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.
39. NÄNABUSHU AND SOARING-EAGLE.
Nanabushu and the Soaring Eagle
Narrated by Wâsagunäckạnk — Series 4 (No. 39), Bois Fort (per Michelson’s roster, Part I Preface p. XX; not credited on the story page itself).
from Ojibwa Texts collected by William Jones (1917).
(1) Mīsa’ wīpibōnici mägisiwāc.
Mii sa wii-biboonishi megiziwaash.
And now Soaring-Eagle was planning to go into camp for the winter.
Mii sa wii-biboonishi (and now he was going to make his winter camp) megiziwaash (Soaring-Eagle).
(2) Tcigwasa wīmādci‘tā kīⁿgōⁿyạn wīnōtci∙ā∙t, mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ äjiwâbạmāt kitạgwicininit īni’ᵘ Nänạbucūwạn.
Zhigwa sa wii-maajitaa giigoonyan wii-nooji’aad, mii dash i’iw ezhi-waabamaad gii-dagwishininid iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
And in a while he intended to set about to get some fish, whereupon he then saw Nänabushu, who now arrived (at his place).
Zhigwa sa wii-maajitaa (and in a while he meant to set to work) giigoonyan wii-nooji’aad (intending to go after fish), mii dash i’iw ezhi-waabamaad (whereupon he saw) gii-dagwishininid iniw Nenaboozhoowan (Nenaboozhoo, who had arrived).
(3) “Nābwīnā māmawitcigäyạng tcinōtci∙ạ∙ngwā īgi’ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyạg?” “‘Aᵘ, mī∙i’∙ᵘ
“Naabwiinaa maamawijigeyang ji-nooji’angwaa igiw giigoonyag?”
“Would it not be well for us to go together to get the fish?” (said Nänabushu).
“Naabwiinaa maamawijigeyang (“would it not be well that we work together) ji-nooji’angwaa igiw giigoonyag?” (to go after those fish?”)
(4) äciminwäntạmān omāgu pī∙i∙cigusin.” Kägä‘t,
“Aw, mii iw ezhi-minwendamaan omaa go bi-izhi-gozin.”
“Very well, and in that case I should be pleased if you would move your belongings over to this place.”
“Aw, mii iw ezhi-minwendamaan (“well, that is what would please me) omaa go bi-izhi-gozin.” (just move your camp over here.”)
(5) Nänabucu pikabäci.
Geget, Nenaboozhoo bi-gabeshi.
Sure enough, hither came Nänabushu to camp.
Geget, Nenaboozhoo bi-gabeshi (sure enough, Nenaboozhoo came over and camped).
(6) Misa cigwa mādci‘tāwāt; kīⁿgōⁿyạn nībiwa unisāwān.
Mii sa zhigwa maajitaawaad; giigoonyan niibiwa onisaawaan.
So thereupon they set to work; many fish they killed.
Mii sa zhigwa maajitaawaad (and so then they set to work); giigoonyan niibiwa onisaawaan (many fish they killed).
(7) Kīⁿgōⁿyaᵉ utạtcitagōnāwaᵉ.
Giigoonyan odajidagoonaawan.
They hung the fish upon racks, with the heads down.
Giigoonyan odajidagoonaawan (they hung the fish up on racks).
(8) Ā‘pitcisa’ nībiwa unisāwā.
Aapiji isa niibiwa onisaawaa.
Ever so many they killed.
Aapiji isa niibiwa onisaawaa (and ever so many they killed).
(9) Cigwa kạckạdinini i‘ᵉiᵘ sāga∙i∙gạn.
Zhigwa gashkadinini i’iw zaaga’igan.
In time frozen became the lake.
Zhigwa gashkadinini i’iw zaaga’igan (then the lake froze over).
(10) Mīsa’ äcikusinit Nänabucūwạn; ka‘kina omādcīnāᵉ kīⁿgōⁿyaᵉ.
Mii sa ezhi-gozinid Nenaboozhoowan; gakina omaajiinaan giigoonyan.
Thereupon Nänabushu moved camp; all the fish he took away with him.
Mii sa ezhi-gozinid Nenaboozhoowan (then Nenaboozhoo moved camp); gakina omaajiinaan giigoonyan (all the fish he took away with him).
(11) Mīsa‘pạnä kāwīn gägō ogamīdcisīn mägisiwāc.
Mii sa pane gaawiin gegoo oga-miijisiin megiziwaash.
And so not a single thing was left for Soaring-Eagle to eat.
Mii sa pane gaawiin gegoo oga-miijisiin megiziwaash (and so nothing at all would Soaring-Eagle have to eat).
(12) “Ānīc kätīyāng?”
“Aaniish ge-diyaang?”
“What will become of us?”
“Aaniish ge-diyaang?” (“what will become of us?”)
(13) Ānawigu pā‘tạnīnuwa iwä ạnicinābä imāⁿsa ändạnisit.
Aanawi go baatayiinowag iwe anishinaabe imaa sa endanizid.
Yet, for all that, many were the people at the place where he was.
Aanawi go baatayiinowag iwe anishinaabe (yet for all that, many were the people) imaa sa endanizid (there where he lived).
(14) Cigwa kipibōnini, mīsa cigwa pa‘kạdät.
Zhigwa gii-piboonini, mii sa zhigwa bakaded.
In time the winter came, whereupon he then lacked food.
Zhigwa gii-piboonini (then winter came on), mii sa zhigwa bakaded (and so then he went hungry).
(15) Ningutinigu, unāgucininig ā‘pitci wīwīsini; kayä īni’ᵘ wīwạn kayä iᵉi’ᵘ unītcānisaᵉ nīciwaᵉ.
Ningoding igo, onaagoshininig aapiji wii-wiisini; gaye iniw wiiwan gaye i’iw oniijaanisan niizhiwan.
Now, one evening he craved exceedingly for some food to eat; so too (did) his wife, and his children, two in number.
Ningoding igo, onaagoshininig (and once, one evening) aapiji wii-wiisini (he wanted very much to eat); gaye iniw wiiwan (and so too his wife) gaye i’iw oniijaanisan niizhiwan (and his children, two of them).
(16) Kuckwāwātisiwaᵉ.
Goshkwaawaadiziwan.
They were living quietly (there).
Goshkwaawaadiziwan (they were keeping still and quiet).
