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.
26. NÄNABUSHU AND WINDIGO.
Nanabushu and Windigo
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) Ningutingigu papimācạgāmät īnābit iwiti ạgämikistcigạmi awiya owâbạmān ‘iᵉi’ᵘ pimācạgāmänit, ā‘pidcisa minditōwạn.
Ningoding igo babimaazhagaamed inaabid iwidi agaami-gichigami awiya owaabamaan i’iw bimaazhagaamenid, aapiji sa mindidowan.
And once, while walking along the shore (and) looking towards the other side of the sea, he saw one passing along the coast, tremendously huge was the being.
Ningoding igo (and once) babimaazhagaamed (as he walked along the shore) inaabid (looking off) iwidi agaami-gichigami (over there across the great sea) awiya owaabamaan (he saw someone) i’iw bimaazhagaamenid (passing along the shore), aapiji sa mindidowan (tremendously big was that one).
(2) Kāwīn kanagä ä‘kōnīngitawitiyänit a‘kōsisīwạn ‘iᵉi’ᵘ mi‘tigōᵉ.
Gaawiin ganage eko-niingidawidiyenid akoozisiiwan i’iw mitigoon.
Nowhere near to his buttocks were the trees in their height.
Gaawiin ganage (not at all, nowhere near) eko-niingidawidiyenid (as high as his buttocks) akoozisiiwan i’iw mitigoon (did the trees reach in height).
(3) Ānīc, mīwạniniᵘ Wīndigo.
Aaniish, mii wa iniw Wiindigo.
Well, of course it was Wīndigo.
Aaniish (well now), mii wa iniw Wiindigo (it was that Wiindigo).
(4) Wägunänīwinän upīpāgimān:
Wegoneniiwinen obiibaagimaan:
Like a fool he called aloud to him :
Wegoneniiwinen (foolishly, what-on-earth-like) obiibaagimaan (he called out to him):
(5) “Nicīmisa, wạtcaka∙ä∙ā∙nowạn kāmāmīdcitạmạn!
“Nishiime sa, wajaka’eaanowan gaa-maamiijidaman!
“O my younger brother ! upon the dry tail of a beaver did you ease yourself.
“Nishiime sa (O my little brother), wajaka’eaanowan (upon a dried beaver tail) gaa-maamiijidaman (is what you have eased yourself upon)!
(6) Pämācagāmäyạn, woiⁱ!”
Bemaazhagaameyan, woii!”
You passer along the shore, halloo !”
Bemaazhagaameyan (you who pass along the shore), woii!” (halloo!”)
(7) ānīc, nāmā wāsa inäntạm Nänabucu.
Aaniish, naa maa waasa inendam Nenaboozhoo.
Well, at a safe distance away Nänabushu thought (he was).
Aaniish (well), naa maa waasa inendam Nenaboozhoo (at a good distance off Nenaboozhoo thought himself to be).
(8) Ā‘pidcidạc unickimigōn Wīndigo Nänabucōwạn.
Aapiji dash onishkimigoon Wiindigo Nenaboozhoowan.
Now, very angry was Wīndigo made by Nänabushu.
Aapiji dash onishkimigoon Wiindigo (and very angry was Wiindigo made) Nenaboozhoowan (by Nenaboozhoo).
(9) “Kägä‘t māma‘kātc.
“Geget maamakaaj.
“It is really absurd.
“Geget maamakaaj (truly it is astonishing/absurd).
(10) Kunigä, ‘Nīnä‘ta nimạnitōwi,’ inänamutug ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabucu.
Gonige, ‘Niin eta ni-manidoowi,’ inendamodog a’aw Nenaboozhoo.
Perhaps ‘I am the only manitou existing,’ may be Nänabushu’s thought.
Gonige (perhaps), ‘Niin eta ni-manidoowi,’ (‘I alone am a manidoo,’) inendamodog a’aw Nenaboozhoo (so must Nenaboozhoo be thinking).
(11) Ạmbäsanō, ningagīwi‘tạgāmäba‘tō.”
Ambe sa noo, ninga-giiwitaagaamebatoo.”
Well, I will run round (to where he is), keeping to the shore.”
Ambe sa noo (well, come now), ninga-giiwitaagaamebatoo.” (I will run around the shore.”)
(12) Kägä‘t mādcība‘tō Wīndigo, ki‘tciwība udōdi‘tān imā pimācạgāmänit īni’ᵘ Nänabucōwạn.
