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.
61. NÄNABUSHU SWALLOWED BY THE STURGEON.¹
Nänabushu Swallowed by the Sturgeon (2)
Narrated by Mrs. Syrette — Series 8 (Nos. 57–63), 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) Mīdạc kīⁿwäⁿ a∙ī∙ndāwāt Nänabucu ō‘kumisạn kayä.
Mii dash giiwenh a’iin daawaad Nenaboozhoo ookomisan gaye.
And so it is said that Nänabushu and his grandmother continued living there.
Mii dash giiwenh (and so they say) a’iin daawaad (they were dwelling there) Nenaboozhoo ookomisan gaye (Nenaboozhoo and his grandmother too).
(2) Ninguting kīⁿwäⁿ Nänabucu äjinānāgatawändạnk inändạm:
Ningoding giiwenh Nenaboozhoo ezhi-naanaagadawendang inendam:
Once on a time they say that while Nänabushu was meditating, he thought :
Ningoding giiwenh (once they say) Nenaboozhoo ezhi-naanaagadawendang (as Nenaboozhoo was pondering deeply) inendam (he thought).
(3) “Intigäsa mīgu nīn kā∙i∙jipäjigōwānän,” inändạm Nänabucū.
“Indige sa mii go niin gaa-izhi-bezhigowaanen,” inendam Nenaboozhoo.
“I am curious to know if I was the only one,” thought Nänabushu.
“Indige sa (“I wonder indeed) mii go niin gaa-izhi-bezhigowaanen,” (whether I am the only one) inendam Nenaboozhoo (thought Nenaboozhoo).
(4) Mīdạc änändạnk: “Ningagagwätcimā nō‘kumis.”
Mii dash e-nendang: “Ninga-gagwejimaa nookomis.”
Thereupon he thought: “I will ask my grandmother.”
Mii dash e-nendang (and then he thought): “Ninga-gagwejimaa nookomis.” (“I will ask my grandmother.”)
(5) Ānīcînā ātîsō‘kān, mīdạc kägä‘t änāt ō‘kumisạn:
Aaniish inaa aadizookaan, mii dash geget e-naad ookomisan:
So, according to the story, he then truly said to his grandmother :
Aaniish inaa aadizookaan (so, according to the sacred story), mii dash geget e-naad ookomisan (then truly he said to his grandmother).
(6) “Nō‘kumis,” udinān;
“Nookomis,” odinaan;
“My grandmother,” he said to her,
“Nookomis,” odinaan (“my grandmother,” he said to her).
(7) “mīnagu kīnawint ä‘tagu pimātisiyạng?” udinān.
“mii na go giinawind eta go bimaadiziyang?” odinaan.
“is it possible that you and I are the only ones living?” he said to her.
“mii na go giinawind eta go bimaadiziyang?” (“is it really only we two who are living?”) odinaan (he said to her).
(8) “Kāwīn na wī‘kā nīn ningī∙u∙gīsī?” udinān ō‘kumisạn.
“Gaawiin na wiikaa niin ningii-ogiisii?” odinaan ookomisan.
“Have I never had a mother?” he said to his grandmother.
“Gaawiin na wiikaa niin ningii-ogiisii?” (“have I never had a mother?”) odinaan ookomisan (he said to his grandmother).
(9) “Mīnagu kā∙i∙jipīnicipimātisiyān?” udinān ō‘kumisạn.
“Mii na go ge-izhi-biinishi-bimaadiziyaan?” odinaan ookomisan.
“Is it possible that simply without cause I came into being?” he said to his grandmother.
“Mii na go ge-izhi-biinishi-bimaadiziyaan?” (“is it that I simply came to live for no reason?”) odinaan ookomisan (he said to his grandmother).
(10) Wī‘kā dạc ōgạnōnigōn, igut:
Wiikaa dash oganoonigoonigod:
So after a long while he was given reply, he was told :
Wiikaa dash oganoonigoonigod (and after a long while he was answered by her).
(11) “Nōjis,” udigōn,
“Noozhis,” odigoon,
“My grandson,” he was told,
“Noozhis,” odigoon (“my grandson,” he was told).
(12) “mīsagu iᵘ kägā käki‘tuyämbān.
“mii sa go iw gegaa ge-kidoyaambaan.
“it was almost like that, (as you will see from what) I shall say.
“mii sa go iw gegaa ge-kidoyaambaan (“it was nearly so, as I shall tell).
(13) Namadabin, naskä, kīgawīndamōn.
Namadabin, nashke, giga-wiindamoon.
Be seated, listen, I shall inform you.
Namadabin (sit down), nashke (look here), giga-wiindamoon (I will inform you).
(14) Pisindawicin wäwäni,” udigōn.
Bizindawishin weweni,” odigoon.
Listen to me with care,” he was told.
Bizindawishin weweni,” (“listen to me carefully,”) odigoon (he was told).
(15) “Kägä‘t kī∙ạ∙nicinābä‘kā; mīdạcigu kī∙ạ∙nitcātcāgiunicinōwāt, pīnic kayä wīnawā īgi’ᵘ kinīgī∙i∙gōg kätinạtwābạn kīpäjigu kayä kisayäⁿ,” udigōn.
“Geget gii-anishinaabekaa; mii dash igo gii-ani-jaajaagi-onishinoowaad, biinish gaye wiinawaa igiw gi-niigii’igoog ged-inadwaaban gii-bezhigo gaye gi-sayenh,” odigoon.