(17) Awīya pītwäwäcinōn äjipīndigänit.
Awiya biidweweshinoon ezhi-biindigenid.
They heard the footsteps of somebody approaching, who then came inside.
Awiya biidweweshinoon (someone came with the sound of footsteps) ezhi-biindigenid (and then came inside).
(18) “Mägisiwāc, kīwī‘kumigō.”
“Megiziwaash, gi-wiikomigoo”
“Soaring-Eagle, you are invited to a feast.”
“Megiziwaash, gi-wiikomigoo.” (“Soaring-Eagle, you are invited to a feast.”)
(19) Udōnāgạn kā∙u∙dā‘pīnạng, äjimādcāt. Misiwä
Odoonaagan gaa-odaapinang, ezhi-maajaad.
Taking up his bowl, he then departed.
Odoonaagan gaa-odaapinang (taking up his bowl), ezhi-maajaad (he then set off).
(20) ānupīndigä īni’ᵘ wīgiwāmạn, kāwīn kuca umī‘kạⁿzīn; mī ga‘kina ānugīgapäckạnk īni’ᵘ wīgiwāmạn, intawā äcikīwät.
*Miziwe aano-piindige iniw wiigiwaaman, gaawiin gosha omikanziin; mii gakina aano-gii-gabeshkang iniw wiigiwaaman, indawaa ezhi-giiwed.**
In every wigwam he entered, but to no purpose, for he did not find the place (of the feast); accordingly, when into all the wigwams he had entered in vain, he then went back home.
Miziwe aano-piindige iniw wiigiwaaman (everywhere he entered the wigwams in vain), gaawiin gosha omikanziin (for he did not find the place of the feast); mii gakina aano-gii-gabeshkang* iniw wiigiwaaman (when he had gone all through those wigwams in vain — stem flagged), indawaa ezhi-giiwed (so then he went back home).
(21) Äcipīndigät iyändāt, uganōnigōn īni’ᵘ wīwạn:
*Ezhi-biindiged iyendaad, oganoonigoon iniw wiiwan:**
On entering into the place where he dwelt, he was addressed by his wife saying:
Ezhi-biindiged iyendaad* (when he entered his home), oganoonigoon iniw wiiwan (he was addressed by his wife):
(22) “Ānīn dạc iᵉi’ᵘ kīwī‘kumigōwin?”
“Aaniin dash i’iw gii-wiikomigoowin?”
“Where is the food you got when invited?”
“Aaniin dash i’iw gii-wiikomigoowin?” (“and where is what you were invited to be fed?”)
(23) “Kāwīn ninkutci nimī‘kạⁿzīn tciwī‘kunding.”
“Gaawiin ningoji ni-mikanziin ji-wiikonding.”
“Nowhere did I find the place of the feast.”
“Gaawiin ningoji ni-mikanziin ji-wiikonding.” (“nowhere did I find where the feast was.”)
(24) Mīsa a‘pī äjiki‘tcimawinit īni’ᵘ wīwạn kayä unīdcānisaᵉ intawā äjikawicimuwāt; weyābạninig mīsạgu kāwīn kägō omītcisīnāwa.
Mii sa apii ezhi-gichi-mawinid iniw wiiwan gaye oniijaanisan indawaa ezhi-gawishimowaad; weyaabaninig mii sa go gaawiin gegoo omiijisiinaawaa.
Thereupon then bitterly wept his wife and his children. Accordingly then went they to bed; in the morning there was nothing for them to eat.
Mii sa apii ezhi-gichi-mawinid iniw wiiwan gaye oniijaanisan (then it was that his wife and his children wept bitterly) indawaa ezhi-gawishimowaad (so then they lay down to sleep); weyaabaninig mii sa go gaawiin gegoo omiijisiinaawaa (when morning came, there was nothing at all for them to eat).
(25) Cigwa mīnawā tibi‘kạdini, mīdạc kägä‘t wīwīsiniwāt.
Zhigwa miinawaa dibikadini, mii dash geget wii-wiisiniwaad.
In time it was night again, whereupon truly did they yearn for food to eat.
Zhigwa miinawaa dibikadini (then again it was night), mii dash geget wii-wiisiniwaad (whereupon truly they longed to eat).
(26) Cigwa, ạnitibi‘kạtini, pāmāgu pạta‘pābinit awiya.
Zhigwa, ani-dibikadini, baamaa go ba-dapaabinid awiya.
Now, it was beginning to grow dark, when of a sudden some one came up (and) peeped in.
Zhigwa, ani-dibikadini (then, as it grew dark), baamaa go ba-dapaabinid awiya (of a sudden someone came and peeped in).
(27) “Mägisiwāc kiwī‘kumigō.”
“Megiziwaash gi-wiikomigoo.”
“Soaring-Eagle, you are invited to a feast.”
“Megiziwaash gi-wiikomigoo.” (“Soaring-Eagle, you are invited to a feast.”)
(28) Kā∙u∙ti‘tinạnk udōnāgạn, sāgitcikwāckuni, ạgāwāgu ugäsa‘kawâbạmān ạnimiba‘tōnit.
Gaa-oditinang odoonaagan, zaagijikwaashkoni, agaawaa go ogezakawaabamaan animibatoonid.
Seizing his bowl, out of doors he leaped, and scarcely did he catch sight of him who went running away.
Gaa-oditinang odoonaagan (seizing his bowl), zaagijikwaashkoni (he leaped out of doors), agaawaa go ogezakawaabamaan animibatoonid (scarcely did he catch sight of him running away).
(29) Ki‘tci∙ä∙yāpīsi‘kāt umātcinīcawān.
Gichi-eyaapiisikaad omaajinizhawaan.
As fast as he could go he pursued after him.
Gichi-eyaapiisikaad omaajinizhawaan (as fast as he could go he chased after him).
(30) Kuniginīn, utạnikạbi‘kạmini īni’ᵘ wīgiwāmạn; sīpi kīckābi‘kānig ạnibīntigäsäwạn; mīgu iᵉi’ᵘ änitạnisit.
*Goniginiin, odani-gabikamini iniw wiigiwaaman; ziibi giishkaabikaanig ani-biindigesewan; mii go i’iw eni-danizid.**
Lo, the other sped past the wigwams; into the falls of a river the other ran, whereupon in he rushed.
