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.
45. THE DEATH OF NÄNABUSHU’S NEPHEW.
Nenabozho Odoozhiman Gii-nibonid.
The Death of Nänabushu’s Nephew.
Narrated by Penessi — Series 7 (Nos. 44–56), Fort William (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) Mī∙i∙dạc äjimādcāwād; päpa‘kān ijāwād a‘kīng. Nīgāniwạnidac odōjimạn, wīnidạc Nänabojō udānāng pîmosä. Tcîbwā∙o∙di‘tạng idạc wī‘kabäciwād, Nänabujū kī∙i∙nändạm: “Tạga ningagudci‘tōn iskudä,” mīidạc, kā∙i∙ciüji‘tōd mîsạn a‘ki‘kāng, mē∙i∙dạc äjipācidcikwāskunit, mēidạc kā∙i∙jipîskạnäg iskudä. Ā! gägä‘t kistcimînwändạm Nänabujo.
Mii idash ezhi-maajaawaad; baapakaan izhaawaad akiing. Niigani-wanidash odoozhiman, wiinidash Nenabozho odaanaang bimose. Jibwaa-oditang idash wii-gabeshiwaad, Nenabozho gii-inendam: “Daga ningagojitoon ishkode,” mii idash, gaa-izhi-ozhitood misan akik-aang, mii idash ezhi-baazhijigwaashkwanid, mii dash gaa-izhi-bishkaneg ishkode. Aa! geget gichi-minwendam Nenabozho.
Thereupon they started away; into different lands they went. Now, ahead went his nephew, and Nänabushu himself travelled behind. And before they arrived where they were to camp, Nänabushu thought: “Now, I shall try to make a fire;” whereupon, after he had gathered the wood together at a place, he then leaped over it, upon which up blazed the fire. Ah! verily, much pleased was Nänabushu.
Mii idash ezhi-maajaawaad (and thereupon they set off), baapakaan izhaawaad akiing (to different lands they went), niigani-wanidash odoozhiman (and ahead-went his nephew), wiinidash Nenabozho odaanaang bimose (and Nänabushu himself behind walked), jibwaa-oditang idash wii-gabeshiwaad (and before he reached where they were to camp), Nenabozho gii-inendam (Nänabushu thought), “Daga ningagojitoon ishkode” (“Now, I will try to make a fire”), mii idash gaa-izhi-ozhitood misan akik-aang (and so when he had made the firewood ready at the kettle-place), mii idash ezhi-baazhijigwaashkwanid (and then he leaped over it), mii dash gaa-izhi-bishkaneg ishkode (and so the fire blazed up), Aa! geget gichi-minwendam Nenabozho (Ah! truly very pleased was Nänabushu).
(2) Mēdạc kā∙i∙jimādcād. A‘pī∙i∙dạc wädi‘tạng îmāⁿ kī∙a∙tōd ubimiwạnān a´we uskînawe, mi∙î∙māⁿ kīuji‘tōd gabäciwîn; wīnidạc uskinawä bạpānạndawändcigä. A‘pīdạc Nänabuju wa‘pōdawäd, kā∙u∙‘tōd mîsạn, mī∙i´∙ᵘ äjibāgitcigwāskonît. Kägā ānawi kipîskạnänⁱ. Mīnawā gībajitcigwāskonⁱ, nawạdcidạc pạngī îskodä ki∙a∙yānⁱ. Mīnawā gīpācidcigwāskuni, kāwīn gạnagä ickudä ogīwâbạndazīn. Pīnic kī‘tîbi‘kạdinⁱ. A‘pī∙i∙dạc pạdạgwicing uskinawä, onōndān tcitcing wạgạmingisäning; mīnāngwana‘aⁿ Nänaboju pācidci kwâskwâskonit. Mīdạc ä‘kidot uskînawä. “Ānīn, Nänabuju, äcitcigäyạn? Mā´gica kigībabōtawä.” “Kāwin,” i‘kido Nänaboju. Mīdạc wīn uskinawä kā∙i∙cibācidcigwāskonît, mēdạc skudä kībîskạnäg. Ā‘pitci gayä kī‘kạtcībạn Nänabuju. Mīdạc änāt: “Kägu mīnawa wī‘kā iᵘ tōdạngän, pānimā ogu kī‘kạbäciyạn mī kädodạmạn.” Mēdạc kägä‘t kā‘tōdạng Nänaboju. Pānimā ogu kā∙a∙‘tōdîn mîsạn mī∙i∙ᵘ äjibājitcigwāskonit, mēdạc skudä pîskạnänig. Mōⁿjạgidạc kībạbāmādisiwạg, mōⁿjạg kayä äwäsiyạn onîsān awä uskinawä; ā‘pitci mōⁿjạg minowīsini Nänabuju. Ā‘pitci osāgi∙ā∙n udōjimạn.