“Verily, there were some people living; but then as time went on they gradually passed away one by one, till at last also went they whom you would call your parents. And there was also one that was your elder brother,” he was told.
“Geget gii-anishinaabekaa (“truly there were people living); mii dash igo gii-ani-jaajaagi-onishinoowaad (and so as time went on they gradually passed away one by one), biinish gaye wiinawaa igiw gi-niigii’igoog (until they too, those who gave birth to you) ged-inadwaaban (whom you would call your parents) gii-bezhigo gaye gi-sayenh,” (and there was also one who was your elder brother,”) odigoon (he was told).
(16) “Kayä wīn dạc kīwạnicin.
“Gaye wiin dash gii-wanishin.
“And he too disappeared.
“Gaye wiin dash gii-wanishin (“and he too was lost).
(17) Kīndạc kayä, naskä kīgawīndamōn kā∙u∙ndcimō‘kināgusiyạn omā dạc nōngum kī∙a∙yāyạn.
Giin dash gaye, nashke giga-wiindamoon gaa-onji-mookinaagoziyan omaa dash noongom gii-ayaayan.
Now about you, listen, (and) I will explain to you from what source you came, and why now you are here.
Giin dash gaye (and as for you too), nashke giga-wiindamoon (look, I will tell you) gaa-onji-mookinaagoziyan (from what source you came forth) omaa dash noongom gii-ayaayan (and why you are here now).
(18) Awä kisayäⁿ mī∙a∙ᵘ kānīgit, i∙i∙witạc iskwātc äyāmạga‘k anicinābänāgitcin wäbinigātädạc iᵘ; mīdạc äjini‘kātäg ạbinōtcī∙u∙dapi‘kwäcimun, ijini‘kātä.
Awe gi-sayenh mii aw gaa-niigid, i’iw idash ishkwaach e-yaamagak anishinaabe naagishin webinigaade dash iw; mii dash e-zhinikaadeg abinoojii odapikweshimon, izhinikaade.
After that elder brother of yours was born, then that which is the last to come when one is born was thrown away ; for it is called a place-for-the-babe-to-rest-its-head, such is its name.
Awe gi-sayenh mii aw gaa-niigid (that elder brother of yours, he who was born), i’iw idash ishkwaach e-yaamagak anishinaabe naagishin (and the thing that comes last when a person is born) webinigaade dash iw (was thrown away); mii dash e-zhinikaadeg (and this is what it is called) abinoojii odapikweshimon (a babe’s little head-rest), izhinikaade (so it is named).
(19) Mīdạc imā kīn wändātîsiyạn, nōcis.
Mii dash imaa giin wendaadiziyan, noozhis.
So it was from that source that you came, my grandson.
Mii dash imaa giin wendaadiziyan, noozhis (and it was from there that you came to be, my grandson).
(20) A‘pī kānīgit kisayäⁿ, mīdạc kīsāgistcigātäg ingutcidạc kī∙a∙wi∙a∙gōtcigātä.
Apii gaa-niigid gi-sayenh, mii dash gii-saagijigaadeg ingoji dash gii-awi-agoojigaade.
At the time when your elder brother was born, it was then taken somewhere out of doors and hung up.
Apii gaa-niigid gi-sayenh (at the time your elder brother was born), mii dash gii-saagijigaadeg (then it was carried out of doors) ingoji dash gii-awi-agoojigaade (and somewhere it was hung up).
(21) Mīdạc nāgạtc kā∙i∙cinōntawint apinōdcī mạdwämawit iwiti agōtäg iᵘ pi‘kwäcimunäns.
Mii dash naagaj gaa-izhi-noondawind abinoojii madwe-mawid iwidi agoodeg iw bikweshimonens.
And so after a while there was heard the cry of a babe at yonder place where hung the little-rest-for-the-head.
Mii dash naagaj gaa-izhi-noondawind abinoojii (and then after a while a babe was heard) madwe-mawid (crying) iwidi agoodeg iw bikweshimonens (yonder where that little head-rest hung).
(22) Mīdạc kā∙i∙ci∙i∙cāyān, mīdạc imā kīmi‘kōnān.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-izhaayaan, mii dash imaa gii-mikoonaam.
Thereupon I went to the place, and there I found you.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-izhaayaan (so then I went there), mii dash imaa gii-mikoonaam (and there I found you).
(23) Mīdạc nīn kā∙i∙jini‘tāwigī∙i∙nān,” udinān.
Mii dash niin gaa-izhi-nitaawigi’inaan,” odinaan.
Therefore it was I who reared you,” she said to him.
Mii dash niin gaa-izhi-nitaawigi’inaan,” (and so it was I who raised you,”) odinaan (she said to him).
(24) “Kayä wīn dạc kīga kisayäⁿ ugīni‘tāwīgi∙ā∙n.
“Gaye wiin dash gi-ga gi-sayenh ogii-nitaawigi’aan.
“And your mother herself brought up your elder brother.
“Gaye wiin dash gi-ga (“and your mother herself) gi-sayenh ogii-nitaawigi’aan (raised your elder brother).
(25) Mīdạc äjini‘kāsut aᵘ kisayäⁿ∙i∙bạn Nänā‘pātạm.
Mii dash ezhinikaazod aw gi-sayeniban Nenaapaadam.
