quite sure was he that he had been robbed. Foolishly then as much as he could he scratched his bottom.
Zhigwa sa goshkozi Naanabozhoo (now Nänabushu woke); ∙ ezhi-zhiibiid (as he stretched), “Ii’a, nindoozaamigwen (oh, I have slept too long). ∙ Gwajinaadawiin da-osaamisowag niniikaansimag (maybe my goslings will be overdone). Mii sa zhigwa odaapinang i’iw bezhig ozidaani iniw oniikaansiman (so he took hold of one of his goslings’ feet), ∙ mii nangwana iw ezhi-onjibitood i’iw ozidaani (and lo, he pulled out only the leg). “Babaapiniziwaagan (what a misfortune), ∙ mii sa geget gii-osaamisowaad igiwe niniikaansimag (truly my goslings are overdone).” Miinawaa bezhig omamoon i’iw ozidaani (he took up another foot), ∙ mii sa geyaabi ezhi-onjibitood i’iw ozidaani (and again he pulled out that foot the same way), ∙ Mii dash i’iw ezhi-mamood i’iw mitig ezhi-nandawaawangawaad (so taking a stick he searched, digging in the sand); ∙ aweniban awiya (but there was not a single one). “Abaapiniziwaagan (bad luck),” ∙ inendam (he thought). “Gwajinaadawiin ningii-gimoodimigoog niniikaansimag (maybe I have been robbed of my goslings).” Mii sa onjida anoo-nandawaawangawaad (so in vain he kept digging). Wegonen-iwinen nandokawechige* (foolishly he looked for tracks); ∙ geget mitaawangaang bimi-kawewag gii-gabaanigwen i’iw anishinaaben (truly on the beach were the footprints the people had made landing). Mii sa zhigwa gii-gwayako-wendang i’iw gii-gimoodimind (then he knew for certain he had been robbed). Wegonen-iwinen ezhi-gashkitood odizhi-baa-paazagobinaan* iniw ojiidan (foolishly, as much as he could, he scratched his rump).
(21) Kägä‘tsa unickī∙i∙gōn īni´ᵘ utcītīn. Nänabucu äjikīgitut: “Kā, māwīni iᵘ ä‘tagu ningatōtawāsi, ānawiwīn i∙i∙ᵘ pā‘pāsigupinạg. Intawā ningatcāgiswā.” Nänabucu äjimādci‘tāt mi‘tigōn u‘kwā‘kuwäbinạng; a‘pī käˢtcipiskạnänik, wägunäniwinän äcinisawa∙ạ∙nk īckutä, mīsa´ iᵘ tcāgiswāt īni´ᵘ utcītạn.
Geget sa onishki’igoon iniw ojiidiin. Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod: “Kaa, maawiin iw eta go ninga-doodawaasii, aanawi wiin i’iw baa-paazigobinag. Indawaa ninga-jaagizwaa.” Naanabozhoo ezhi-maajiitaad mitigoon okwaakowebinang; apii gechi-biskanenig*, wegonen-iwinen ezhi-niisawa’ang ishkode, mii sa iw jaagizwaad iniw ojiidan.**
Truly was he angered by his bottom. Nänabushu then said: “Ah! this is not all that am I going to do to him, even if I am scratching him. Indeed, I will give him a thorough burning.” Nänabushu then set to work piling up some wood; when a big blaze was going, he then foolishly straddled the fire, whereupon he gave his bottom a good burning.
Geget sa onishki’igoon iniw ojiidiin (truly he was angered by his bottom) ∙ Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod (Nänabushu then said) ∙ “Kaa (ah) ∙ maawiin iw eta go ninga-doodawaasii (this is surely not all that I shall do to him) ∙ aanawi wiin i’iw baa-paazigobinag* (even though I am scratching him — form flagged) ∙ Indawaa ninga-jaagizwaa (indeed, I will give him a thorough burning)” ∙ Naanabozhoo ezhi-maajiitaad mitigoon okwaakowebinang* (Nänabushu set to work piling up wood — stem flagged) ∙ apii gechi-biskanenig* (when a big blaze was going — flagged) ∙ wegonen-iwinen ezhi-niisawa’ang ishkode (foolishly he straddled the fire) ∙ mii sa iw jaagizwaad iniw ojiidan (whereupon he gave his bottom a burning).
(22) Wībạgo, “Tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ,” inwäwäsu.
*Wiibago, “Chiin, chiin, chiin, chiin,” inwewezo.**
In a little while, “Tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ,” was the sound (his bottom) made when being burned.