Mii idash gaa-izhi-maajaad. Apii idash weditang imaanh gii-atood obimiwanaan awe oshkinawe, mii imaanh gii-ozhitood gabeshiwin; wiinidash oshkinawe babaa-nandawendige. Apii idash Nenabozho wa-boodawed, gaa-otood misan, mii iw ezhi-baagijigwaashkwanid. Gegaa aanawi gii-bishkaneni. Miinawaa gii-bazhijigwaashkwani, nawaj idash bangii ishkode gii-ayaani. Miinawaa gii-baazhijigwaashkwani, gaawiin ganage ishkode ogii-waabandaziin. Biinish gii-dibikadini. Apii idash badagwishing oshkinawe, onoondaan jiijiing wagamingisening; mii nangwana a’aw Nenabozho baazhiji-gwaashkwaashkwanid. Mii dash ekidod oshkinawe. “Aaniin, Nenabozho, ezhichigeyan? Maagizhaa gigii-baaboodawe.” “Gaawiin,” ikido Nenabozho. Mii dash wiin oshkinawe gaa-izhi-bazhijigwaashkwanid, mii dash ishkode gii-bishkaneg. Aapiji gaye gii-gizhaadiziban Nenabozho. Mii dash enaad: “Gego miinawaa wiikaa iw doodangen, panimaa ogo gii-gabeshiyan mii ge-doodaman.” Mii dash geget gaa-doodang Nenabozho. Panimaa ogo gaa-atood misan mii iw ezhi-baazhijigwaashkwanid, mii dash ishkode bishkanenig*. Moozhag idash gii-babaa-maadiziwag, moozhag gaye aweziyan onisaan awe oshkinawe; aapiji moozhag minowiisini Nenabozho. Aapiji ozaagi-aan odoozhiman.**
Thereupon they set out. And when he arrived at the place where the youth had put down his pack, then there he made the camp; for the youth himself was away on a hunt for game. Now, when Nänabushu desired to make the fire, he put on the wood; and so again he leaped over it. For all that, it barely caught fire. Once again he leaped over it, and even less was the fire there. Again he leaped over, and no fire at all did he see. At last night came on. Now, when back came the youth, he heard the sound of somebody thumping on the ground; it turned out to be Nänabushu leaping over and over. Whereupon said the youth: “What, Nänabushu, are you doing? Perhaps you have been kindling fires (without any reason).” “No,” said Nänabushu. And so, after the youth himself had leaped over, then the fire blazed up. And very cold was Nänabushu at the time. And then he said to him: “Don’t ever do it again, not till you go into camp, then may you do it.” And so truly that was what Nänabushu did. Not till he had put on the wood did he then leap over, whereupon the fire blazed up. Now, continually were they travelling about, and often did the youth slay the game; ever so frequently Nänabushu had good food to eat. Very fond was he of his nephew.
Mii idash gaa-izhi-maajaad (and thereupon he set out), apii idash weditang imaanh gii-atood obimiwanaan awe oshkinawe (and when he reached the place where that youth had set down his pack), mii imaanh gii-ozhitood gabeshiwin (there he made the camp), wiinidash oshkinawe babaa-nandawendige (and the youth himself was off hunting), apii idash Nenabozho wa-boodawed (and when Nänabushu went to make the fire), gaa-otood misan (having put on the firewood), mii iw ezhi-baagijigwaashkwanid (then he leaped over it), gegaa aanawi gii-bishkaneni* (it barely caught fire), miinawaa gii-bazhijigwaashkwani (again he leaped over it), nawaj idash bangii ishkode gii-ayaani (and even less fire there was), miinawaa gii-baazhijigwaashkwani (again he leaped over), gaawiin ganage ishkode ogii-waabandaziin (no fire at all did he see), biinish gii-dibikadini (until night came on), apii idash badagwishing oshkinawe (and when the youth arrived), onoondaan jiijiing wagamingisening (he heard a thumping on the ground), mii nangwana a’aw Nenabozho baazhiji-gwaashkwaashkwanid (it was Nänabushu leaping over and over), mii dash ekidod oshkinawe (and so the youth said), “Aaniin, Nenabozho, ezhichigeyan?” (“What, Nänabushu, are you doing?”), “Maagizhaa gigii-baaboodawe” (“Perhaps you have been kindling fires for nothing”), “Gaawiin,” ikido Nenabozho (“No,” said Nänabushu), mii dash wiin oshkinawe gaa-izhi-bazhijigwaashkwanid (and so the youth himself leaped over), mii dash ishkode gii-bishkaneg* (and the fire blazed up), aapiji gaye gii-gizhaadiziban Nenabozho (and very cold had Nänabushu been), mii dash enaad (and then he said to him), “Gego miinawaa wiikaa iw doodangen” (“Don’t ever do that again”), “panimaa ogo gii-gabeshiyan mii ge-doodaman” (“not until you have made camp may you do it”), mii dash geget gaa-doodang Nenabozho (and so truly that was what Nänabushu did), panimaa ogo gaa-atood misan mii iw ezhi-baazhijigwaashkwanid (not till he had put on the wood did he leap over), mii dash ishkode bishkanenig* (and the fire blazed up), moozhag idash gii-babaa-maadiziwag (and continually they travelled about), moozhag gaye aweziyan onisaan awe oshkinawe (and often the youth killed game), aapiji moozhag minowiisini Nenabozho (very often Nänabushu had good food to eat), aapiji ozaagi-aan odoozhiman (very fond was he of his nephew).
(3) Ningudingidạc Nänabuju kī∙i∙nābạndạm odōjimạn kī‘pa‘kobisänid sībing. Mīidac änāt odōjiman: “Tạga, ayāmgwāmisin kīcpin nō‘pînanạt a´wäsi. Kīcpîn dac sī´bi wâbạndamạn, mānu mi‘tîg ạni∙a∙‘pạgitōn, mīdạc imāⁿ tci´ạni ta‘ku‘kīyạn; misawāgu ā‘pitci agāⁿsing sībīns, mānū mi‘tig āni∙a∙‘pạgi‘tōn, mēdạc īmāⁿ tci∙ạ∙nita‘ku‘kīyạn, mîsawāgu ạ´nicā pạsạgạmigā‘k. Kägu wạnändagän iᵘ äninān.”
Ningoding idash Nenabozho gii-inaabandam odoozhiman gii-bakobiisenid ziibiing. Mii idash enaad odoozhiman: “Daga, ayaangwaamizin giishpin noopinanad awesii. Giishpin dash ziibi waabandaman, manoo mitig ani-apagidoon, mii dash imaanh ji-ani-dakokiiyan; misawaa go aapiji agaasing ziibiins, manoo mitig ani-apagidoon, mii dash imaanh ji-ani-dakokiiyan, misawaa go anizhaa basagamigaag. Gego wanendangen iw eninaan.”