Goniginiin, odani-gabikamini* iniw wiigiwaaman (lo, the other sped on past the wigwams); ziibi giishkaabikaanig ani-biindigesewan (into the falls of a river the other ran in); mii go i’iw eni-danizid (and that was where the other dwelt).
(31) Änipīndigäwāt, mūckinäbiwaᵉ wā‘kuntinit.
Eni-piindigewaad, mooshkinebiwan waakondinid.
As they went on in, (he found) the place filled up with guests.
Eni-piindigewaad (as they went on in), mooshkinebiwan waakondinid (the place was filled with guests).
(32) Kiˢtcipā‘pi∙ā∙.
Gichi-paapi’aa.
He was made much fun of.
Gichi-paapi’aa (he was much laughed at).
(33) Nạmägusạn wā‘kuntinit, kitcinībiwagu ạcạmā.
Namegosan waakondinid, gichi-niibiwa go ashamaa.
(It was to eat) trout that the invitation was given, and with a great deal of it (Soaring-Eagle) was fed.
Namegosan waakondinid (it was trout that the feast was for), gichi-niibiwa go ashamaa (and with a great deal of it he was fed).
(34) Käyābigu ickusäwạn īni’ᵘ tcībā‘kwānạn.
Geyaabi go ishkosewan iniw jiibaakwaanan.
There yet remained some more of the food that had been cooked.
Geyaabi go ishkosewan iniw jiibaakwaanan (there still remained some of the cooked food).
(35) Cigwa kạnōnā mägisiwāc:
Zhigwa ganoonaa megiziwaash:
Presently Soaring-Eagle was spoken to:
Zhigwa ganoonaa megiziwaash (then Soaring-Eagle was spoken to):
(36) “Mīmāwini iᵘ kägä‘t tcinōndāpaniciyạn.
“Mii maawiin i’iw geget ji-noondaapanishiyan.
“It is indeed quite possible that you may starve before the winter is over.
“Mii maawiin i’iw geget ji-noondaapanishiyan. (“it may well be that you will indeed starve.)
(37) Intawā kīgaki‘kino∙a∙māgō kä∙i∙cictcigäyạn.
Indawaa giga-kikinoo’amaagoo ge-izhichigeyan.
Therefore you will be taught what you shall do.
Indawaa giga-kikinoo’amaagoo ge-izhichigeyan. (therefore you will be taught what you are to do.)
(38) Wâbạnk kimindimō∙i∙mic tạbīmina‘kwä.
Waabang gi-mindimooyimish da-biiminakwe.
To-morrow your old woman shall make some twine.
Waabang gi-mindimooyimish da-biiminakwe. (tomorrow your old woman is to make twine.)
(39) Kīkīci‘tōt ibīmina‘kwān, mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ kä∙i∙ciki‘tcitwā∙i∙gäyạn imāⁿ wāpīgạmāg i∙i’∙ᵘ sāga∙i∙gạn.
*Gii-kiizhitood ibiiminakwaan, mii dash i’iw ge-izhi-gichi-dwaa’igeyan imaa wabigamaag i’iw zaaga’igan.**
After she has finished the twine, then you shall make a large hole in the ice over at yonder narrows of the lake.
Gii-kiizhitood ibiiminakwaan* (when she has finished the twine), mii dash i’iw ge-izhi-gichi-dwaa’igeyan (then you are to chop a big hole in the ice) imaa wabigamaag i’iw zaaga’igan. (there at the narrows of the lake.)
(40) Mīdạc i’ᵘ usi‘tānk kigatana‘pinā ‘aᵉa’ᵘ kinīdcānis.
Mii dash iw ozidaang giga-danapinaa a’aw gi-niijaanis.
Accordingly, then by its feet shall you tie your child with the cord.
Mii dash iw ozidaang giga-danapinaa a’aw gi-niijaanis. (and then by its feet you shall tie your child.)
(41) Kạbōtā‘kwäwā; mica‘kīsätdạc mīi’ᵘ kä∙i∙ciwī‘kubinạt, tci∙ä∙nigu‘k tcikitciwäbinạt.
Ga-boodaakwewaa; mizhakiise dash mii iw ge-izhi-wiikobinad, ji-enigok ji-kijiwebinad.
You shall put it down into the hole; and when it has reached the bottom then you shall draw it out, with all your power shall you pull on it.
Ga-boodaakwewaa (you shall let it down into the hole); mizhakiise dash mii iw ge-izhi-wiikobinad (and when it reaches bottom then you shall pull it back), ji-enigok ji-kijiwebinad. (with all your might shall you yank it.)
(42) Midạc imāⁿ tciwâbạmạt aᵉa’ᵘ nạmägus.
Mii dash imaa ji-waabamad a’aw namegos.
And then there shall you see the trout.
Mii dash imaa ji-waabamad a’aw namegos. (and then there you shall see the trout.)
(43) Kīnigu kīgatibābạmāg mīmāwīn mini‘k kätäbisäwāt.
Giin igo giga-dibaabamaag mii maawiin minik ge-debisewaad.
And you yourself shall see when you think that (the fishes) are enough.
Giin igo giga-dibaabamaag (you yourself shall judge by sight) mii maawiin minik ge-debisewaad. (when it seems there are enough.)
(44) Kä∙a∙‘pī‘tcibibōnk mī∙i’∙ᵘ kä∙i∙jickwā‘taiyạn.
ge-apiichi-biboong mii iw ge-izhi-shkwaataayan.
At the end of the winter then shall you cease.
ge-apiichi-biboong mii iw ge-izhi-shkwaataayan. (at the end of winter then you shall stop.)
(45) Mīsagunā iᵘ äcicawänimigōyạn. Mī∙i’∙ᵘ,
Mii sa go naa iw ezhi-shawenimigooyan.
And this is the way that you shall be blessed.
Mii sa go naa iw ezhi-shawenimigooyan. (and this is how you are being blessed.)
(46) mägisiwāc, icigīwän.
Mii iw megiziwaash, izhi-giiwen.
Therefore, Soaring-Eagle, do you return home.
Mii iw megiziwaash, izhi-giiwen. (so then, Soaring-Eagle, go on home.)
(47) Māgicā ābiding kīgawīsinim, mī∙i’∙ᵘ icikīwän.