Wiibago (soon after), “Chiin, chiin, chiin, chiin,” ∙ inwewezo* (such was the sound it made). ⟨vocable carried verbatim⟩
(23) Äjikīgitut Nänabucu: “Äⁿa´ⁿ, ‘tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ,’ kāa∙ī∙nwäyạn, kāwindamawisiyạn nini‘känsimạg kī‘kimōtimigowā!” Mīdạc iᵘ ā‘pidci a‘ka‘kacänk kā∙i∙nitänik ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ utcīt, mīdạc iᵘ äcī‘kugābawit. Ä‘tawā, kāwīn kạnagä ugạcki‘tōsīn tcipimusät; mīgu iᵘ äjimiskwīwinit ‘i∙i´∙ᵘ unicîciwaᵉ, ā‘pidci ugacki‘tōn wawāsa a‘tōd īni´ᵘ u‘kātạn, ānugutcimādcā; mīyä‘ta iᵘ äniwā‘k pạngī äjikaskitōt tōngitiyä∙ạ∙mīt.
*Ezhi-giigidod Naanabozhoo: “Aa’an, ‘chiin, chiin, chiin,’ gaa-inweyan, gaa-wiindamawisiyan niniikaansimag gii-gimoodimigowaa!” Mii dash iw aapiji akaakazheng gaa-initenig i’iw ojiid, mii dash iw ezhiikogaabawid. Etawaa, gaawiin ganage ogashkitoosiin ji-bimosed; mii go iw ezhi-miskwiiwinid i’iw onishiwan, aapiji ogashkitoon wawaasa atood iniw okaadan, anoo-gojimaajaa; miiyeta iw aaniwek bangii ezhi-gashkitood doongidiye’amiid.**
Then said Nänabushu: “Oh, so ‘Tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ, tcīⁿ,’ was what you said, you who did not inform me when I was being robbed of my Goslings!” And so when his bottom was burned like charcoal, he then stepped away. Poor creature! not a whit could he walk; since he was bloody at the testes, as wide as was possible for him to do he placed his feet, in vain he tried going; it was but a short distance he could walk with feet apart.
Ezhi-giigidod Naanabozhoo (Nänabushu said): “Aa’an (oh!), ‘chiin, chiin, chiin,’ gaa-inweyan (so that is what you said), ∙ gaa-wiindamawisiyan niniikaansimag gii-gimoodimigowaa (you who would not tell me my goslings were being stolen)!” Mii dash iw aapiji akaakazheng gaa-initenig i’iw ojiid (and so with all his force he scorched where the sound had come from, his rump), ∙ mii dash iw ezhiikogaabawid* (then he stepped away). Etawaa, gaawiin ganage ogashkitoosiin ji-bimosed (alas, he could not even walk); ∙ mii go iw ezhi-miskwiiwinid i’iw onishiwan (he was bloody at the testes), ∙ aapiji ogashkitoon wawaasa atood iniw okaadan (with great effort he set his legs far apart), ∙ anoo-gojimaajaa (trying in vain to manage); ∙ miiyeta iw aaniwek bangii ezhi-gashkitood doongidiye’amiid (only a tiny bit could he go with feet apart).
(24) Äniwä‘kigu wâsa ạnitạgwicin ningutingiku inābit mi‘tigōnsạn ugwa‘kitäniwạn; wägunänīwinän udạninīsawa∙ā∙nạn. Kānigạbi‘kạnk äci∙ā∙bạnābit; ä‘tawā, pạnägu kāmiskwīwā‘kwạtinig īni´ᵘ mi‘tigōnsạn. Äjikīgitut Nänabucu: “Miskwābīmạgōn uga∙i∙cini‘kātānāwān īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg mini‘k kä∙a∙‘kiwạng kayä mini‘k kägīcigōwạnk. Äntạgä ugawusāmäntānāwā īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg, ugapā‘kusigänāwā.”
Aniweki go waasa anitagwishin ningoding igo inaabid mitigoonsan ogwakideniwan; wegonen-iwinen odani-niizawa’aanan. Gaanigaabikang ezhi-aabaanaabid; etawaa, apane go gaa-miskwiwekwadinig iniw mitigoonsan. Ezhi-giigidod Naanabozhoo: “Miskwaabiimagoon oga-izhinikaadaanaawaan igiw anishinaabeg minik ge-aakiiwang gaye minik ge-giizhigowang. Andage oga-osaamendaanaawaa igiw anishinaabeg, oga-baakozigenaawaa.”**
At some distance away was he come, when suddenly, on looking about, (he saw) some brambles standing in dense growth; without reason he walked straight through their midst. After he had passed through them, he then looked back. Oh, how completely red with blood were the brambles! Then said Nänabushu: “Red willows shall the people call them as long as the world lasts and as long as there is a sky. Special delight shall the people take in them, they shall use them for a mixture in smoking.”