Now, once Nänabushu had a dream that his nephew fell into a river. Whereupon he then said to his nephew: “I wish that you would be careful when you are following after game. And when you see a river, just fling a stick ahead of you, for that is where you shall step; even though it be a very small brook, do throw a stick ahead of you, and there you shall step, even though there be only the dry bed of a stream. Don’t ever forget what I am telling you.”
Ningoding idash Nenabozho gii-inaabandam (now once Nänabushu dreamed), odoozhiman gii-bakobiisenid ziibiing (that his nephew fell into a river), mii idash enaad odoozhiman (and so he said to his nephew), “Daga, ayaangwaamizin giishpin noopinanad awesii” (“Now, be careful when you are following after game”), “Giishpin dash ziibi waabandaman” (“And when you see a river”), “manoo mitig ani-apagidoon” (“just fling a stick ahead”), “mii dash imaanh ji-ani-dakokiiyan” (“and there is where you shall step across”), “misawaa go aapiji agaasing ziibiins” (“even though it be a very small brook”), “manoo mitig ani-apagidoon” (“fling a stick ahead”), “mii dash imaanh ji-ani-dakokiiyan” (“and there you shall step across”), “misawaa go anizhaa basagamigaag” (“even though it be the dry bed of a stream”), “Gego wanendangen iw eninaan” (“Don’t ever forget what I am telling you”).
(4) Kinwäⁿjidạc bạbāmādisiwād. Nîngudîng kāwin kitạgwicizīwạn odōjimạn. Mē∙i∙dạc änändạng Nänabuju: “Mīsa gạnạbạtc kā∙ī∙nābạndạmāmbān.”
Ginwenzh idash babaa-maadiziwaad. Ningoding gaawiin gitagwishiziwan odoozhiman. Mii idash enendang Nenabozho: “Mii sa ganabaj gaa-inaabandamaamban.”
So for a long time they went travelling about. Once upon a time his nephew did not return home. Whereupon thought Nänabushu: “Therefore my dream must have perhaps come true.”
Ginwenzh idash babaa-maadiziwaad (and for a long while they went travelling about), ningoding gaawiin gitagwishiziwan odoozhiman (once his nephew did not come home), mii idash enendang Nenabozho (and so Nänabushu thought), “Mii sa ganabaj gaa-inaabandamaamban” (“So perhaps it is as I had dreamed”).
(5) Wīndạc uskinawä nō‘pinanāt awäsīyạn. Kägā ä´dimāt mī∙i´∙ᵘ wâbạndạng pasa‘kạmigānig. Ā´nawi ugīmi‘kwändān kā∙i∙gu‘pạn omicōmäyạn, mīdac îmāⁿ kī‘pa‘kubīsäd ki‘tcizībing; kī∙a∙yāni îmāⁿ.
Wiinidash oshkinawe noopinanaad aweziyan. Gegaa adimaad mii iw waabandang basakamigaanig. Aanawi ogii-mikwendaan gaa-igoban omishoomeyan, mii dash imaanh gii-bakobiised gichi-ziibiing; gii-ayaani imaanh.
But in the mean while the youth was in pursuit of some game. Almost was he about to overtake (the game) when he saw the dry bed of a stream. Although he was mindful of what he had been told by his uncle, yet there he fell into a great river; he remained there.
Wiinidash oshkinawe noopinanaad aweziyan (but the youth himself was pursuing game), gegaa adimaad mii iw waabandang basakamigaanig (just as he was about to overtake it he saw the dry stream-bed), aanawi ogii-mikwendaan gaa-igoban omishoomeyan (although he remembered what his uncle had told him), mii dash imaanh gii-bakobiised gichi-ziibiing (there he fell into a great river), gii-ayaani imaanh (there he remained).
(6) Wīndac Nänabuju wayābạnīnîg kīmādcā nạndawâbạmād odōjimạn. Mīdạc kīmi‘kạng kitcizībi, mēya‘pạnä odōjimạn kīwạni∙ā∙t. Mēdạc gīki‘tcimawi, mēdạc kā∙i∙jimādcāt nisādciwạn. Nînguding idạc ạnimadābīt zībîng, ā‘pitci wīmini‘kwe; mīidac äjicingicîng wīmini‘kwät, mīdac wâbạndạng mīnạn ạnāmīndîm, mīdac wā∙i∙ji∙o∙dā‘pinạng, kāwindạc umī‘kunazīnạn. Kînwäⁿj ānugīdōtạm wīmạmōt. Kägabī dạc omā inābit icpiming, mī∙i∙ᵘ wâbạndạng ạgōdänig mīnạn. Minạngwạna īni´ᵘ mēⁿsînātäpigisininig. A‘pīdạc kāwâbạndạng, kī∙i∙‘kido: “Mī∙i∙we kädicini‘kādäg tciạni∙a∙‘kīⁿwạng, ạnībiminạn.”
Wiinidash Nenabozho wayaabaninig gii-maajaa nandawaabamaad odoozhiman. Mii dash gii-mikang gichi-ziibii, meyapane odoozhiman giiwania’ad. Mii dash gii-gichi-mawi, mii dash gaa-izhi-maajaad nisaajiwan. Ningoding idash anim-adaabid ziibiing, aapiji wii-minikwe; mii idash ezhi-zhingishing wii-minikwed, mii dash waabandang miinan anaamindim, mii dash waa-izhi-odaapinang, gaawiin idash omikonaziin. Ginwenzh aanawi-giidotam wii-mamood. Gegapii dash omaa inaabid ishpiming, mii iw waabandang agoodenig miinan. Mii nangwana iniw mezhinaatebigisininig. Apii idash gaa-waabandang, gii-ikido: “Mii iwe ged-izhinikaadeg ji-ani-akiiwang, aniibiiminan.”