And the name of your elder brother was Nänā‘pātạm.
Mii dash ezhinikaazod aw gi-sayeniban (and the name of that late elder brother of yours) Nenaapaadam (was Nenaapaadam).
(26) Mīdạc kayä kīn kā∙i∙jiwīnigōyạn Nänabucu,” udigōn ō‘kumisạn.
Mii dash gaye giin gaa-izhi-wiinigooyan Nenaboozhoo,” odigoon ookomisan.
And so the name Nänabushu was what you were called,” he was told by his grandmother.
Mii dash gaye giin gaa-izhi-wiinigooyan Nenaboozhoo,” (and the name you were given was Nenaboozhoo,”) odigoon ookomisan (he was told by his grandmother).
(27) Mīdạc Nänabucu kiˢtcinānāgatawäntạm, kaskändạm kayä mi‘kwänimāt nạngwạna kī∙u∙sayäⁿ∙i∙t.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gichi-naanaagadawendam, gashkendam gaye mikwenimaad nangwana gii-osayenid.
Thereupon Nänabushu seriously began pondering, sad too he became at the thought that forsooth he had an elder brother.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gichi-naanaagadawendam (thereupon Nenaboozhoo pondered deeply), gashkendam gaye (and he grew sad too) mikwenimaad nangwana gii-osayenid (remembering that he had indeed had an elder brother).
(28) Mīdạc Nänabucu cayīgwa kīwawänändạnk ānīn wâ∙i∙citcigät, mīdạc änāt ō‘kumisạn:
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa gii-wawenendang aaniin waa-izhichiged, mii dash e-naad ookomisan:
And then Nänabushu straightway made up his mind what he would do, and so he said to his grandmother :
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa gii-wawenendang (and then Nenaboozhoo at once made up his mind) aaniin waa-izhichiged (what he would do), mii dash e-naad ookomisan (and so he said to his grandmother).
(29) “Nō‘kumis, mama‘kāta‘kạmig wī‘kā kägō kī∙i∙cisiwạn iwi nạngwạna kī∙i∙ciwäbisiwāngän.”
“Nookomis, maamakaadakamig wiikaa gegoo gii-izhisiwan iwi nangwana gii-izhiwebiziwaangen.”
“My grandmother, it is strange that never did you say anything to me concerning what had actually happened to us.”
“Nookomis (“my grandmother), maamakaadakamig (it is astonishing) wiikaa gegoo gii-izhisiwan (that you never told me anything) iwi nangwana gii-izhiwebiziwaangen.” (about what had actually happened to us.”)
(30) “Untcitasa kāwīn kägō kigīwīwīndamāⁿsinōn,” udigōn ō‘kumisạn,
“Onjida sa gaawiin gegoo gigii-wiiwiindamawasinoon,” odigoon ookomisan,
“It was for a purpose that I told you of nothing,” he was told by his grandmother,
“Onjida sa gaawiin gegoo gigii-wiiwiindamawasinoon,” (“it was on purpose that I told you nothing,”) odigoon ookomisan (he was told by his grandmother).
(31) “ạnicā tcikaskändạmạn, kayä tcigwī∙i∙nawi∙i∙nändansiyạn,” udigōn ō‘kumisạn.
“anishaa ji-gashkendaman, gaye ji-gwii’inawi’inendanziyan,” odigoon ookomisan.
“that for no cause you should be sad, and that you should not be disturbed in your peace of mind,” he was told by his grandmother.
“anishaa ji-gashkendaman (“so that you would not be sad for nothing), gaye ji-gwii’inawi’inendanziyan,” (and that you would not be troubled in mind,”) odigoon ookomisan (he was told by his grandmother).
(32) “Pîsānigu tcîpimādisiyạn; änicigu wâbạndạmạn kījik pādciwayāsäyāgin; kayä cayīgwa kīsis pạmō‘ka∙ạ∙ngin äji∙o∙nānigwändāgwa‘k, tci∙i∙ji∙o∙nānigwändạmạn.
“Bizaan igo ji-bimaadiziyan; enishigo waabandaman giizhig baaji-wayaaseyaagin; gaye zhayiigwa giizis ba-mooka’angin ezhi-onaanigwendaagwak, ji-izhi-onaanigwendaman.
“And that in peace you should live; that you should behold with a feeling of contentment the light of day when it comes ; and that whenever the sun comes forth, when a sense of gladness pervades all things, you should be joyful too.
“Bizaan igo ji-bimaadiziyan (“so that you would live in peace); enishigo waabandaman giizhig baaji-wayaaseyaagin (that you would simply behold the day as its light breaks forth); gaye zhayiigwa giizis ba-mooka’angin (and that when the sun comes up) ezhi-onaanigwendaagwak (as all things turn glad), ji-izhi-onaanigwendaman (you too would be glad).
(33) Mī∙i’∙ᵘ wī‘kā kā∙u∙ndcikägō∙i∙nisinowān,” udigōn ō‘kumisạn.
Mii i’iw wiikaa gaa-onji-gegoo-inisinowaan,” odigoon ookomisan.
Now, that was why I never imparted any thing to you,” he was told by his grandmother.
Mii i’iw wiikaa gaa-onji-gegoo-inisinowaan,” (that was why I never told you anything,”) odigoon ookomisan (he was told by his grandmother).