Geget maajiibatoo Wiindigoo, gichi-wiiba odoo-ditaan imaa bimaazhagaamenid iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
Truly off went running Wīndigo, in a very little while he arrived at the place where Nänabushu was coming along the shore.
Geget maajiibatoo Wiindigoo (truly off ran Wiindigo), gichi-wiiba odoo-ditaan (very quickly he reached) imaa bimaazhagaamenid iniw Nenaboozhoowan (the place where Nenaboozhoo was coming along the shore).
(13) Wägunänīwinän äcitcāngitiyäcing ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Wīndigō.
Wegoneniiwinen ezhi-jaangidiyeshing a’aw Wiindigoo.
What did Wīndigo do but get down and lay with his bottom up.
Wegoneniiwinen (what should he do but) ezhi-jaangidiyeshing a’aw Wiindigoo (Wiindigo lay down with his bottom pointing up).
(14) Nāgạtcigu cigwa pagạmācạgāmäwạn Nänabucōwạn.
Naagaj igo zhigwa bagamaazhagaamewan Nenaboozhoowan.
It was but a short while when up came Nänabushu to where he was on the shore.
Naagaj igo zhigwa (after a while, now) bagamaazhagaamewan Nenaboozhoowan (Nenaboozhoo came up along the shore).
(15) Cigwa owâbạmigōn; ānīn gä∙i∙cinạng awiya kītcāngitiyäcinōn.
Zhigwa owaabamigoon; aaniin ge-izhinang awiiya gii-jaangidiyeshinoon.
Then (by Nänabushu) was he observed ; what was he to see but somebody lying with bottom pointing up.
Zhigwa owaabamigoon (then he was seen by him); aaniin ge-izhinang (what should he see but) awiiya gii-jaangidiyeshinoon (someone lying with bottom pointing up).
(16) Mīgu iᵘ ānawi∙i∙cigāsō‘tawāt omạdwäkạnōnigōn Nänabuco:
Mii go iw aanawi-izhi-gaazootawaad omadwe-kanoonigoon Nenaboozhoo:
Accordingly, when he made an attempt to hide from him, Nänabushu heard (Wīndigo) saying to him:
Mii go iw aanawi-izhi-gaazootawaad (and so when in vain he tried to hide from him) omadwe-kanoonigoon Nenaboozhoo (Nenaboozhoo heard him being addressed):
(17) “Ondās, a‘kawä, ninganawạtcīn ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kīya’ᵘ.
“Ondaas, akawe, ninga-nawajiin i’iw giiyaw.
“Come hither, wait, I want to make a small meal out of you.
“Ondaas (come here), akawe (wait), ninga-nawajiin i’iw giiyaw (I will make a little meal of your body).
(18) Wäwīp, ontās.”
Wewiib, ondaas.”
Make haste, come!”
Wewiib (hurry), ondaas.” (come here.”)
(19) Ä‘tawā, Nänabucu ạnigāgīmōta‘tämo ạnināⁿzi‘kawāt.
Etawaa, Nenaboozhoo ani-gaagiimoodademo ani-naazikawaad.
Alas ! Nänabushu began weeping silently on his way over to where (Wīndigo) was.
Etawaa (alas), Nenaboozhoo ani-gaagiimoodademo (Nenaboozhoo went along weeping quietly) ani-naazikawaad (as he made his way over to him).
(20) Cigwa imā odōdisān; kägätsa mạngitcītīwạn, micicạgu ‘iᵉi’ᵘ odä∙i∙ni.
Zhigwa imaa odoo-disaan; geget sa mangijiidiiwan, mizhisha go i’iw ode’ini.
Presently he came to where (Wīndigo) was ; truly big was his anus, and in plain view was his heart.
Zhigwa imaa odoo-disaan (now he came to where he was); geget sa mangijiidiiwan (truly big was his anus), mizhisha go i’iw ode’ini (and in plain view was his heart).
(21) Ugạnōnigōn: “Nänabucu, mạnisän.
Oganoonigoon: “Nenaboozhoo, manisen.
By him was he addressed, saying: “Nänabushu, go gather some fire-wood.
Oganoonigoon (he was addressed): “Nenaboozhoo, manisen (Nenaboozhoo, gather firewood).
(22) Ninga∙a∙‘kawä∙ạ∙bwän ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kīya’ᵘ.”