Now, Nänabushu himself on the morrow set out to look for his nephew; and when he found a great river, then at once he lost (track of) his nephew. Whereupon he greatly wept, and then he started off down the stream. Once as he went down to the river, very anxious was he to drink; and so, as he lay down to drink, then he beheld some berries under the water, whereupon he wanted to get them, but he could not get hold of them. For a long while he tried in vain to get them. Finally, as up this way he looked, there he beheld the berries hanging. They were the things that cast the reflection (in the water). And when he saw it, he said: “This is what they shall be called till the end of the world, high-bush cranberries.”¹
Wiinidash Nenabozho wayaabaninig gii-maajaa nandawaabamaad odoozhiman (and Nänabushu himself on the morrow set out seeking his nephew), mii dash gii-mikang gichi-ziibii (and when he found a great river), meyapane odoozhiman giiwania’ad (right there he lost his nephew), mii dash gii-gichi-mawi (and so he wept greatly), mii dash gaa-izhi-maajaad nisaajiwan (and then he set off downstream), ningoding idash anim-adaabid ziibiing (and once as he went down to the river), aapiji wii-minikwe (very much he wished to drink), mii idash ezhi-zhingishing wii-minikwed (and so as he lay down to drink), mii dash waabandang miinan anaamindim (he saw berries beneath the surface), mii dash waa-izhi-odaapinang (and he wanted to take them), gaawiin idash omikonaziin (but he could not get hold of them), ginwenzh aanawi-giidotam wii-mamood (a long while he tried in vain to take them), gegapii dash omaa inaabid ishpiming (then as he looked up this way), mii iw waabandang agoodenig miinan (there he saw the berries hanging), mii nangwana iniw mezhinaatebigisininig (they were the things casting the reflection), apii idash gaa-waabandang, gii-ikido (and when he saw it, he said), “Mii iwe ged-izhinikaadeg ji-ani-akiiwang, aniibiiminan” (“This is what it shall be called to the end of the world, high-bush cranberries”).
¹ This episode does not properly belong at this point. Jones Corpus project note (B34, 2026-08-29): p.392 l.15 prints Kînwäⁿj — a diaeresis ä and a superior ⁿ (a NASAL VOWEL, Michelson p.XVI n.1) — where this record read Kînwâ‘j, a spiritus standing in for the nasal.
(7) Mēdạc mīnawā gīmādcād. Ninguding, mīnawā ạnîmạdābīd zībing, owâbạmān wâbimāngwạn ogiskimạnisīn gayä; nibī‘kāng inābiwạg. Nänabuju dạc ogagwädcimān: “Wägunän kanawâbạndạmäk?”
Mii dash miinawaa gii-maajaad. Ningoding, miinawaa anim-adaabid ziibiing, owaabamaan waabimaangwan ogiishkimanisiin gaye; nibiikaang inaabiwag. Nenabozho dash ogagwejimaan: “Wegonen ganawaabandameg?”
Thereupon he continued his way. Another time, when he came down to the river, he saw a White Loon and a Kingfisher; in the water they were looking. Nänabushu then asked of them: “What are you watching for?”
Mii dash miinawaa gii-maajaad (and then again he set out), ningoding, miinawaa anim-adaabid ziibiing (once, again as he came down to the river), owaabamaan waabimaangwan ogiishkimanisiin gaye (he saw a White Loon and a Kingfisher), nibiikaang inaabiwag (into the water they were looking), Nenabozho dash ogagwejimaan (and Nänabushu asked them), “Wegonen ganawaabandameg?” (“What are you watching for?”).
(8) Mēdạc ä‘kitōwād: “Mạnidōg omāⁿ tā´wạg. Mīgiwe odā‘pināwād Nänaboju odojimạn. Mī´∙a∙we maīngạniwayān kebiskwāndä∙o∙niwit, mī∙a∙we känawâbạmạngit.”
Mii dash ekidowaad: “Manidoog omaanh taawag. Mii giiwe odaapinaawaad Nenabozho odoozhiman. Mii awe maainganiwayaan ge-bishkwaande-oniwid, mii awe genawaabamangid.”
Thereupon they said: “Manitous dwell in this place. It is they who took Nänabushu’s nephew. Now, the skin of that Wolf, which they use for a flap over the doorway, is the thing for which we were watching.”
Mii dash ekidowaad (and so they said), “Manidoog omaanh taawag” (“Manitous dwell here”), “Mii giiwe odaapinaawaad Nenabozho odoozhiman” (“it is they who took Nänabushu’s nephew”), “Mii awe maainganiwayaan ge-bishkwaande-oniwid” (“that wolf-skin used as a doorway-flap”), “mii awe genawaabamangid” (“that is the thing we were watching for”).
(9) Kägätsa onickimigōn Nänabuju. Mīidạc äjigạgwädcimād: “Ānīndi ändāwād? Wäwäni wīndamawiciyu‘k.”
Geget sa onishkimigoon Nenabozho. Mii idash ezhi-gagwejimaad: “Aaniindi endaawaad? Weweni wiindamawishiyok.”
Truly, indeed, was Nänabushu angered. Thereupon he inquired of them: “Where do they live? Rightly declare it to me.”
Geget sa onishkimigoon Nenabozho (truly indeed it angered Nänabushu), mii idash ezhi-gagwejimaad (and so he asked them), “Aaniindi endaawaad?” (“Where do they live?”), “Weweni wiindamawishiyok” (“Rightly tell it to me”).