Maagizhaa aabiding giga-wiisinim, mii iw izhi-giiwen.
Perhaps for once you (and your family) will have food (enough) to eat, therefore do you go on back home.
Maagizhaa aabiding giga-wiisinim (perhaps for once you all will have enough to eat), mii iw izhi-giiwen. (so then go on home.)
(48) Kīwäwic nạmägus.”
Giiwewish namegos.”
Take back some trout.”
Giiwewish namegos.” (carry some trout back home.”)
(49) Mīdạc i∙i∙ᵘ äjipīndigät iᵘ ändāt, kägä‘t mōtcigisiwạn īni wīwạn kayä unīdcānisaᵉ; tci∙ä∙nigu‘k wīsiniwaᵉ.
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-piindiged iw endaad, geget moojigiziwan iniw wiiwan gaye oniijaanisan; ji-enigok wiisiniwan.
And so when he entered his home, truly pleased were his wife and his children; with great eagerness did they eat.
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-piindiged iw endaad (and so when he entered his home), geget moojigiziwan iniw wiiwan gaye oniijaanisan (truly glad were his wife and his children); ji-enigok wiisiniwan (with great eagerness they ate).
(50) Mīsạgu iᵘ cigwa’ mādci‘tāt aᵘ mindimōyä pīmina‘kwät kạbätibi‘k; wäyābaninig okīci‘tōn i∙i∙ᵘ obīmina‘kwān.
Mii sa go iw zhigwa maajitaad aw mindimooye biiminakwed gabe-dibik; weyaabaninig ogiizhitoon i’iw obiiminakwaan.
Thereupon then did the old woman set to work weaving twine all night long; when it was morning, she finished the twine.
Mii sa go iw zhigwa maajitaad aw mindimooye (and so then the old woman set to work) biiminakwed gabe-dibik (making twine all night long); weyaabaninig ogiizhitoon i’iw obiiminakwaan (when morning came she finished her twine).
(51) Kigīcäp äjimādcāt mägisiwāc; wīwạn wīdcīwāt sāga∙i∙gạning icāt.
Gigizheb ezhi-maajaad megisiwaash; wiiwan wiijiiwaad zaaga’iganing izhaad.
In the morning then departed Soaring-Eagle; along with his wife, he went on his way to the lake.
Gigizheb ezhi-maajaad megisiwaash (in the morning Soaring-Eagle set out); wiiwan wiijiiwaad zaaga’iganing izhaad (going with his wife to the lake).
(52) Kā‘tạgwicink wāpigạmānk iᵘ sāga∙i∙gạn äjitwā∙i∙gät.
Gaa-tagwishing wabigamaang i’iw zaaga’igan ezhi-dwaa’iged.
When he got to the narrows of the lake, then he made a hole in the ice.
Gaa-tagwishing wabigamaang i’iw zaaga’igan (when he reached the narrows of the lake) ezhi-dwaa’iged (he chopped a hole in the ice).
(53) Kā‘kīcitōd udwā∙i∙gạn, uda‘kubinān īni’ᵘ unīdcānisạn, usidāning tạna‘pināt.
Gaa-kiizhitood odwaa’igan, odakobinaan iniw oniijaanisan, ozidaaning danapinaad.
After finishing the hole in the ice, he then bound one of his children; by its feet was where he bound it.
Gaa-kiizhitood odwaa’igan (after finishing his ice-hole), odakobinaan iniw oniijaanisan (he bound his child), ozidaaning danapinaad (binding it by its feet).
(54) Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ äcipōdā‘kwä∙u∙wāt.
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-boodaakwe’owaad.
Thereupon they put it down into the hole.
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-boodaakwe’owaad (then they let it down into the hole).
(55) Cigwa’ mica‘kīsäwạn, änigu‘k äciwī‘kubināt.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan, enigok ezhi-wiikobinaad.
When it got to the bottom, then with all his might he drew it out.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan (when it reached the bottom), enigok ezhi-wiikobinaad (with all his might he pulled it back).
(56) Kā‘kidickubināt, nạmägusạn pigitciskusäwạn.
*Gaa-kidishkobinaad, namegosan bigijishkosewan.**
After he had pulled it out, then the trout came out of the ice.
Gaa-kidishkobinaad (after he had pulled it out), namegosan bigijishkosewan* (the trout came out of the ice).
(57) Mägisiwâc kägä‘t minwändạm.
Megiziwaash geget minwendam.
Soaring-Eagle was really happy.
Megiziwaash geget minwendam (Soaring-Eagle was truly pleased).
(58) “Kāwin nindāyānacī‘taⁿzī kạbägīcig.”
“Gaawiin nindayaanazhiitanzii gabe-giizhig.”
“I will not stop throughout the whole day.”
“Gaawiin nindayaanazhiitanzii gabe-giizhig.” (“I will not stop the whole day long.”)
(59) Mīnawā äcipōdā‘kwäwāt īni unīdcānisạn.
Miinawaa ezhi-boodaakwewaad iniw oniijaanisan.
Then another of his children he put down through the hole.
Miinawaa ezhi-boodaakwewaad iniw oniijaanisan (again he let another of his children down into the hole).
(60) Cigwa’ mica‘kīsäwạn tci∙ä∙nigu‘k uwī‘kubinān.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan ji-enigok owiikobinaan.
When it got to the bottom, with all his power he pulled upon it.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan ji-enigok owiikobinaan (when it reached bottom, with all his power he pulled on it).
(61) Äcikī‘tciwäbināt, nạmägusạn owâbạmān.
Ezhi-gichiwebinaad, namegosan owaabamaan.
When he gave it a great throw, a trout he saw.
Ezhi-gichiwebinaad (when he gave it a great throw), namegosan owaabamaan (he saw a trout).
(62) Mīdạc kägä‘t minwändạnk aᵘ mägisiwāc.
Mii dash geget minwendang aw megiziwaash.
And then truly pleased was Soaring-Eagle.
Mii dash geget minwendang aw megiziwaash (and then truly pleased was Soaring-Eagle).
(63) Cigwa’ unāgucinini.
Zhigwa onaagoshinini.
In a while the evening was drawing in.
Zhigwa onaagoshinini (then evening was coming on).
(64) “Ạmbäsạnō, mīdạc ä‘ta iᵘ känisạnk ‘aᵉa’ᵘ nạmägus.” Kägä‘t
“Ambe sa noo, mii dash eta iw ge-nisang a’aw namegos.”