Ninga-akawe-abwen i’iw giiyaw.”
I will first roast your body.”
Ninga-akawe-abwen i’iw giiyaw.” (first I will roast your body.”)
(23) Kägä‘t äjigu‘pīt Nänabucu mạnisät.
Geget ezhi-gopiid Nenaboozhoo manised.
Truly then up from the shore went Nänabushu to gather fire-wood.
Geget ezhi-gopiid Nenaboozhoo (truly then up from the shore went Nenaboozhoo) manised (to gather firewood).
(24) Ä‘tawā, mōjạg mawi.
Etawaa, moozhag mawi.
Poor fellow! all the while was he crying.
Etawaa (poor fellow), moozhag mawi (all the while he wept).
(25) Cigwasa nībiwa kā∙u∙‘kwā‘kwisi‘tōd īni’ᵘ misạn, ugạnōnigōn:
Zhigwa sa niibiwa gaa-okwaakwisidood iniw misan, oganoonigoon:
After he had piled up much fire-wood, he was addressed:
Zhigwa sa niibiwa gaa-okwaakwisidood iniw misan (now after he had piled up much firewood) oganoonigoon (he was addressed):
(26) “Mī∙i∙ᵘ icibōdawän.”
“Mii iw izhi-boodawen.”
“Now, do you kindle a fire.”
“Mii iw izhi-boodawen.” (now then, kindle a fire.”)
(27) Nänabucu äjibōdawät.
Nenaboozhoo ezhi-boodawed.
Nänabushu then kindled the fire.
Nenaboozhoo ezhi-boodawed (Nenaboozhoo then kindled the fire).
(28) Kā‘pōdawät uganōnigōn:
Gaa-poodawed oganoonigon:
After he had kindled the fire, he was addressed:
Gaa-poodawed (after he had kindled the fire) oganoonigon (he was addressed):
(29) “Nänabucu, mī∙i’∙ᵘ ici∙ạ∙ntawâbạntạn ‘iᵉi’wä käwạtabwānā‘kuyān ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kīyawic.
“Nenaboozhoo, mii i’iw izhi-andawaabandan i’iwe ge-wadabwaanaakoyaan i’iw giiyawizh.
“Nänabushu, now go you hence to seek for something which I can use for a spit to roast your old body on.
“Nenaboozhoo, mii i’iw izhi-andawaabandan (Nenaboozhoo, now go and look for) i’iwe ge-wadabwaanaakoyaan (something I can use as a roasting-spit) i’iw giiyawizh (for your wretched body).
(30) Ā‘pidci wänā‘kwa‘k, māgicā tạgitā‘kwitin ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kiwīsäncis.”
Aapiji wenaakwak, maagizhaa dagidaakwidin i’iw giwiisenshis.”
(Let it be) very straight, else perhaps your old spleen might be forced out.”
Aapiji wenaakwak (very straight), maagizhaa dagidaakwidin i’iw giwiisenshis.” (or else perhaps your old spleen might be forced out.”)
(31) Kägä‘t ạnimādcā Nänabucu.
Geget ani-maajaa Nenaboozhoo.
Truly away went Nänabushu.
Geget ani-maajaa Nenaboozhoo (truly off went Nenaboozhoo).
(32) Ānīc mōcạg mawi, ä‘pītcisägisit.
Aaniish moozhag mawi, epiichi-segizid.
Now, all the time was he weeping, he was so scared.
Aaniish moozhag mawi (now all the while he wept), epiichi-segizid (so frightened was he).
(33) Ā‘pidcigu ‘iᵉi’wä wayāninā‘kwạtinik ‘iᵉi’wä mi‘tig umi‘kān, kayä iᵘ säsạgati‘kwạniwạninik.
Aapiji go i’iwe wayaaninaakwadinig i’iwe mitig omikaan, gaye iw zesagadikwaniwaninig.
So a stick with a very big curve he found, and it had many twigs.
Aapiji go i’iwe wayaaninaakwadinig i’iwe mitig (a very crooked stick) omikaan (he found), gaye iw zesagadikwaniwaninig (and one with many branching twigs).
(34) Äjimādcāt icāt äcimīnāt; ō∙ō∙ udinān: “Tawa‘t, tawa‘t, tawa‘t!”¹
Ezhi-maajaad izhaad ezhi-miinaad; o’ow odinaan: “Dawat, dawat, dawat!”