(34) Mīdạc Nänabucu cayīgwa ināt ō‘kumisạn:
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa inaad ookomisan:
Thereupon Nänabushu presently said to his grandmother :
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa inaad ookomisan (thereupon Nenaboozhoo presently said to his grandmother).
(35) “Nō‘kumis,” udinān, “ninganạntupạnī.
“Nookomis,” odinaan, “ninga-nandobani.
“My grandmother,” he said to her, “I am going to war.
“Nookomis,” odinaan (“my grandmother,” he said to her), “ninga-nandobani (“I am going to war).
(36) Ninganạntawâbạmāg awänänạn kānisiguwāt nigī∙i∙gōg kayä nisayäⁿ.”
Ninga-nandawaabamaag awenenan gaa-nisigowaad ni-gii’igoog gaye ni-sayenh.”
I am going to seek those who slew my parents and my elder brother.”
Ninga-nandawaabamaag awenenan gaa-nisigowaad ni-gii’igoog (I am going to look for whoever it was that killed those who gave birth to me) gaye ni-sayenh.” (and my elder brother.”)
(37) Mīdạc ägut ō‘kumisạn: “Kägu’, nōjis.
Mii dash e-god ookomisan: “Gego, noozhis.
And then he was told by his grandmother: “Don’t, my grandson.
Mii dash e-god ookomisan (and then he was told by his grandmother): “Gego, noozhis (“don’t, my grandson).
(38) Ingutci kīgatinigā‘tōn kī’yaᵘ,” udigōn.
Ingoji gigad-inigaatoon giiyaw,” odigoon.
Somewhere will you bring ruin upon yourself,” he was told.
Ingoji gigad-inigaatoon giiyaw,” (“somewhere you will bring harm upon your own body,”) odigoon (he was told).
(39) “Kāwīn,” udinān ō‘kumisạn, “pō‘tcigu ninganantawâbamāg.”
“Gaawiin,” odinaan ookomisan, “booch igo ninga-nandawaabamaag.”
“No,” he said to his grandmother, “I am determined to look for them.”
“Gaawiin,” odinaan ookomisan (“no,” he said to his grandmother), “booch igo ninga-nandawaabamaag.” (“I am bound to look for them anyway.”)
(40) Mīdạc äjimādcāt Nänabucu awipîsa∙ạ∙nk wī∙u∙ji‘tōd pigwa‘kōn kayä sawānạn.
Mii dash ezhi-maajaad Nenaboozhoo awi-bisa’ang wii-ozhitood bikwakoon gaye sawaanan.
So then off went Nänabushu, he went to seek (for a small straight tree, easy) to split, to the end that he might make some arrows and some spears.
Mii dash ezhi-maajaad Nenaboozhoo (so then Nenaboozhoo set off) awi-bisa’ang (going to split wood) wii-ozhitood bikwakoon gaye sawaanan (so that he might make arrows and spears).
(41) Mīdạc kīⁿwäⁿ pā∙i∙jikīwät wayībagu mīdạc ägut ō‘kumisạn:
Mii dash giiwenh ba-izhi-giiwed wayiiba go mii dash e-god ookomisan:
And now it is said that on his early return to his home he was then told by his grandmother : “
Mii dash giiwenh ba-izhi-giiwed wayiiba go (and so they say he came back home soon), mii dash e-god ookomisan (and then he was told by his grandmother).
(42) “Ānīn, nōjis?” udigōn.
“Aaniin, noozhis?” odigoon.
What now, my grandson ?” he was told.
“Aaniin, noozhis?” odigoon (“what is it, my grandson?” he was told).
(43) “Kāwīn kägō,” i‘kitu Nänabucu.
“Gaawiin gegoo,” ikido Nenaboozhoo.
“Nothing,” said Nänabushu.
“Gaawiin gegoo,” ikido Nenaboozhoo (“nothing,” said Nenaboozhoo).
(44) “Kāwīn pigwāsäsinōn niwâgā‘kwat.
“Gaawiin biigwaasesinoon ni-waagaakwad.
“My axe does not cut.
“Gaawiin biigwaasesinoon ni-waagaakwad (“my axe will not cut).
(45) Skumā sipōtcigạn, nō‘kumis.
Shkomaa siboojigan, nookomis.
Please let me have the whetstone, my grandmother.
Shkomaa siboojigan, nookomis (let me have the whetstone, my grandmother).
(46) Niwī‘kīnibōtōn wâgā‘kwat.”
Niwii-kiiniboodoon waagaakwad.”
I want to sharpen the axe.”
Niwii-kiiniboodoon waagaakwad.” (“I want to sharpen the axe.”)
(47) Mīdạc kägä‘t ā‘pagisut aᵘ mindimōyä, kīskabak idac nāni‘kibitōt sipōtcigạn mīnāt.
*Mii dash geget apagizod aw mindimooye, giishkabag idash naanikibidood siboojigan miinaad.**
It was true that over leaned the old woman, and from the meeting-place of the wall and the ground she drew forth a whetstone and gave it to him.
Mii dash geget apagizod aw mindimooye (it was true that the old woman leaned over), giishkabag idash naanikibidood siboojigan (and from along the wall’s edge she pulled out a whetstone) miinaad (giving it to him).
(48) Mīdạc äji∙u∙tā‘pinạng Nänabucu, mīdạc äjimādcī∙a∙sipōtcigät.