“Behold, just one more trout I will kill.”
“Ambe sa noo, mii dash eta iw ge-nisang a’aw namegos.” (“come now, just this one more trout will I kill.”)
(65) nībiwa.
Geget niibiwa.
To be sure, (there were) many (trout).
Geget niibiwa (truly there were many).
(66) “Mīmāwīn iᵉi’ᵘ mini‘k kädäpisäwāt kaya‘pītcipibōng. ‘Āᵘ,
“Mii maawiin i’iw minik ge-debisewaad gayapiichi-biboong.
“It may be that they are now enough to last through the winter.
“Mii maawiin i’iw minik ge-debisewaad gayapiichi-biboong. (“it may be there are now enough to last through the winter.)
(67) mīdạc ä‘ta iⁿ päjik tcinisạnk.”
Aw mii dash eta iw bezhig ji-nisang.”
Therefore only one more will I kill.”
Aw mii dash eta iw bezhig ji-nisang.” (so just this one more will I kill.”)
(68) Opōdā‘kwäwān īniyōnītcānisạn.
Oboodaakwewaan iniw oniijaanisan.
Down into the hole he put one of his children.
Oboodaakwewaan iniw oniijaanisan (he let one of his children down into the hole).
(69) Cigwa’ mica‘kīsäwạn, uwī‘kubidōn.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan, owiikobidoon.
As soon as it got to the bottom, he drew it back.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan, owiikobidoon (when it reached bottom, he drew it back).
(70) Äcibwāwipitōd ayāngwatcic, tci∙ä∙nigu‘k udānawikubidōn.
Ezhi-bwaawibidood ayangwajizh, ji-enigok odaanawiikobidoon.
As he was losing his pull on it the longer (he held on), then with all his power he tried drawing it back.
Ezhi-bwaawibidood ayangwajizh (as he was losing his pull on it the longer he held), ji-enigok odaanawiikobidoon (with all his might he tried in vain to draw it back).
(71) Käka‘pī äcipa‘kibidōt, misā‘pạnä unīdcānisan.
Gegapii ezhi-bakibidood, mii sa pane oniijaanisan.
At last he broke the line, and then gone was his child. (1)
Gegapii ezhi-bakibidood (at last he broke the line), mii sa pane oniijaanisan (and so then gone was his child).
(72) Tciänigu‘k mawi’ mägisiwāc, kayäyu wīwạn.
*Ji-enigok mawi megiziwaash, gaye owiiwan.**
Very bitterly wept Soaring-Eagle, and also his wife.
Ji-enigok mawi megiziwaash, gaye owiiwan* (bitterly wept Soaring-Eagle, and his wife too).
(73) Indawā, kā∙i∙ckwāmawit, ugīgō∙i∙miwaᵉ ugīwäwināwā ka‘kina ändāwāt.
Indawaa, gaa-ishkwaa-mawid, ogiigoo’imiwan ogiiwewinaawaa gakina endaawaad.
Accordingly, when he had ceased crying, they carried all their fish back to where they lived.
Indawaa, gaa-ishkwaa-mawid (so then, when he had finished crying), ogiigoo’imiwan ogiiwewinaawaa gakina endaawaad (all their fish they carried back home to where they lived).
(74) Kā∙i∙ciwīnāwāt iᵉi’ᵘ kīgōⁿyaᵉ, mādcā awigạgwätwät; mīdạc icāt iniwä nigigwan.
Gaa-izhiwinaawaad i’iw giigoonyan, maajaa awi-gagwedwed; mii dash izhaad iniw nigigwan.
After they had dressed the fish, he departed thence to make inquiry; and so he went to where the Otter was.
Gaa-izhiwinaawaad i’iw giigoonyan (after they had brought the fish), maajaa awi-gagwedwed (he set off to go ask about it); mii dash izhaad iniw nigigwan (and so he went to the Otter).
(75) Cigwa’ ugạnōnān:
Zhigwa oganoonaan:
In time he spoke to him, saying:
Zhigwa oganoonaan (then he spoke to him):
(76) “Mīsa iᵘ kīnisạngit ‘aᵉa’ᵘ ninīdcānisinān.”
“Mii sa iw gii-nisangid a’aw ni-niijaanisinaan.”
“Therefore now have we slain our child.”
“Mii sa iw gii-nisangid a’aw ni-niijaanisinaan.” (“and so now we have killed our child.”)
(77) Äcigạnōnint mägisiwāc:
Ezhi-ganoonind megiziwaash:
Then was Soaring-Eagle addressed by him saying:
Ezhi-ganoonind megiziwaash (then Soaring-Eagle was addressed):
(78) “Ạmbäsa’, nawạtc nībiwa ugawạci‘tōn kimindimōwimic bimina‘kwān.
Ambe sa, nawaj niibiwa ogawa-zhitoon gi-mindimoowimish biiminakwaan.
“Behold, let your old woman make some more cord.
Ambe sa, nawaj niibiwa ogawa-zhitoon gi-mindimoowimish biiminakwaan. (“come now, let your old woman make more twine.)
(79) Kī‘kīci‘tōt, mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ kä∙i∙cimādcāyạn, kīga∙i∙cā imāⁿ kīpa‘kibinạt aᵘ kinīdcānis.
Gii-kiizhitood, mii dash i’iw ge-izhi-maajaayan, giga-izhaa imaa gii-bakibinad aw gi-niijaanis.
When she has finished it, then shall you depart, you shall go to the place where you broke the line (that held) your child.
Gii-kiizhitood, mii dash i’iw ge-izhi-maajaayan, giga-izhaa imaa gii-bakibinad aw gi-niijaanis. (when she has finished it, then you shall set off, you shall go there where you broke away your child.)
(80) Mägisiwāc, kīgi‘kändānina wändcima‘kạmigōyạn aᵘ kinīdcānis?
Megiziwaash, gigikendaan ina wenji-makamigooyan aw gi-niijaanis?
Soaring-Eagle, do you know why your child was taken from you?
Megiziwaash, gigikendaan ina wenji-makamigooyan aw gi-niijaanis? (Soaring-Eagle, do you know why your child was taken from you?)
(81) Usām nībiwa kigīnisāg īgi’ᵘ gīⁿgōⁿyạg.