Then he started going over to give it to (Wīndigo); this he said to him: “Oh, oh, oh!”(1)
Ezhi-maajaad izhaad ezhi-miinaad (then he set off, going to give it to him); o’ow odinaan (this he said to him): “Dawat, dawat, dawat!” (“Dawat, dawat, dawat!”)
(35) Ä∙ī∙nditcin ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Nänabuco.
E’iindijin a’aw Nenaboozhoo.
Such was the way Nänabushu acted.
E’iindijin a’aw Nenaboozhoo (such was the way Nenaboozhoo behaved).
(36) “Kāwīninawīn tagitā‘kwitin iwä kiwīsäncic?
“Gaawiin ina wiin dagidaakwidin iwe giwiizenshizh?
“Would not your old spleen be forced out by that?
“Gaawiin ina wiin dagidaakwidin iwe giwiizenshizh? (would not your wretched old spleen be forced out by that?)
(37) Bä‘kānạg iwä mi‘tig nạndawâbạⁿdạn, wänā‘kwạk.”
Bekaanag iwe mitig nandawaabandan, wenaakwak.”
For a different one do you seek, one that is straight.”
Bekaanag iwe mitig nandawaabandan (look for a different stick), wenaakwak.” (one that is straight.”)
(38) Ä‘tawā Nänabucu.
Etawaa Nenaboozhoo.
Hapless Nänabushu!
Etawaa Nenaboozhoo (poor, hapless Nenaboozhoo)!
(39) Mīdạc gägät ạnimawit, pīnicigu wāsa ạnitạgucin.
Mii dash geget ani-mawid, biinish igo waasa ani-dagoshin.
Thereupon truly off he went crying, (going) till he a long way off was come.
Mii dash geget ani-mawid (thereupon truly off he went weeping), biinish igo waasa ani-dagoshin (until he had come a long way off).
(40) Pāmāgu ạnī∙i∙nābit, tä‘tiwä, cingusạn kībimiba‘tōwạn äjigạnōnāt:
Baamaa go ani-inaabid, detiwe, zhingosan gii-bimibatoowan ezhi-ganoonaad:
And suddenly, while looking about as he went, why, here was a Weasel whom he addressed as it went running past:
Baamaa go ani-inaabid (presently, looking about as he went), detiwe (why, there!), zhingosan gii-bimibatoowan (a weasel went running past) ezhi-ganoonaad (whom he addressed):
(41) “Nistcīmiˢtcā, nīnip nōngum.”
“Nishiime sa, ni-nib noongom.”
“My little brother, I am now going to die.”
“Nishiime sa (my little brother), ni-nib noongom.” (I am going to die now.”)
Open for M., 2026-09-02 (26-M1): the page prints Nistcīmiˢtcā (p.198 l.26 — baseline s+tc, then superior-ˢ before the second tcā; pixel-verified at 7×). The Fiero here reads Nishiime sa, which derives from the plain nicīmisa this record prints at §73, not from this printed form; story_p1_22 renders the same lexeme (Niˢtcīmiˢtcā / Niˢtcimiˢtcā) as Nijiimijaa at §8 and §12, and Jones’s own footnote to #22 spells it Ni‘tcīmi‘tcā. Nothing was changed; the reading is M.’s to rule.
(42) Kibi‘tcisäwạn īni’ᵘ cingusạn.
Gibichisewan iniw zhingosan.
In its flight stopped the Weasel.
Gibichisewan iniw zhingosan (the weasel stopped short in its dash).
(43) Otā‘tagạnābạmigōn äjigạnōnigut:
Odaataganaabamigoon ezhi-ganoonigod:
By it was he gazed up at when by it he was addressed:
Odaataganaabamigoon (he was gazed up at by it) ezhi-ganoonigod (when it addressed him):
(44) “Nänabucu, wägunäc wâ∙u∙ndcinibuyạn?”
“Nenaboozhoo, wegonesh waa-onji-niboyan?”
“Nänabushu, why are you going to die?”
“Nenaboozhoo, wegonesh waa-onji-niboyan?” (Nenaboozhoo, why is it you are going to die?”)
(45) “A‘tawā, mīginīni∙i’∙ᵘ wī∙a∙‘kawinawạtcīt waᵉa’ᵘ Wīndigō ‘iᵉi’ᵘ nīya’ᵘ.
“Atawaa, mii go niin i’iw wii-akawe-nawajiid wa’aw Wiindigoo i’iw niiyaw.