Mii dash ezhi-odaapinang Nenaboozhoo, mii dash ezhi-maajii-asiboojiged.
Whereupon over reached Nänabushu, taking it, and then he began the work of sharpening (the axe).
Mii dash ezhi-odaapinang Nenaboozhoo (whereupon Nenaboozhoo reached and took it), mii dash ezhi-maajii-asiboojiged (and then he began whetting).
(49) Mīdạc Nänabucu kumā a‘pī mägwā asipōtcigät mīnōndạnk ägut:
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gomaa apii megwaa asiboojiged mii noondang e-god:
And so later on, while Nänabushu was at work with the whetstone, he then heard that which he was told:
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gomaa apii megwaa asiboojiged (and so after a while, as Nenaboozhoo was whetting) mii noondang e-god (he then heard it saying to him).
(50) “Kōs, kīga,” inwäwäg sipōtcigạn.
“Goos, gi-ga,” inweweg siboojigan.
“Your father, your mother,” was the sound of the whetstone.
“Goos, gi-ga,” (“your father, your mother,”) inweweg siboojigan (was the sound the whetstone made).
(51) “Wägunän wäntcī∙i∙kitut?” inändạm.
“Wegonen wenji-ikidod?” inendam.
“Why does it say that?” he thought.
“Wegonen wenji-ikidod?” inendam (“why does it say that?” he thought).
(52) “Māgicā nō‘kumis undcita niwī∙i∙‘k kīgagwätcimạk,” inändam.
“Maagizhaa nookomis onjida niwii’ik gigaa-gwejimag,” inendam.
“Perhaps my grandmother for some reason is deceiving me about what I had asked her,” he thought.
“Maagizhaa nookomis onjida niwii’ik (“perhaps my grandmother is misleading me on purpose) gigaa-gwejimag,” inendam (about what I asked her,” he thought).
(53) Minawā äjimādcipōtcigät mī minawā äni‘tạnk: “Kōs, kōs, kōs, kīga, kīga, kīga.”
Miinawaa ezhi-maajii-siboojiged mii miinawaa e-nitang: “Goos, goos, goos, gi-ga, gi-ga, gi-ga.”
Once more as he began using the whetstone, so again he heard it: “Your father, your father, your father, your mother, your mother, your mother.”
Miinawaa ezhi-maajii-siboojiged (once more as he began whetting) mii miinawaa e-nitang (so again he heard it): “Goos, goos, goos, gi-ga, gi-ga, gi-ga.” (“your father, your father, your father, your mother, your mother, your mother.”)
(54) Ā‘pidci Nänabucu nickādisi.
Aapiji Nenaboozhoo nishkaadizi.
Exceedingly angry was Nänabushu.
Aapiji Nenaboozhoo nishkaadizi (exceedingly angry was Nenaboozhoo).
(55) “Na’, naskä ägwiyān iᵘ wâgā‘kwat!” udinān ō‘kumisạn.
“Na, nashke e-goyaan iw waagaakwad!” odinaan ookomisan.
“Hark, listen to what the axe is saying to me!” he said to his grandmother.
“Na, nashke e-goyaan iw waagaakwad!” (“hey, listen to what the axe is saying to me!”) odinaan ookomisan (he said to his grandmother).
(56) “Anicā kuca kidini‘tạm a‘panä iᵘ ijikijipäntạmạn,” udinān.
“Anishaa gosha gid-initam apane iw izhi-gizhibendaman,” odinaan.
“Simply are you hearing the sound of what you are always revolving in your mind,” she said to him.
“Anishaa gosha gid-initam (“you are merely hearing) apane iw izhi-gizhibendaman,” (the very thing you keep turning over in your mind,”) odinaan (she said to him).
(57) “Kāwīn,” udinān Nänabucu, “anicāgu ningagāntcigitämigun.”
“Gaawiin,” odinaan Nenaboozhoo, “anishaa go ninga-gaanjigidemigon.”
“No,” to her said Nänabushu, “simply am I chided to anger.”
“Gaawiin,” odinaan Nenaboozhoo (“no,” said Nenaboozhoo to her), “anishaa go ninga-gaanjigidemigon.” (“it is goading me to anger for no reason.”)
(58) Mīdạc Nänabucu kägä‘t nickādisit.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo geget nishkaadizid.
Thereupon Nänabushu truly was angry.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo geget nishkaadizid (thereupon Nenaboozhoo was truly angry).
(59) Mīdạc äji∙u∙dākinạng minawā sipōtcigạn.
Mii dash ezhi-odaapinang miinawaa siboojigan.
And so he once more took up the whetstone.
Mii dash ezhi-odaapinang miinawaa siboojigan (and so once more he took up the whetstone).
(60) Sipōtōd wâgā‘kwạt, mīgu minawā ägwut:
Siboodood waagaakwad, mii go miinawaa e-god:
While whetting the axe, then again was he told:
Siboodood waagaakwad (whetting the axe), mii go miinawaa e-god (then again it said to him).
(61) “Kōs, kōs, kisayäⁿ, kisayäⁿ,” udigwạn.
“Goos, goos, gi-sayenh, gi-sayenh,” odigwan.
“Your father, your father, your elder brother, your elder brother,” he was told.
“Goos, goos, gi-sayenh, gi-sayenh,” (“your father, your father, your elder brother, your elder brother,”) odigwan (he was told).