Aniweki go waasa anitagwishin (a fair distance off he had come) ∙ ningoding igo inaabid mitigoonsan ogwakideniwan (when, looking about, he saw little bushes standing thick); ∙ wegonen-iwinen odani-niizawa’aanan* (heedlessly he walked right through their midst). Gaanigaabikang ezhi-aabaanaabid (after passing through he looked back); ∙ etawaa, apane go gaa-miskwiwekwadinig iniw mitigoonsan (alas, wholly red with blood were those bushes). Ezhi-giigidod Naanabozhoo (Nänabushu said): “Miskwaabiimagoon oga-izhinikaadaanaawaan igiw anishinaabeg (red willows the people will call them) ∙ minik ge-aakiiwang gaye minik ge-giizhigowang (as long as the world lasts and as long as there is a sky). ∙ Andage oga-osaamendaanaawaa igiw anishinaabeg (greatly will the people esteem them), ∙ oga-baakozigenaawaa* (they will use them in their smoking-mixture).”
(25) Mīsa´ mīnawā ạnimādcā Nänabucu. Kägä‘t kāwīn ugacki‘tōsīn ānuwī‘pimusät, ā‘pidci sītawitiyä. Ningutingiku papimusät owâbạndān cōckwạnābi‘kānig, wägunänīwinän Nänabucu äjicōckwạtciwät. Kā‘kabäyābōnut, mīdạc ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ äci∙ā∙bạnābit. Ä‘tiwä, otōmigīwitiyān. Kägä‘t kạgwānisagi nāgwạtini. Nänabucu äjikīgitut: “Ēⁱ, mīsa i´ᵘ kä∙i∙jini‘kātạmowād ạnicinābäg, wā‘kunạg uga∙i∙cini‘kātānāwa. Ändạgädạc ugawuⁿsāmāntānāwa ‘i∙ᵉi´∙ᵘ tci∙ạ∙ni∙a∙‘kīwạng kayä dạc ugạmīdcināwā īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg.”
Mii sa miinawaa ani-maajaa Naanabozhoo. Geget gaawiin ogashkitoosiin anoo-wii-bimosed, aapiji zhiidawidiye. Ningoding igo babimosed owaabandaan zhooshkwanaabikenig, wegonen-iwinen Naanabozhoo ezhi-zhooshkwaajiwed. Gaa-kabeyaaboonod, mii dash i’iw ezhi-aabaanaabid. Etiwe, odoomigiiwidiyaan. Geget gagwaanisagi-naagwadini. Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod: “Ee, mii sa iw ge-izhinikaadamowaad anishinaabeg, waakonag oga-izhinikaadaanaawaa. Andage dash oga-osaamendaanaawaa i’iw ji-ani-aakiiwang gaye dash ogamiijinaawaa igiw anishinaabeg.”
And so on his way continued Nänabushu. To be sure, he was not able to walk, in spite of his efforts; exceedingly stiff was he at the bottom. Once while going along he saw a place where the rock was smooth, and then like an idiot down slid Nänabushu. When he was come at the other end of the slide, he accordingly looked back. Why, there were the sores of his bottom. Really it was a frightful thing to see. Nänabushu then said: “Oh, this is what the people shall call it, lichens they shall call it. And very much shall they esteem it, and as long as the world lasts shall the people also eat it for food.”
Mii sa miinawaa ani-maajaa Naanabozhoo (and so again Nänabushu set off). Geget gaawiin ogashkitoosiin anoo-wii-bimosed (truly he could not walk, try as he might), ∙ aapiji zhiidawidiye (exceedingly stiff at the rump). Ningoding igo babimosed owaabandaan zhooshkwanaabikenig (once as he walked along he saw a smooth slope of rock), ∙ wegonen-iwinen Naanabozhoo ezhi-zhooshkwaajiwed (and foolishly Nänabushu slid down it). Gaa-kabeyaaboonod (when he had slid to the bottom), ∙ mii dash i’iw ezhi-aabaanaabid (he then looked back). Etiwe, odoomigiiwidiyaan (alas, the sores of his rump). Geget gagwaanisagi-naagwadini (truly a dreadful thing to see). Naanabozhoo ezhi-giigidod (Nänabushu said): “Ee (oh), ∙ mii sa iw ge-izhinikaadamowaad anishinaabeg (this is what the people will name it), ∙ waakonag oga-izhinikaadaanaawaa (lichen they will call it). ∙ Andage dash oga-osaamendaanaawaa i’iw ji-ani-aakiiwang (greatly will they esteem it as long as the world goes on) ∙ gaye dash ogamiijinaawaa igiw anishinaabeg (and also the people will eat it for food).”