“Alas! because a light meal does that Wīndigo intend to make of my body.
“Atawaa (alas), mii go niin i’iw wii-akawe-nawajiid wa’aw Wiindigoo i’iw niiyaw (it is that this Wiindigo means first to make a little meal of my body).
(46) Kāwīnina kitānisāsī?”
Gaawiin ina gidaa-nisaasii?”
Could you not kill him?”
Gaawiin ina gidaa-nisaasii?” (could you not kill him?”)
(47) Äjigạnōnigut: “Nạmạdạpinạgu ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Wīndigō?”
Ezhi-ganoonigod: “Namadabi na go a’aw Wiindigoo?”
Then he was addressed by it saying : “ And is the Wīndigo sitting down ?”
Ezhi-ganoonigod (then it addressed him): “Namadabi na go a’aw Wiindigoo?” (is that Wiindigo sitting down?”)
(48) “Kāwīn, tcāngitiyäcin, micicạgo iwä utcīt, kayä ‘iᵉi’ᵘ utä.”
“Gaawiin, jaangidiyeshin, mizhisha go iwe ojiid, gaye i’iw ode.”
“No, he lies with bottom pointing upward, and in full view is his anus, likewise his heart.”
“Gaawiin (no), jaangidiyeshin (he lies with bottom pointing up), mizhisha go iwe ojiid (in full view is his anus), gaye i’iw ode.” (likewise his heart.”)
(49) “Nänabucu, mīnōtcisa ningawīkagwänisā.
“Nenaboozhoo, miinooch isa ninga-awi-gagwe-nisaa.
“Nänabushu, nevertheless I will try to slay him.
“Nenaboozhoo, miinooch isa ninga-awi-gagwe-nisaa (Nenaboozhoo, even so I will go and try to kill him).
(50) Mäskwạti dạc wīn kīgapạgusänimin kägō.
Meshkwad idash wiin giga-pagosenimin gegoo.
And as a reward for myself I shall expect some kind of blessing from you.
Meshkwad idash wiin giga-pagosenimin gegoo (and in return I will ask something of you).
(51) Intawā dạc kīcpin kägō tōtawisiwạn kāwīn nintānisāsī.”
Indawaa dash giishpin gegoo doodawisiwan gaawiin nindaa-nisaasii.”
So, therefore, if you fail to do something for me, I would not kill him.”
Indawaa dash giishpin gegoo doodawisiwan (so then, if you do nothing for me) gaawiin nindaa-nisaasii.” (I would not kill him.”)
(52) Kīgitōwạn Nänabucōwạn: “Mäskwat kīcpin nisạt, tcipicạgäntạmạn ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kīya’ᵘ kīga∙i∙ci∙i∙n.”
Giigidoowan Nenaboozhoowan: “Meshkwad giishpin nisad, ji-bishigendaman i’iw giiyaw giga-izhi’in.”
Up spoke Nänabushu: “As your reward for killing him, I will make you proud of yourself.”
Giigidoowan Nenaboozhoowan (Nenaboozhoo spoke up): “Meshkwad giishpin nisad (in return, if you kill him), ji-bishigendaman i’iw giiyaw giga-izhi’in.” (I will make you so that you take pride in your body.”)
(53) Äjikanōnint Nänabucō: “Mī∙i’∙ᵘ icipindōmun ‘iᵉi’wä nīyawic.”
Ezhi-kanoonind Nenaboozhoo: “Mii i’iw izhi-piindoomon i’iwe niiyawizh.”
Then was Nänabushu told: “Therefore do you put me in the bosom of your garment.”
Ezhi-kanoonind Nenaboozhoo (then Nenaboozhoo was told): “Mii i’iw izhi-piindoomon i’iwe niiyawizh.” (now then, tuck me into the bosom of your garment.”)
(54) Ā‘tayā, kägä‘t minwäntạm Nänabucu.
Aatayaa, geget minwendam Nenaboozhoo.
Ah, truly pleased was Nänabushu.
Aatayaa (ah), geget minwendam Nenaboozhoo (truly glad was Nenaboozhoo).
(55) ‘Iᵉi’ᵘ ạbwānā‘k wänicicininik ‘iᵉiwä mi‘tig ạntawâbạndạnk, kayä ā‘pidci wänā‘kwutinig; mīdạc ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kā‘kīcka∙ạ∙nk.