Ozaam niibiwa gigii-nisaag igiw giigoonyag.
Too many of the fishes have you slain.
Ozaam niibiwa gigii-nisaag igiw giigoonyag. (too many of those fish you have killed.)
(82) Kīnicki∙ā∙ ‘aᵉa’ᵘ micinạmägwä.
Gii-nishki’aa a’aw mishinamegwe.
You have angered the Great Sturgeon.
Gii-nishki’aa a’aw mishinamegwe. (you have angered the Great Sturgeon.)
(83) Mī∙a∙ᵘ kā∙u∙dā‘pināt kinītcānisạn.
Mii aw gaa-odaapinaad gi-niijaanisan.
He is the one that has seized your child.
Mii aw gaa-odaapinaad gi-niijaanisan. (he is the one who took your child.)
(84) Kīga gạcki∙ā∙.
Giga-gashki’aa.
You can obtain (your child).
Giga-gashki’aa. (you will be able to win your child back.)
(85) Nạndawâbạmạt, mī nāsāb kä∙i∙cictcigäyạn, tcita‘kubisoyạn imā kisidānk.”
Nandawaabamad, mii naasaab ge-izhichigeyan, ji-dakobizoyan imaa gi-zidaang.”
When you seek for it, you should follow the same method that (you did) before, by having yourself bound by your feet.”
Nandawaabamad, mii naasaab ge-izhichigeyan (when you seek it, you should do the very same thing), ji-dakobizoyan imaa gi-zidaang.” (having yourself bound there by your feet.”)
(86) Mägisiwāc mī cigwa mādcāt.
Megiziwaash mii zhigwa maajaad.
Soaring-Eagle then departed thence.
Megiziwaash mii zhigwa maajaad (Soaring-Eagle then set off).
(87) Twā∙i∙bi.
Dwaa’ibii.
He made a hole in the ice.
Dwaa’ibii (he chopped a hole in the ice).
(88) Kā∙i∙ckwātwā∙i∙bit äjipa‘kubīt.
Gaa-ishkwaa-dwaa’ibiid ezhi-pakobiid.
After he had finished the hole in the ice, he then went down into the water.
Gaa-ishkwaa-dwaa’ibiid (after he had finished the ice-hole) ezhi-pakobiid (he went down into the water).
(89) Mäca‘kīsät owâbandān mī‘kạna pimāmunik.
Mezhakiised owaabandaan miikana bimamonig.
When he got to the bottom, he saw a path that led off (in a certain direction).
Mezhakiised owaabandaan miikana bimamonig (when he reached bottom he saw a path leading off).
(90) Äjimādcāt, māda∙u∙dōt mi‘kạna.
Ezhi-maajaad, maada’odood miikana.
Then he started forth, following along the path.
Ezhi-maajaad, maada’odood miikana (then he set off, following along the path).
(91) Kumāgu a‘pī tägwucink, unōntawā awiya pibā‘pinit.
Gomaa go apii degwishing, onoondawaa awiya bi-baapinid.
When at a certain distance he arrived, he heard some one coming along laughing.
Gomaa go apii degwishing (when he had come some distance), onoondawaa awiya bi-baapinid (he heard someone coming along laughing).
(92) Owâbạmāᵉ i‘kwäwaᵉ; äjigạnōnāᵉ:
Owaabamaan ikwewan; Ezhi-ganoonaan:
He beheld some women; to them he spoke, saying:
Owaabamaan ikwewan (he saw some women); Ezhi-ganoonaan (he spoke to them):
(93) “Ānin änano‘kīyạg wābigạmāg?”
“Aaniin enanokiiyeg wabigamaag?”
“With what are you busied at the narrows?”
“Aaniin enanokiiyeg wabigamaag?” (“what are you working at at the narrows?”)
(94) “Nindawinici pā‘pinō‘tawânān wīsāntä.”
“Nindawi-nishi-baapinodawaanaan wiisaande.”
“We intend to meddle with the deadened pine.” (2)
“Nindawi-nishi-baapinodawaanaan wiisaande.” (“we are going to meddle with the deadened pine.”)
(95) Asạbīn mīwạniniᵘ äcāwāt.
Asabiin miiwan iniw e-zhaawaad.
It was to a net that they were going.
Asabiin miiwan iniw e-zhaawaad (it was to a net that they were going).
(96) Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ pīta∙ạ∙mwāt mīnawā ānind.
Mii dash i’iw biida’amowaad miinawaa aanind.
Accordingly then came some others singing.
Mii dash i’iw biida’amowaad miinawaa aanind (and then some others came along singing).
(97) Owâbạmāᵉ.
Owaabamaan.
He saw them.
Owaabamaan (he saw them).
(98) “Ānīn änạnō‘kīyäg?”
“Aaniin e-nanokiiyeg?”
“What are you busied with?”
“Aaniin e-nanokiiyeg?” (“what are you working at?”)
(99) “Nindawipā‘pinotawānān päbāmitạgōtäg u‘kạnāb.”¹
“Nindawi-paapinodawaanaan bebaamidagoodeg okanaab.”
“We are going to meddle with the cord that hangs across.”
“Nindawi-paapinodawaanaan bebaamidagoodeg okanaab.” (“we are going to meddle with the cord that hangs across.”)
(100) Änijimādcāt, päcu’ owâbạndān ōdäna. Päjig owâbạmān; ogạnōnān:
Eni-zhi-maajaad, besho owaabandaan oodena. Bezhig owaabamaan; oganoonaan:
As he started on, not far away he saw a town; a certain one he saw; to him he spoke, saying:
Eni-zhi-maajaad (as he started on), besho owaabandaan oodena (not far off he saw a town). Bezhig owaabamaan (one person he saw); oganoonaan (he spoke to him):
(101) “Nīdcānis pa∙u∙ndcī∙i∙cāyān.”
“Niijaanis ba-onji-izhaayaan.”
“It is on account of my child that I have come.”
“Niijaanis ba-onji-izhaayaan.” (“it is on account of my child that I have come.”)
(102) “Mī∙u∙mā ayāt aᵉa’ᵘ kinīdcānis.
“Mii omaa ayaad a’aw gi-niijaanis.
“In this place is your child.
“Mii omaa ayaad a’aw gi-niijaanis. (“right here is where your child is.)