(10) Mēdạc ä‘kidowād: “Mī omā ändāwād īgi´ᵘ mạnidōg kā∙ō∙dā‘pināwād gidōjimạn.”
Mii dash ekidowaad: “Mii omaa endaawaad igiw manidoog gaa-odaapinaawaad gidoozhiman.”
Whereupon they said: “This is the place where dwell the manitous who seized your nephew.”
Mii dash ekidowaad (and so they said), “Mii omaa endaawaad igiw manidoog” (“This is the place where those manitous dwell”), “gaa-odaapinaawaad gidoozhiman” (“the ones who took your nephew”).
(11) “Wäwäni dibādcimoyu‘k.” Medạc kā∙i∙ji∙a∙ndomād ogiskimạnisīn. Mīdac Nänabuju kā∙i∙ji∙o∙jibī∙ā∙d ogiskimạnisīn kayä māngwạn.
“Weweni dibaajimoyok.” Mii dash gaa-izhi-andomaad ogiishkimanisiin. Mii dash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-ozhibii’aad ogiishkimanisiin gaye maangwan.
“Be sure to relate it truthfully.” And then he asked the Kingfisher to come. Thereupon Nänabushu painted the Kingfisher and the Loon.
“Weweni dibaajimoyok” (“Tell it rightly”), mii dash gaa-izhi-andomaad ogiishkimanisiin (and then he called the Kingfisher to come), mii dash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-ozhibii’aad ogiishkimanisiin gaye maangwan (and then Nänabushu painted the Kingfisher and the Loon).
(12) Ā! gägä‘t minwändạmōg. Mīdạc ä‘kidowād: “Kīcpîn kistcigīcā‘täg, ka´‘kîna tạmō‘kīwạg. Mī∙o∙mā‘ku nibāwād omāⁿ mînising.”
Aa! geget minwendamoog. Mii dash ekidowaad: “Giishpin gichi-giizhaateg, gakina da-mookiiwag. Mii omaa go nibaawaad omaanh minising.”
Ah! truly were they pleased. Thereupon they said: “If it becomes very hot, then will all come forth. It is upon this island that they usually sleep.”
Aa! geget minwendamoog (Ah! truly they were pleased), mii dash ekidowaad (and so they said), “Giishpin gichi-giizhaateg, gakina da-mookiiwag” (“If it gets very hot, all will come out”), “Mii omaa go nibaawaad omaanh minising” (“It is here on this island that they sleep”).
(13) Pä‘kic kayä nickādisi Nänabuju. Mīdạc pạgîdînād, kägā ogīnisān ogiskîmạnisīn; mī∙i∙dac wīnawạdinād ogīpicigupinān.
Bekish gaye nishkaadizi Nenabozho. Mii dash bagidinaad, gegaa ogii-niisaan ogiishkimanisiin; mii idash wii-nawajinaad ogii-bishigobinaan.
And all the while was Nänabushu angry. And when he let them go, he nearly killed the Kingfisher; for as he was going to seize him, he missed catching him.
Bekish gaye nishkaadizi Nenabozho (and all the while Nänabushu was angry), mii dash bagidinaad (and when he released them), gegaa ogii-niisaan ogiishkimanisiin (he nearly killed the Kingfisher), mii idash wii-nawajinaad ogii-bishigobinaan (for as he was going to seize him, he missed his hold).
(14) Mī∙i∙dac kā∙i∙cimādcād Nänabuju nō‘piming. Ōgi∙a∙wi∙o∙ji∙ā∙n mi‘tigwābīn kayä ạsawānạn. Mēdạc ä‘kidot Nänabuju: “Tạga tawiki‘tcikijā‘tä wâbạng.” Mēdạc kägä‘t kistcimijā‘kwạd wayābạng. Mēdạc Nänabuju kā∙i∙ji∙i∙jād imāⁿ tibicko minising, mīdạc imāⁿ tcigibig kīnībawît. “Mi‘tigong nīngạdijināgus,” ā‘pitci kāsōngạg kīckạna‘kạd.” Mī∙i∙dạc imāⁿ kī∙ạ∙sad omi‘tigwābīn imāⁿ oni‘kāng. A‘pīdạc kīzîs pạmō‘kāng, ā‘pitci gījā‘tä. Kägādạc nayāwa‘kwäg mī cigwa mō‘kiwād mạnidōg.
Mii idash gaa-izhi-maajaad Nenabozho noopiming. Ogii-awi-ozhi-aan mitigwaabiin gaye asawaanan. Mii dash ekidod Nenabozho: “Daga da-wii-gichi-gizhaate waabang.” Mii idash geget gichi-mizhaakwad wayaabang. Mii dash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-izhaad imaanh dibishkoo minising, mii dash imaanh jiigibiig gii-niibawid. “Mitigong ningad-izhinaagoz,” aapiji gaa-zoongag gishkanakad.” Mii idash imaanh gii-asaad omitigwaabiin imaanh onikaang. Apii idash giizis bamookaang, aapiji giizhaate. Gegaa dash nayaawakweg mii zhigwa mookiiwaad manidoog.
Thereupon off started Nänabushu into the forest; he went to make a bow and some arrows. And then said Nänabushu: “I will that it be very warm to-morrow.” And so truly there was a very clear sky on the morrow. Thereupon Nänabushu went over to a place opposite the island, and there on the bank of the river he stood. “Like a tree will I look, (like) a stump that is exceedingly strong.” And so there upon his arm he put his bow. And when the sun was rising, it grew very warm. And when it was nearly noon, then out began coming the manitous.