I’iw abwaanaak wenizhishininig i’iwe mitig andawaabandang, gaye aapiji wenaakwadinig; mii dash i’iw gaa-kiizhka’ang.
The roasting-spit which he sought to find was of excellent wood and very straight ; and that was what he had cut.
I’iw abwaanaak wenizhishininig i’iwe mitig andawaabandang (the roasting-spit of good wood that he had been looking for), gaye aapiji wenaakwadinig (and very straight); mii dash i’iw gaa-kiizhka’ang (and that is what he cut).
(56) Änīji mādcītōt, käyābi kītcāngitiyäcinōn īniwä Wīndigōn.
Eni-izhi-maajiidood, geyaabi gii-jaangidiyeshinoon iniwe Wiindigoon.
When he went thither taking it to him, still yet was Wīndigo lying with bottom pointing up.
Eni-izhi-maajiidood (as he carried it along to him), geyaabi gii-jaangidiyeshinoon iniwe Wiindigoon (still Wiindigo lay with bottom pointing up).
(57) Ugạnōnān: “O∙o∙wä udạbwānā‘kun.”
Oganoonaan: “O’owe odabwaanaakon.”
He spoke to him, saying: “Here is your spit.”
Oganoonaan (he spoke to him): “O’owe odabwaanaakon.” (here is your roasting-spit.”)
(58) Mīdạc imā äjigitcibagwīt īni’ᵘ cingusạn, panägu äni∙u∙tānawäsänit.
Mii dash imaa ezhi-gijibagwiid iniw zhingosan, bane go eni-odaanawesenid.
Then it was that he pulled the Weasel forth from the bosom of his garment, and away whirled its tail as it flew in.
Mii dash imaa ezhi-gijibagwiid iniw zhingosan (then it was he flung the weasel out from his bosom), bane go eni-odaanawesenid (and its tail whirled away as it darted in).
(59) “Ä‘tawā, ạmbäsanō kīni‘tạm kīga∙u∙ji‘tōn iyabwānā‘k.”
“Etawaa, ambe sa noo giinitam giga-ozhitoon iw abwaanaak.”
“Oh, well! then do you take a turn at making a roasting-spit.”
“Etawaa (oh, well now), ambe sa noo giinitam giga-ozhitoon iw abwaanaak.” (come, this time you make the roasting-spit.”)
(60) “Kāwīn,” udigōn īni’ᵘ Wīndigōn: “kinigu uji‘tōn.”
“Gaawiin,” odigoon iniw Wiindigoon: “giin igo ozhitoon.”
“No,” he was told by Wīndigo: “do you make it.”
“Gaawiin,” (no,) odigoon iniw Wiindigoon (he was told by Wiindigo): “giin igo ozhitoon.” (you make it.”)
(61) Nänabucu udōdā‘pinān iiwä mi‘tig; pitcīnạgigu wätä‘pinạng ugạnōnigōn:
Nenaboozhoo odoo-daapinaan i’iwe mitig; bijiinag igo wedaapinang oganoonigoon:
Nänabushu took up the stick ; as soon as he picked it up, he was addressed by the other saying:
Nenaboozhoo odoo-daapinaan i’iwe mitig (Nenaboozhoo took up the stick); bijiinag igo wedaapinang (just as he picked it up) oganoonigoon (he was addressed):
(62) “Kāwäsa, Nänabucu, ningi‘tcisäsägitä∙ä∙.
“Gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo, nin-gichi-sesegide’e.
“Impossible, Nänabushu, my heart beats with great fear.
“Gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo (no, it cannot be, Nenaboozhoo), nin-gichi-sesegide’e (my heart pounds with great fear).
(63) Nintigwā awiya uwīpa‘kạndān ‘iᵉi’wä nintä∙ä∙yāp.”
Nindigo awiya owii-pakandaan i’iwe ninde’eyaab.”
It seems as if something is about to bite off the cord of my heart.”
Nindigo awiya owii-pakandaan i’iwe ninde’eyaab.” (it is as if someone is about to bite through my heart-string.”)
(64) Nänabucu ugạnōnān: “Käcitinä unakā‘ku∙u∙tcin.
Nenaboozhoo oganoonaan: “Geshidine onakaako’ojin.
Nänabushu addressed him, saying: “Make haste and impale me upon (the spit)!
Nenaboozhoo oganoonaan (Nenaboozhoo addressed him): “Geshidine onakaako’ojin (hurry and impale me on the spit)!