(103) Kāwīn kidāmīnigusī. Mī aᵘ
Gaawiin gidaa-miinigosii.
It will not be given to you.
Gaawiin gidaa-miinigosii. (you will not be given it.)
(104) nindōgimāminān äyāwāt īniyu kinīdcānisạn.
Mii aw nindoogimaaminaan e-yaawaad iniw gi-niijaanisan.
It is our chief that has your child.
Mii aw nindoogimaaminaan e-yaawaad iniw gi-niijaanisan. (it is our chief who has your child.)
(105) Intawā a‘kạmaᵘ tcisāga∙ạ∙nk; unāgwucig mī a‘pī tcisāga∙ạ∙nk.”
Indawaa akamaw ji-saaga’ang; onaagoshig mii apii ji-saaga’ang.”
Therefore you would better wait till he comes out; in the evening is when he comes forth.”
Indawaa akamaw ji-saaga’ang; onaagoshig mii apii ji-saaga’ang.” (so you had better lie in wait for him to come out; in the evening is when he comes out.”)
(106) Cigwa unāgucinini.
Zhigwa onaagoshinini.
In time it was evening.
Zhigwa onaagoshinini (then it was evening).
(107) Mạdwägīgitō päcig inini: “Ä‘c̄,
Madwe-giigido bezhig inini:
There came the voice of a man saying:
Madwe-giigido bezhig inini (the voice of one man was heard speaking):
(108) mīsa mīnawā mīmīsiwạg cigwa tciạmwangwā.”
“Esh, mii sa miinawaa miimiisiwag zhigwa ji-amwangwaa.”
“Well, so then we shall have some more mayflies to eat.”
“Esh, mii sa miinawaa miimiisiwag zhigwa ji-amwangwaa.” (“well, so now again there are mayflies for us to eat.”)
(109) Cigwa pimisāga∙ạ∙mōn; kägä‘t minditōwạn micinạmägwän.
Zhigwa bimi-saaga’amoon; geget mindidoowan mishinamegwen.
Then (he beheld the chief) come forth; truly big was the Great Sturgeon.
Zhigwa bimi-saaga’amoon (then the one came out); geget mindidoowan mishinamegwen (truly big was the Great Sturgeon).
(110) Wâsa’ cigwa ạnitạgwicinōn pīndigäsä ändānit; ugīwâbạmān unīdcānisạn.
Waasa zhigwa ani-dagwishinoon biindigese endaanid; ogii-waabamaan oniijaanisan.
When a long way off (he saw that the chief) was come, he flew into where (the chief) lived; he saw his child.
Waasa zhigwa ani-dagwishinoon (when the other had gone a long way off) biindigese endaanid (he flew into where the other lived); ogii-waabamaan oniijaanisan (he saw his child).
(111) Äci∙u∙di‘tināt, tci∙a∙nigu‘k udō‘tō‘kābīgiba‘tō iᵉi’ᵘ pīmina‘kwān.
Ezhi-oditinaad, ji-enigok odootookaabiigibatoo i’iw biiminakwaan.
Then grabbing it up, with all his might he ran, jerking upon the cord.
Ezhi-oditinaad (then grabbing it up), ji-enigok odootookaabiigibatoo i’iw biiminakwaan (with all his might he ran, jerking on the cord).
(112) Kiˢtci∙ä∙nigu‘k uwī‘kubitōn ‘aᵉa’ᵘ mindimōyä.
Gichi-enigok owiikobidoon a’aw mindimooye.
As hard as she could the old woman pulled upon it.
Gichi-enigok owiikobidoon a’aw mindimooye (as hard as she could the old woman pulled on it).
(113) Pä‘kic änigu‘k mādcā Mägisiwạc.
Bekish enigok maajaa Megiziwash.
At the same time with speed went Soaring-Eagle.
Bekish enigok maajaa Megiziwash (at the same time with all speed went Soaring-Eagle).
(114) Cigwa udäbābạndān udwā∙i∙gan.
Zhigwa odebaabandaan odwaa’igan.
In time he came in sight of the hole.
Zhigwa odebaabandaan odwaa’igan (then he came in sight of his ice-hole).
(115) Ābạnābit pītāwạniwạn wīnawạdạmigut īni’ᵘ micīnạmägwän. Mīdạc käᵉgä‘t anigu‘k äjimādcāt, äcigitcipisut i∙i∙māⁿ udwā∙i∙bāning.
Aabanaabid biidaawaniwan wii-nawadamigod iniw mishinamegwen. Mii dash geget enigok ezhi-maajaad, ezhi-gichi-pizod imaa odwaa’ibaaning.
On looking back, (he saw) the Great Sturgeon coming with mouth open to devour him; whereupon truly at full speed he went, out through the hole he flew.
Aabanaabid biidaawaniwan wii-nawadamigod iniw mishinamegwen (looking back, the Great Sturgeon was coming with open mouth to seize him). Mii dash geget enigok ezhi-maajaad (and then truly at full speed he went), ezhi-gichi-pizod imaa odwaa’ibaaning (rushing fast out through the hole in the ice).
(116) Kā‘kitcibisut, inābit, udwā∙i∙gạning pisāgi‘kwäsäwạn micīnạmägwän, äcigi‘tcipisunit. “‘A‘a’ᵘ,
Gaakijibisod, inaabid, odwaa’iganing bi-saagikwesewan mishinamegwen, ezhi-gichi-pizonid.
After he had flown through, he looked, (and saw) the Great Sturgeon with his head out of the hole in the ice, then out upon the ice he leaped.
Gaakijibisod, inaabid (after he had flown through, he looked), odwaa’iganing bi-saagikwesewan mishinamegwen (the Great Sturgeon came with his head out of the ice-hole), ezhi-gichi-pizonid (then leaping out fast onto the ice).
(117) mindimoyä, kiwāgā‘kwạt mạmōn! Niwạna’ᵉ!”
“A’aw, mindimooye, gi-waagaakwad mamoon! Niiwana’!”
“Now, old woman, get your axe! Pound him to death!”
“A’aw, mindimooye, gi-waagaakwad mamoon! Niiwana’!” (“now, old woman, get your axe! Club him to death!”)
(118) Mindimōyäⁿ udōdā‘pinān owâgā‘kwạt; unīwanawān īni’ᵘ micīnạmägwän.