Mii idash gaa-izhi-maajaad Nenabozho noopiming (and so Nänabushu set off into the forest), ogii-awi-ozhi-aan mitigwaabiin gaye asawaanan (he went to make a bow and arrows), mii dash ekidod Nenabozho (and then Nänabushu said), “Daga da-wii-gichi-gizhaate waabang” (“Now let it be very warm tomorrow”), mii idash geget gichi-mizhaakwad wayaabang (and truly the sky was very clear on the morrow), mii dash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-izhaad imaanh dibishkoo minising (and Nänabushu went to the place opposite the island), mii dash imaanh jiigibiig gii-niibawid (and there by the water’s edge he stood), “Mitigong ningad-izhinaagoz” (“Like a tree shall I look”), aapiji gaa-zoongag gishkanakad (a very strong stump), mii idash imaanh gii-asaad omitigwaabiin imaanh onikaang (and there upon his arm he set his bow), apii idash giizis bamookaang, aapiji giizhaate (and when the sun rose, it grew very warm), gegaa dash nayaawakweg mii zhigwa mookiiwaad manidoog (and when it was nearly noon, then the manitous began to come out).
(15) Mēdạc ä‘kidowād mạnidōg: “Kīwâbạndānāwāmbạn īni´∙u∙‘kᵘ kīnawā iwe kīckạna‘kạd?”
Mii dash ekidowaad manidoog: “Gii-waabandaanaawaamban iniw go giinawaa iwe gishkanakad?”
And then said the manitous: “Did you yourselves ever see that stump before?”
Mii dash ekidowaad manidoog (and then the manitous said), “Gii-waabandaanaawaamban iniw go giinawaa iwe gishkanakad?” (“Have you yourselves ever seen that stump before?”).
(16) “Kāwin,” i‘kidōwạg ānint.
“Gaawiin,” ikidowag aanind.
“No,” said some of them.
“Gaawiin,” ikidowag aanind (“No,” said some of them).
(17) Ānintidạc i‘kidōwạg: “Äⁿyeᵉ, nīwâbạndānābạn nīni‘kᵘ.”
Aanind idash ikidowag: “Enye’, niwaabandaanaaban niinawind go.”
But some of them said: “Yes, we ourselves are accustomed to seeing it.”
Aanind idash ikidowag (but some of them said), “Enye’, niwaabandaanaaban niinawind go” (“Yes, we ourselves used to see it”).
(18) Ānint i‘kidōwạg: “Nāsạnā‘ku Nänabuju ta∙i∙jināguzⁱ!”
Aanind ikidowag: “Naasana go Nenabozho da-izhinaagozi!”
Some of them said: “Woe to us should Nänabushu take on such a form!”
Aanind ikidowag (some of them said), “Naasana go Nenabozho da-izhinaagozi!” (“Woe should Nänabushu look like that!”).
(19) Ạnōdc mạnidōg mō‘kīwạg. Mī∙i∙dạc änāwād Wâbima‘kwạn: “Taga, awigạgwädcīwādạn i´we kīskana‘kạd.”
Anooj manidoog mookiiwag. Mii idash enaawaad Waabimakwan: “Daga, awi-gagwejiiwaadan iwe gishkanakad.”
All sorts of manitous came forth. And now they said to the White Bear: “I wish you would go wrestle with that stump.”
Anooj manidoog mookiiwag (all sorts of manitous came forth), mii idash enaawaad Waabimakwan (and then they said to the White Bear), “Daga, awi-gagwejiiwaadan iwe gishkanakad” (“Now, go and wrestle with that stump”).
(20) Mēdạc kägä‘t kā∙i∙ji∙i∙jād wâbima‘kwa; mēdạc kigạgwädcibidōt, kāwin kạnạgä ogīkawibidōsīn. Mēdạc ä‘kidot Wâbima‘kwa: “Āⁿ, kāwīn Nänabuju āwisī; mi‘tig i∙i∙we!”
Mii dash geget gaa-izhi-izhaad waabimakwa; mii dash gii-gagwejibidood, gaawiin ganage ogii-gawibidoosiin. Mii dash ekidod Waabimakwa: “Aanh, gaawiin Nenabozho aawisii; mitig iwe!”
Thereupon truly thither went the White Bear; and he tried shaking it, but not a whit did he move it. Thereupon said the White Bear: “Why, it is not Nänabushu; it is wood!”
Mii dash geget gaa-izhi-izhaad waabimakwa (and so truly the White Bear went there), mii dash gii-gagwejibidood (and he tried to pull/shake it), gaawiin ganage ogii-gawibidoosiin (not at all could he move it), mii dash ekidod Waabimakwa (and then White Bear said), “Aanh, gaawiin Nenabozho aawisii; mitig iwe!” (“Why, it is not Nänabushu; it is wood!”).
(21) ‘Ā! käyābi ānint ugu‘tānāwān. Kayä wīn Nigik kimōckạmu. Mēdạc ä‘kidot: “Ha, ha, ha, ha!” ä‘pā‘pid, “kāwī‘kā nīn ningīwâbạndazīn.”
Aa! geyaabi aanind ogotaanaawaan. Gaye wiin Nigig gii-mooshkamo. Mii dash ekidod: “Ha, ha, ha, ha!” ebaapid, “gaawiikaa niin ningii-waabandaziin.”
Ah! but yet some of them feared it. And the Otter too came forth. Whereupon he said: “Ha, ha, ha, ha!” as he began laughing, “never before have I seen it.”
Aa! geyaabi aanind ogotaanaawaan (Ah! but still some of them feared it), gaye wiin Nigig gii-mooshkamo (and the Otter too came forth), mii dash ekidod (and then he said), “Ha, ha, ha, ha!” ebaapid (“Ha, ha, ha, ha!” as he laughed), “gaawiikaa niin ningii-waabandaziin” (“never before have I seen it”).
(22) Mīdạc mīnawā ä‘kidowād: “Skomāⁿ, kīn, Mîciginäbik, āwigutci‘tōn!”