(65) Wäwīpigu ạpwän iᵘ nīya’ᵘ.
Wewiib igo abwen iw niiyaw.
Hurry and roast my body!
Wewiib igo abwen iw niiyaw (quickly, roast my body)!
(66) Kämā gayä wīsāsa‘ku‘kwātạmạn iwä nīya’ᵘ.”
Gemaa gaye wii-saasakokwaadaman iwe niiyaw.”
Or, if you wish, you may fry my body.”
Gemaa gaye wii-saasakokwaadaman iwe niiyaw.” (or, if you wish, you may fry my body.”)
(67) Mīnawā kīgitōwạn: “Ēⁱ, kāwäsā, Nänabucu!
Miinawaa giigidowan: “Iii, gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo!
Again he spoke: “Oh, impossible, Nänabushu!
Miinawaa giigidowan (again he spoke): “Iii, gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo (oh, it cannot be, Nenaboozhoo)!
(68) kāwäsā kuca. Mī guca kägä‘t i∙i’∙ᵘ wīwạnäntạmān.”
Gaawesa gosha. Mii gosha geget i’iw wii-wanendamaan.”
Impossible really ! Perhaps, indeed, I am now growing unconscious.”
Gaawesa gosha (truly it cannot be). Mii gosha geget i’iw wii-wanendamaan.” (indeed I am about to lose my senses.”)
(69) Nänabucu omā udạnigā‘kikābiwi‘tawān.
Nenaboozhoo omaa odani-gaakigaabiwitawaan.
Nänabushu then went up close and stood beside him.
Nenaboozhoo omaa odani-gaakigaabiwitawaan (Nenaboozhoo went up close and stood right beside him).
(70) “O∙o∙o∙, käcitinä unakā‘ku∙u∙tcin!”
“O’o’o, geshidine onakaako’ojin!”
“Oh, do hurry and impale me upon (the spit)!”
“O’o’o (oh, oh), geshidine onakaako’ojin!” (do hurry and impale me on the spit!”)
(71) inābit Nänabucu, äcikawā‘kwitiyäsänit; mīsạgu ‘iᵉi’ᵘ kägä‘t kī∙ạ∙ninibunit.
Inaabid Nenaboozhoo, ezhi-kawaakwidiyesenid; mii sa go i’iw geget gii-ani-nibonid.
While Nänabushu looked on, then down to the ground fell (Wīndigo) with his bottom ; thereupon truly was he dying.
Inaabid Nenaboozhoo (as Nenaboozhoo looked on), ezhi-kawaakwidiyesenid (down he fell flat on his bottom); mii sa go i’iw geget gii-ani-nibonid (and thereupon truly he was dying).
(72) Kānibunit pi∙u∙ndcisāgitcisäwạn cingusạn.
Gaa-nibonid bi-onji-saagijisewan zhingosan.
When he was dead, then out from thence came the Weasel running.
Gaa-nibonid (when he was dead) bi-onji-saagijisewan zhingosan (out from there the weasel came running).
(73) “Ä‘tawā, nicīmisa! ạmạntcigic ā‘pidci kä∙i∙cimāmōyāwakäntạmōgubạnän?
“Etawaa, ni-shiime sa! Amanji go aapiji ge-izhi-maamooyaawagendamogobanen?
“How now, my little brother! Wonder what (I can do) so that he may be very thankful !
“Etawaa, ni-shiime sa (well now, my little brother)! Amanji go aapiji ge-izhi-maamooyaawagendamogobanen? (I wonder what would make him truly grateful?)
(74) Intawāsa’ ningawawäci∙ā∙.”
Indawaa sa ninga-wawezhi’aa.”
Therefore then will I paint him.”
Indawaa sa ninga-wawezhi’aa.” (so then I will adorn him.”)
(75) Nänabucu udōdā‘pinān äcigīsībīga‘wāt.
Nenaboozhoo odoo-daapinaan ezhi-giziibiigawaad.
Nänabushu took him up (and) then washed him in water.
Nenaboozhoo odoo-daapinaan (Nenaboozhoo took him up) ezhi-giziibiigawaad (and then washed him).
(76) Ā‘pidcisa kā‘pīnābāwạnāt, wägunänīwinän wâpāpigạnạn unạtawâbạmān.
*Aapiji sa gaa-piinaabaawanaad, wegoneniiwinen waabaabiganan onadawaabamaan.**
After he had made him thoroughly clean, what should he do but seek for white clay.