(62) Mīdạc äjipasiguntcisät; mīdạc äjinawatcipitōd wâgā‘kwa‘t;
Mii dash ezhi-bazigonjised; mii dash ezhi-nawajibidood waagaakwat;
Thereupon he leaped to his feet thereupon he grabbed and fastened down the axe ;
Mii dash ezhi-bazigonjised (thereupon he leaped to his feet); mii dash ezhi-nawajibidood waagaakwat (then he seized and held the axe fast).
(63) äjiki‘tcipapa‘kitäᵒwāt asinīn änābitagāwạninig.
ezhi-kichi-babakiteowaad asiniin enaabidagaawaninig.
he thoroughly pounded it with a stone right on the sharp edge.
ezhi-kichi-babakiteowaad asiniin (he pounded it hard with a stone) enaabidagaawaninig (right along the sharp cutting edge).
(64) Mīdạc kägä‘t ki‘tci∙u∙jī‘tād wīmādcāt; nībiwa ugī∙u∙jitōnạn ubīgwa‘kōn osawānạn kayä.
Mii dash geget gichi-ozhiitaad wii-maajaad; niibiwa ogii-ozhitoonan obikwakoon osawaanan gaye.
Thereupon truly was he fully prepared to go ; many arrows and spears had he made.
Mii dash geget gichi-ozhiitaad wii-maajaad (thereupon truly he was fully ready to go); niibiwa ogii-ozhitoonan obikwakoon osawaanan gaye (many arrows and spears he had made).
(65) Anicinā ātisō‘kān,
Anishinaa aadizookaan,
So far as the story goes,
Anishinaa aadizookaan (so far as the sacred story tells).
(66) kāwīn tibātutcigātäsinōn wägunän kāyōgwän kī∙u∙ji‘tōd ki‘tci nībiwa ūbīgwa‘kōn kayä odasawānạn,
*gaawiin dibaadojigaadesinoon wegonen gaayoogwen gii-ozhitood gichi-niibiwa obikwakoon gaye odasawaanan,**
it is not told what he used when he made the great number of his arrows and spears,
gaawiin dibaadojigaadesinoon* wegonen gaayoogwen (it is not told with what) gii-ozhitood gichi-niibiwa obikwakoon gaye odasawaanan (he made his very many arrows and spears).
(67) iᵘ kīkīckāpitäsitōd owâgā‘kwạt;
*iw gii-giishkaabidesidood owaagaakwad;**
for he had dulled his axe ;
iw gii-giishkaabidesidood owaagaakwad (for he had blunted the edge of his axe).
(68) mīyä‘tagu täbātcimint kī‘kījī‘tā∙i∙tisut.
mii eta go debaajimind gii-kiizhiitaa’idizod.
it is only told of him how that he had made himself prepared.
mii eta go debaajimind gii-kiizhiitaa’idizod (it is only told of him that he had got himself ready).
(69) Mīdạc kīwäⁿ Nänabucu äjimādcāt.
Mii dash giiwenh Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajaad.
And so it is said that Nänabushu started away.
Mii dash giiwenh Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajaad (and so they say Nenaboozhoo started off).
(70) Ictä, mīgayä iwä änātcimint!
Ishte, mii gaye iwe e-naajimind!
By the way, this too was what was told of him !
Ishte, mii gaye iwe e-naajimind! (look, this too is what is told of him!)
(71) Kī∙u∙ji‘tōd tcīmān;
Gii-ozhitood jiimaan;
He made a canoe ;
Gii-ozhitood jiimaan (he made a canoe).
(72) kīwīmbikawāt mi‘tigōn;
Gii-wiimbigawaad mitigoon;
he hewed it out of a log ;
Gii-wiimbigawaad mitigoon (he hollowed out a log).
(73) äniginitigu ogī∙i∙niku‘kwātōn inā.
eniginid igo ogii-inigokwaadoon inaa.
the measure of himself was the size he made it, so it is told of him.
eniginid igo ogii-inigokwaadoon inaa (the size of himself he made it, so it is told).
(74) Mīdạc kīmawinäwāt micinạmägwän.
Mii dash gii-mawinewaad mishi-namegwen.
Thereupon he went to assail the Great Sturgeon.
Mii dash gii-mawinewaad mishi-namegwen (thereupon he went to assail the Great Sturgeon).
(75) Mīdạc kīⁿwäⁿ Nänabucu äjimādcāt, pōjō∙ā∙t¹ ō‘kumisạn.
Mii dash giiwenh Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajaad, boozhoo’aad ookomisan.
And so they say that Nänabushu set out, bidding farewell to his grandmother.(2)
Mii dash giiwenh Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajaad (and so they say Nenaboozhoo set out), boozhoo’aad ookomisan (bidding farewell to his grandmother).(2)
(76) Mīdạc kīⁿwäⁿ ägut:
Mii dash giiwenh e-god:
And then they say he was told :
Mii dash giiwenh e-god (and then they say she said to him).
(77) “Aiyāngwāmisin, nōjis,” udigōn; “ingutci kīgatinikātōn kīyaᵘ,” udigōn ō‘kumisạn.
“Ayaangwaamizin, noozhis,” odigoon; “ingoji gigad-inigaatoon giiyaw,” odigoon ookomisan.
“Be careful, my grandson,” he was told; “somewhere will you bring harm upon yourself,” he was told by his grandmother.