Mii dash miinawaa ekidowaad: “Ishkoman, giin, Mishiginebig, awi-gojitoon!”
And then again they said: “Let us see you, Big Serpent, go try it!”
Mii dash miinawaa ekidowaad (and then again they said), “Ishkoman, giin, Mishiginebig, awi-gojitoon!” (“Come now, you, Big Serpent, go try it!”).
(23) Mēdạc kägä‘t kī∙i∙jāt. Mēdạc kā∙i∙jitatibā‘kuwād u‘kwägạnāng. Mē∙i∙dạc kā∙i∙jibāpạsi‘tād kînäbi‘k.
Mii dash geget gii-izhaad. Mii dash gaa-izhi-dadibegowaad okweganaang. Mii idash gaa-izhi-baabasitaad ginebig.
Whereupon truly thither he went. Whereupon he twined round (Nänabushu’s) neck. And then tight coiled the Serpent.
Mii dash geget gii-izhaad (and so truly he went), mii dash gaa-izhi-dadibegowaad okweganaang (and then he wound around his neck), mii idash gaa-izhi-baabasitaad ginebig (and then the Serpent coiled tight).
(24) Āⁿ, nībiwä kī∙ä∙nimādcā kīzîs.
Aanh, niibiwa gii-ani-maajaa giizis.
Well, far on its way had gone the sun.
Aanh, niibiwa gii-ani-maajaa giizis (Well, far along had the sun gone).
(25) Kägāgu tciwä‘kwānāmut Nänabuju mī∙i´∙ᵘ kā∙i∙cipạgidcitānit micigînäbigōn.
Gegaa go jiiwekwaanaamod Nenabozho mii iw gaa-izhi-bagijidaanid mishiginebigon.
When almost out of breath was Nänabushu, then was he let go by the Big Serpent.
Gegaa go jiiwekwaanaamod Nenabozho (when Nänabushu was almost out of breath), mii iw gaa-izhi-bagijidaanid mishiginebigon (then the Big Serpent let him go).
(26) Mēdạc ä‘kidot ginäbîk: “‘Ā, kāwin aᵘ Nänabuju āwîsī; mi‘tig i∙i∙wē!”
Mii dash ekidod ginebig: “Aa, gaawiin a’aw Nenabozho aawisii; mitig iwe!”
Thereupon said the Serpent: “Why, that is not Nänabushu; it is wood!”
Mii dash ekidod ginebig (and then the Serpent said), “Aa, gaawiin a’aw Nenabozho aawisii” (“Why, that is not Nänabushu”), “mitig iwe!” (“it is wood!”).
(27) Mī∙i∙dạc kā∙i∙jipōmäwād. Ickwādạc kimō‘kīwạg niⁿj mạnidōg, mī igiwe ogimāg. Mī∙i∙dạc kā∙i∙jinibāwād kījā‘tänig.
Mii idash gaa-izhi-boomewaad. Ishkwaa dash gii-mookiiwag niizh manidoog, mii igiwe ogimaag. Mii idash gaa-izhi-nibaawaad giizhaatenig.
Whereupon they felt at ease. And then at the last out came two manitous; they were the chiefs. Thereupon they went to sleep where it was warm.
Mii idash gaa-izhi-boomewaad (and so they felt at ease), ishkwaa dash gii-mookiiwag niizh manidoog (and last of all two manitous came forth), mii igiwe ogimaag (they were the chiefs), mii idash gaa-izhi-nibaawaad giizhaatenig (and then they went to sleep where it was warm).
(28) Mēdạc Nänabuju kā∙i∙jināsi‘kawād omi‘tigwābīn, wī∙a∙wibîmwād. Nīⁿ jiwanidạc miskwādäsiwạn, mī∙i∙dạc wâ∙i∙jidibātcîmowâd. Mīdạc änād Nänabucu: “Ic, tci tci tci! Kägu täbātcimu‘kägun! Mäckut kīgawawäciininîm.”
Mii dash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-naazikawaad omitigwaabiin, wii-awi-bimwaad. Niizhiwan idash miskwaadesiwan, mii idash waa-izhi-dibaajimowaad. Mii dash enaad Nenabozho: “Ish, ji ji ji! Gego dibaajimokegon! Meshkwad gigawawezhi’ininim.”
Accordingly Nänabushu went after his bow and arrows, that he might go shoot them. Now, there were two red-burned (Turtles), and now they were going to tell. Whereupon to them said Nänabushu: “Hush, hush! Don’t you tell! In return I will adorn you in gay color.”
Mii dash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-naazikawaad omitigwaabiin (and so Nänabushu went after his bow), wii-awi-bimwaad (intending to go shoot them), niizhiwan idash miskwaadesiwan (and there were two red-painted ones [turtles]), mii idash waa-izhi-dibaajimowaad (and they were about to tell), mii dash enaad Nenabozho (and then Nänabushu said to them), “Ish, ji ji ji! Gego dibaajimokegon!” (“Hush, hush! Don’t you tell!”), “Meshkwad gigawawezhi’ininim” (“In return I will adorn you in fine colors”).
(29) Mē∙i∙dạc Nänabuju kā∙i∙ji∙o∙dā‘pinād, mī∙i∙dạc ojibīwād.
Mii idash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-odaapinaad, mii idash ozhibii’waad.
Accordingly Nänabushu took them up, and then painted them.
Mii idash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-odaapinaad (and so Nänabushu took them up), mii idash ozhibii’waad (and then he painted them).
(30) Āⁿ! kitcimînwändạmōg.
Aanh! gichi-minwendamoog.
Ah! they were greatly pleased.
Aanh! gichi-minwendamoog (Ah! they were greatly pleased).