Aapiji sa gaa-piinaabaawanaad (after he had washed him thoroughly clean), wegoneniiwinen waabaabiganan onadawaabamaan* (what should he do but go seeking white clay).
(77) Kāmi‘kawāt nawạtc utcāgiswān īni’ᵘ wâbābigạnạn.
Gaa-mikawaad nawaj ojaagizwaan iniw waabaabiganan.
After he had found it, whiter still he burned the white clay.
Gaa-mikawaad (after he had found it) nawaj ojaagizwaan iniw waabaabiganan (he burned the white clay whiter still).
(78) Ā‘pidci kā∙i∙jiwâbickisinit kā‘kīci∙ā∙t, mīdạc ‘iᵉi’ᵘ misiwä äciwawäci∙ā∙t cingusạn; wạna‘kwāno uma‘katäwānawänān.
Aapiji gaa-izhi-waabishkizinid gaa-kiizhi’aad, mii dash i’iw miziwe ezhi-wawezhi’aad zhingosan; wanakwaano omakadewaanawenaan.
After it was made exceedingly white, then he had it finished, whereupon all over he painted the Weasel ; at the end of the tail he painted it black.
Aapiji gaa-izhi-waabishkizinid gaa-kiizhi’aad (after it had been made exceedingly white and he had finished it), mii dash i’iw miziwe ezhi-wawezhi’aad zhingosan (then all over he adorned the weasel); wanakwaano omakadewaanawenaan (at the tip of the tail he painted its tail black).
(79) “Ningatạga kạgwätciba‘tōn.”
“Ningadaga gagwejibatoon.”
“Now, just you try and see how you run.”
“Ningadaga gagwejibatoon.” (“now then [or: I tell you?], just try running.”)
(80) Kägä‘t cingus kagwätciba‘tō.
Geget zhingos gagwejibatoo.
To be sure, the Weasel started running.
Geget zhingos gagwejibatoo (sure enough the weasel set off running).
(81) Ä‘tiwä, kägä‘t picigänimu. Nänabucu uganōnān:
Etiwe, geget bishigenimo. Nenaboozhoo oganoonaan:
Oh, how really proud he was! Nänabushu spoke to him, saying:
Etiwe (why now), geget bishigenimo (truly he was proud of himself). Nenaboozhoo oganoonaan (Nenaboozhoo spoke to him):
(82) “Mīsạgunā iᵘ äcimāmōyawạminān.
“Mii sa go naa iw e-zhi-maamooyawaminaan.
“Therefore in this manner do I render thanks to you.
“Mii sa go naa iw e-zhi-maamooyawaminaan (this then is the way I give thanks to you).
(83) Ninibunābạn cingus.
Ni-nibonaaban zhingos.
I was dying at the time, Weasel.
Ni-nibonaaban zhingos (I was about to die, weasel).
(84) Mīdạc iᵘ kä∙i∙cināgusiyạn päpōngin ä‘ta.
Mii dash iw ge-izhinaagoziyan beboongin eta.
And that is the way you shall look only in the winter-time.
Mii dash iw ge-izhinaagoziyan beboongin eta (and that is how you shall look, in winter only).
(85) Mīdạc ‘iᵉi’ᵘ mini‘k kä∙a∙‘kīwạnk kä∙i∙cināgusiyạn.
Mii dash i’iw minik ge-akiiwang ge-izhinaagoziyan.
And as long as the world lasts, this is the way you shall look.
Mii dash i’iw minik ge-akiiwang ge-izhinaagoziyan (and for as long as the world endures, this is how you shall look).
(86) Ạmbädạc kaba‘käwīnin.”
Ambe dash giga-bakewinin.”
Therefore I now take leave of you.”
Ambe dash giga-bakewinin.” (and now I take leave of you.”)
(87) Nänabucu äjimādcīyācạgāmät ‘iᵉi’ᵘ ki‘tcigạmi.
Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajiiyaazhagaamed i’iw gichigami.
Nänabushu then departed, keeping along the shore of the sea.
Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajiiyaazhagaamed i’iw gichigami (Nenaboozhoo then set off along the shore of the great sea).
(26) Nanabushu and Windigo
(1) Dawat, dawat, dawat! “Oh, oh, oh!” a masculine exclamation denoting anger, often applied angrily to dogs when in the way or when disobedient.