“Ayaangwaamizin, noozhis,” odigoon (“be careful, my grandson,” he was told); “ingoji gigad-inigaatoon giiyaw,” (“somewhere you will harm your own body,”) odigoon ookomisan (he was told by his grandmother).
(78) “Kāwīn, nō‘kumis, ningatagwicin minawa omā,” udinān.
“Gaawiin, nookomis, ninga-dagwishin miinawaa omaa,” odinaan.
“No, my grandmother, I shall return again to this place,” he said to her.
“Gaawiin, nookomis, ninga-dagwishin miinawaa omaa,” (“no, my grandmother, I shall come back here again,”) odinaan (he said to her).
(79) Mīsa´ Nänabucu cayīgwa äjipa‘kubīnạng utcīnān, mādcāt kwaya‘k ki‘tcimicawagām;
Mii sa Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa ezhi-bakobiinang ojiimaan, maajaad gwayak gichi-mishawagaam;
And as Nänabushu now shoved his canoe into the water, he proceeded straight out to sea;
Mii sa Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa ezhi-bakobiinang ojiimaan (and so now as Nenaboozhoo pushed his canoe into the water), maajaad gwayak gichi-mishawagaam (he set off straight out into the open water).
(80) kägā dạc nänāwạgām tägucing, mī äjipīpāgit, nạgamut:
gegaa dash nenaawagaam degoshing, mii ezhi-biibaagid, nagamod:
and when almost at the middle part of the sea he was come, then he cried with a loud voice, singing :
gegaa dash nenaawagaam degoshing (and when he had nearly reached the middle of the water), mii ezhi-biibaagid (then he called out), nagamod (singing).
(81) “Mîcinạmägwätug, mîcinamägwätug,
“Mishi-namegwedog, mishi-namegwedog,
“O ye Great Sturgeons, O ye Great Sturgeons,
“Mishi-namegwedog, mishi-namegwedog, (carried verbatim — song)
(82) Wī‘kwạnjicin, wī‘kwanjicin!”
Wiikwanzhishin, wiikwanzhishin!”
Come one of you and swallow me, come one of you and swallow me !”
Wiikwanzhishin, wiikwanzhishin!” (carried verbatim — song)
(83) Nāgatcigu cayīgwa mātākạmiskā ki‘tcikạmi;
Naagaj igo zhayiigwa maadaagamishkaa gichi-gami;
And in a little while was the sea set in motion ;
Naagaj igo zhayiigwa maadaagamishkaa gichi-gami (and after a little while the great water began to stir).
(84) tibickō pāwī‘tig äjipintciwạnk, mī ä‘pī‘titciwạnk.
dibishkoo baawitig ezhi-bi-njiwang, mii epiitijiwang.
like rapids when the current is strong, so was the flow of the waves.
dibishkoo baawitig ezhi-bi-njiwang (like rapids in their flowing), mii epiitijiwang (so strong was the current).
(85) Mīdạc kägä‘t Nänabucu änigu‘k nạgạmut:
Mii dash geget Nenaboozhoo enigok nagamod:
Thereupon truly Nänabushu sang aloud :
Mii dash geget Nenaboozhoo enigok nagamod (thereupon truly Nenaboozhoo sang with all his might).
(86) “Mîcinamägwätug, wī‘kwạnjicik!
“Mishi-namegwedog, wiikwanzhishig!
“O ye Great Sturgeons, come swallow me !
“Mishi-namegwedog, wiikwanzhishig! (carried verbatim — song)
(87) Kīnawā kātcāki∙ä∙gwā ninīgī∙i∙gōg, kayä nīn dạc wī‘kwạnjicik!”
Giinawaa gaa-jaagi’egwaa ni-niigi’igoog, gaye niin dash wiikwanzhishig!”
Ye that have slain my parents, come swallow me too!”
Giinawaa gaa-jaagi’egwaa ni-niigi’igoog (ye who destroyed those who gave birth to me), gaye niin dash wiikwanzhishig!” (come swallow me too! — carried verbatim, song)
(88) Pîtcīnạgigu kā∙i∙ckwāi‘kitut, mī cayīgwa wâbạmāt mîcinamägwän wī‘kwạnigut.
Bijiinag igo gaa-ishkwaa-kidod, mii zhayiigwa waabamaad mishi-namegwen wiikwanigod.
As soon as he had finished speaking, then immediately he saw a great sturgeon coming to swallow him.
Bijiinag igo gaa-ishkwaa-kidod (as soon as he had finished speaking), mii zhayiigwa waabamaad mishi-namegwen wiikwanigod (then at once he saw a Great Sturgeon coming to swallow him).
(89) Ni‘tạmigu kagīcipā∙ā∙bōtäni iᵘ tcīmān, mīdạc änijikuntāyā bōsut, ạnigumigut mîcinạmägwän, kigitcīmān.
Nitam igo gagizhibaa’aaboodeni iw jiimaan, mii dash e-nishikondaayaaboozod, ani-gomigod mishi-namegwen, gigi jiimaan.
At first round in a whirlpool spun the canoe, and then down into the water he was drawn, swallowed by the Great Sturgeon, canoe and all.
Nitam igo gagizhibaa’aaboodeni iw jiimaan (at first the canoe spun round in a whirlpool), mii dash e-nishikondaayaaboozod (and then he was drawn down under the water), ani-gomigod mishi-namegwen (swallowed by the Great Sturgeon), gigi jiimaan (canoe and all).