(31) Mīdạc änād: “Mîskwādäsi kīgạdigōm tcī∙ạ∙ni∙a∙‘kīwang.”
Mii dash enaad: “Miskwaadesi gigadigoom ji-ani-akiiwang.”
Thereupon he said to them: “Red-burned creatures you will be called till the end of the world.”
Mii dash enaad (and then he said to them), “Miskwaadesi gigadigoom ji-ani-akiiwang” (“Painted-Turtle you shall be called to the end of the world”).
(32) Mīdạc ägud mîskwādäsīwạn: “Kägu kwaya‘k pimwā‘kän; ạgawātäcinuwād ijipimwⁱ.”
Mii dash egod miskwaadesiwan: “Gego gwayak bimwaaken; agawaatesinowaad izhi-bimwi.”
Whereupon he was told by the red-burned (Turtles): “Do not shoot straight at them; where they cast a shadow is the place to shoot at them.”
Mii dash egod miskwaadesiwan (and then he was told by the painted-turtles), “Gego gwayak bimwaaken” (“Do not shoot straight at them”), “agawaatesinowaad izhi-bimwi” (“where they cast a shadow, there shoot them”).
(33) Mīdạc Nänabuju kā∙i∙jināsi‘kawād īni´ᵘ mạnidōn. A‘pīdạc kā∙u∙disād, mī∙i´∙ᵘ äjipimwād, kwaya‘kigu wiyawing, kāwindạc ugīmijwāsīn. Mīnawādac päjig odasạwān ugīnābisidōn, mīidec kā∙i∙jipimwād ạgawātäcininit, mī∙i∙dạc kīmījwād. Mīnawādac wäwīp päjig ogīpimwān, īni´ᵘ ugimān.
Mii dash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-naazikawaad iniw manidoon. Apii dash gaa-odisaad, mii iw ezhi-bimwaad, gwayak go wiiyawing, gaawiin idash ogii-mizhwaasiin. Miinawaa dash bezhig odasawaan ogii-naabisidoon, mii idash gaa-izhi-bimwaad agawaatesinid, mii idash gii-mizhwaad. Miinawaa dash wewiib bezhig ogii-bimwaan, iniw ogimaan.
And so Nänabushu went to where the manitous were. And when he got to where they were, then he shot at them, right at their bodies, but he did not hit them. Now, another arrow he fixed upon his bow, whereupon he shot at the shadows they cast, and then he hit them. And so quickly at another he shot, at the chief.
Mii dash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-naazikawaad iniw manidoon (and so Nänabushu approached those manitous), apii dash gaa-odisaad (and when he reached them), mii iw ezhi-bimwaad, gwayak go wiiyawing (then he shot at them, straight at their bodies), gaawiin idash ogii-mizhwaasiin (but he did not hit them), miinawaa dash bezhig odasawaan ogii-naabisidoon (and again he fixed another arrow on his bow), mii idash gaa-izhi-bimwaad agawaatesinid (and then he shot at the shadow they cast), mii idash gii-mizhwaad (and then he hit them), miinawaa dash wewiib bezhig ogii-bimwaan, iniw ogimaan (and quickly again he shot another, the chief).
(34) Mī∙i∙dạc ci´gwa ki‘känimind Nänabuju. “Ääᵃ, Nänabuju unisān ugimān!”
Mii idash zhigwa gii-kenimind Nenabozho. “Aayaa, Nenabozho onisaan ogimaan!”
Now, then was the time they knew it was Nänabushu. “Oh, Nänabushu is killing the chief!”
Mii idash zhigwa gii-kenimind Nenabozho (and now was the time they recognized Nänabushu), “Aayaa, Nenabozho onisaan ogimaan!” (“Oh, Nänabushu is killing the chief!”).
(35) Mēdạc Nänabuju kā∙i∙jimādcība∙i∙wäd. Ā! mēdạc nibi nō‘pinạnigut. Ninguding idạc cigwa kägā udadimigun nibi, mēdạc wâbạmād a‘kagwidcīciwạn nämạdạbinid. Mēdạc änād: “Ä, nicīmäⁿ, mạnido nimạmīdawiik!”
Mii dash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-maajiiba’iwed. Aa! mii dash nibi noopinanigod. Ningoding idash zhigwa gegaa odadimigon nibi, mii dash waabamaad akakwijiishiwan namadabinid. Mii dash enaad: “Aa, nishiimenh, manidoo nimamiidawiik!”
Accordingly Nänabushu started to flee. Ah! and then by the Water was he pursued. Now once, when nearly overtaken by the Water, he then saw a Woodchuck sitting up. Whereupon he said to him: “Alas! my little brother, by a manitou am I pursued.”
Mii dash Nenabozho gaa-izhi-maajiiba’iwed (and so Nänabushu started to flee), Aa! mii dash nibi noopinanigod (Ah! and the Water pursued him), ningoding idash zhigwa gegaa odadimigon nibi (and once, when the Water nearly overtook him), mii dash waabamaad akakwijiishiwan namadabinid (he saw a Woodchuck sitting up), mii dash enaad (and then he said to him), “Aa, nishiimenh, manidoo nimamiidawiik!” (“Alas, my little brother, a manitou is pursuing me!”).
(36) “Wa´‘e, ānīndi ändạnādcimạt awe mạnidō? Taga, omāⁿ pīndigän nīwājing!”
“Wa’e, aaniindi endanaajimad awe manidoo? Daga, omaanh biindigen niiwaazhing*!”
“Well, where is the manitou about whom you are talking? Pray, come into this little hole of mine!”
“Wa’e, aaniindi endanaajimad awe manidoo?” (“Well, where is the manitou you are talking about?”), “Daga, omaanh biindigen niiwaazhing*!” (“Now, come into this little den of mine!”).