Mindimooyenh odoodaapinaan owaagaakwad; oniiwanawaan iniw mishinamegwen.
The old woman picked up her axe; she clubbed the Great Sturgeon.
Mindimooyenh odoodaapinaan owaagaakwad (the old woman picked up her axe); oniiwanawaan iniw mishinamegwen (she clubbed the Great Sturgeon).
(119) Ā‘tā, kägä‘t minditōwạn!
Ataa, geget mindidoowan!
Ah, truly big he was!
Ataa, geget mindidoowan! (oh, truly big he was!)
(120) “Mindimōyä, kiwäwinātā.”
“Mindimooye, giiwewinaadaa.”
“Old woman, let us carry him home!”
“Mindimooye, giiwewinaadaa.” (“old woman, let us carry him home.”)
(121) Kāwäsā ugạckiāsiwāwān ānawi udōdābānāwān.
Gaawesa ogashki’aasiiwaawaan aanawi odoodaabaanaawaan.
Not even were they able to drag him.
Gaawesa ogashki’aasiiwaawaan aanawi odoodaabaanaawaan (they were not even able to drag him for all their trying).
(122) Anicinābäᵉ unādamāguwāᵉ, mī pitcīnạg kạcki∙ā∙wāt.
Anishinaaben onaadamaagowaan, mii bijiinag gashki’aawaad.
By the people were they helped to drag him, and that was when they were able to handle him.
Anishinaaben onaadamaagowaan (by the people they were helped), mii bijiinag gashki’aawaad (and only then could they manage him).
(123) Mīsa iᵘ cigwa’ ki‘tạgwicimāwāt. “Kägä‘t,
Mii sa iw zhigwa gii-tagwishimaawaad.
Thereupon they then got him home
Mii sa iw zhigwa gii-tagwishimaawaad (and so then they got him home).
(124) kiga∙a∙cạmānān waᵉa’ᵘ nigig kācawäniminạng.” Kägä‘t
“Geget, giga-ashamaanaan wa’aw nigig gaa-shaweniminang.”
“In truth, we will feed the Otter that has blessed us.”
“Geget, giga-ashamaanaan wa’aw nigig gaa-shaweniminang.” (“truly, we will feed this Otter who blessed us.”)
(125) minwäntạmōg acạmitwā īgi’ᵘ nigigwạg.
Geget minwendamoog ashamidwaa igiw nigigwag.
Truly pleased were the Otters to be fed.
Geget minwendamoog ashamidwaa igiw nigigwag (truly glad were the Otters to be fed).
(126) “Mägisiwāc, mī∙i’∙ᵘ kāwīn wī‘kā kīgapa‘kadäsi.
“Megiziwaash, mii iw gaawiin wiikaa giga-pakadesii.”
“Soaring-Eagle, therefore never shall you be in want of food.
“Megiziwaash, mii iw gaawiin wiikaa giga-pakadesii.” (“Soaring-Eagle, so now never will you go hungry.)
(127) Keyābi wāwī∙i∙gōyạn kiˢtci unicicin kä∙i∙cictcigäyạn. ‘Aᵉa’ᵘ
Geyaabi waawii’igooyan gichi-onizhishin ge-izhichigeyan.
Something very much better is yet to be told you to do.
Geyaabi waawii’igooyan gichi-onizhishin ge-izhichigeyan. (there is still something very good to be told you to do.)
(128) Nänabucu kīni‘tạm kigapa‘kạdä∙ā∙.
A’aw Nenaboozhoo giinitam giga-pakade’aa.
It is now your turn to make Nänabushu hungry.
A’aw Nenaboozhoo giinitam giga-pakade’aa. (now it is your turn to make Nenaboozhoo hungry.)
(129) Awikimōdim īni’ᵘ ugīgōⁿ∙i∙mạn.” Kägä‘t
Awi-gimoodim iniw ogiigooniman.”
Go rob him of his fishes.”
Awi-gimoodim iniw ogiigooniman.” (go and steal his fish.”)
(130) äjimādcāt Mägisiwāc.
Geget ezhi-maajaad Megiziwaash.
Truly thence departed Soaring-Eagle.
Geget ezhi-maajaad Megiziwaash (truly then Soaring-Eagle set off).
(131) Äjikacki‘tōt ugī∙i∙cigimōtimān īni’ᵘ Nänabucūwạn. Kägä‘t,
Ezhi-gashkitood ogii-izhi-gimoodimaan iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
As much as he could did he rob Nänabushu.
Ezhi-gashkitood ogii-izhi-gimoodimaan iniw Nenaboozhoowan (as much as he could he robbed Nenaboozhoo).
(132) ugīkạckitōn ka‘kina kī‘kimōtimāt.
Geget, ogii-kashkitoon gakina gii-gimoodimaad.
In truth, he was able to steal them all from him.
Geget, ogii-kashkitoon gakina gii-gimoodimaad (truly, he was able to steal them all from him).
(133) Mīsa wīn ni‘tạm Nänabucu kīpa‘ka‘tät. Kägä‘t
Mii sa wiin nitam Nenaboozhoo gii-pakaded.
Accordingly it was Nänabushu’s turn to be hungry.
Mii sa wiin nitam Nenaboozhoo gii-pakaded (and so then it was Nenaboozhoo’s turn to go hungry).
(134) minwändạm Mägisiwāc pa‘kạdänit īni’ᵘ Nänabucuwạn.
Geget minwendam Megiziwaash bakadenid iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
Truly pleased was Soaring-Eagle to have Nänabushu in need of food.
Geget minwendam Megiziwaash bakadenid iniw Nenaboozhoowan (truly pleased was Soaring-Eagle that Nenaboozhoo was hungry).
(135) Mīsa pinäwitcīt ägātäg.
Mii sa binewijiid egoodeg.
And so now the buttocks of the ruffed grouse hang aloft.
Mii sa binewijiid egoodeg. (and so binewi-jiid hangs aloft.) (the closing that leaves the story to the listener’s wondering).
(39) Nanabushu and the Soaring Eagle
(1) Because he had not obeyed what had been told him when he was blessed. It is a common belief of the Ojibwa that he will come to some kind of grief who kills more game than needed. Therefore wanton destruction of game is a taboo.
(2) Where a net is.
(3) With the cord at the edges of the net.