(90) A‘panägu kīwäⁿ kāsāswänik u‘tawagạn; minawā mi‘kawit, pīndāgiyaᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyạn ayā.
Apane go giiwenh gaa-saaswenig otawagan; miinawaa mikawid, biindaagiiyaw giigoonyan ayaa.
All the while they say there was a hissing- sound in the ears , and when he recovered his wits, inside of a fish he was.
Apane go giiwenh gaa-saaswenig otawagan (all the while, they say, there was a hissing in his ears); miinawaa mikawid (and when he came to his senses), biindaagiiyaw giigoonyan ayaa (inside a fish he was).
(91) Mīdạc pîsān ayāt iwiti; mīdạc kīwäⁿ cayīgwa ki‘känimāt īni’ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyạn animādcīnigut.
Mii dash bizaan ayaad iwidi; mii dash giiwenh zhayiigwa gikenimaad iniw giigoonyan ani-maajiinigod.
Thereupon quietly he remained there ; and they say that now he knew that the fish was carrying him away.
Mii dash bizaan ayaad iwidi (thereupon quietly he stayed there); mii dash giiwenh zhayiigwa gikenimaad iniw giigoonyan ani-maajiinigod (and they say he now knew the fish was carrying him off).
(92) Mīdạc ‘aᵉa’ᵘ ugimākīⁿgōⁿ kīwät ändāwāt ạnāmipīg anāwaya∙ī∙ ki‘tcigạming.
Mii dash a’aw ogimaa-giigoonh giiwed endaawaad anaamibiig anaawaya’ii gichi-gaming.
And so the chief of fishes returned to the home under water on the floor of the sea.
Mii dash a’aw ogimaa-giigoonh giiwed (and so that chief-fish returned home) endaawaad anaamibiig anaawaya’ii gichi-gaming (to where they dwell beneath the water, on the floor of the great water).
(93) Mīdạc kīⁿwäⁿ mạdwäkiˢ‘tcisagaswä∙i∙tiwāt, madwäkiˢtcikayä ānimi‘tāgusinit; māmayawänit iᵘ kī‘kumint.
Mii dash giiwenh madwe-kichi-sagaswe’idiwaad, madwe-kichi-gaye aanimitaagozinid; maamayawenid iw gii-komind.
And now they say that (Nänabushu) heard them holding a great smoker among themselves, and he also heard them holding forth with much talk ; they were giving thanks for that he was swallowed.
Mii dash giiwenh madwe-kichi-sagaswe’idiwaad (and now they say he heard them holding a great gathering among themselves), madwe-kichi-gaye aanimitaagozinid (and he heard them sounding forth with much talk); maamayawenid iw gii-komind (rejoicing that he had been swallowed).
(94) Ningutingdạc kīⁿwäⁿ mägwā nạntutạnk, kägō owâbạndān Nänabucu picāgiwīnigut.
Ningoding dash giiwenh megwaa nandodang, gegoo owaabandaan Nenaboozhoo bishaagiwiinigod.
Now, once they say that while he was listening, some thing Nänabushu saw that caught his attention.
Ningoding dash giiwenh megwaa nandodang (now once, they say, while he was listening), gegoo owaabandaan Nenaboozhoo bishaagiwiinigod (Nenaboozhoo saw something moving before him).
(95) Ānicinā ātisō‘kān.
Anishinaa aadizookaan.
Well, on with the story.
Anishinaa aadizookaan (well, on with the sacred story).
(96) Amạntc äjiwâbigubạnän!
Amanj ezhi-waabigobanen!
Wonder how he could see !
Amanj ezhi-waabigobanen! (one wonders how he could see!)
(97) Nänabucu owâbandān kīⁿwäⁿ kägō picāgibitänig, mīnạngwạna aᵘ mîcinamägwä udä pänga∙ạ∙ninik.
Nenaboozhoo owaabandaan giiwenh gegoo bishaagibidenig, mii nangwana aw mishi-namegwe ode benga’aninig.
(Nevertheless) they say that Nänabushu saw something in motion, and it happened to be the heart of the Great Sturgeon that was beating.
Nenaboozhoo owaabandaan giiwenh gegoo bishaagibidenig (Nenaboozhoo, they say, saw something pulsing), mii nangwana aw mishi-namegwe ode benga’aninig (and it turned out to be the Great Sturgeon’s heart beating).
(98) Mīdạc kīⁿwäⁿ bä‘kā äcimạmātcīt nāni‘kinạnk udạsawān; mīdạc äjipa‘pacipa∙ạ∙nk.
Mii dash giiwenh bekaa ezhi-mamaajiid naanikinang odasawaan; mii dash ezhi-babazhiba’ang.
Thereupon they say that softly he moved (and) pulled out a pointed arrow ; and then he began pricking it.
Mii dash giiwenh bekaa ezhi-mamaajiid (thereupon, they say, softly he stirred) naanikinang odasawaan (drawing out his pointed spear); mii dash ezhi-babazhiba’ang (and then he began jabbing at it).
(99) Mīdạc kīwäⁿ nāgatc nōntawāt mạdwä∙i∙‘kitunit:
Mii dash giiwenh naagaj noondawaad madwe-ikidonid:
Whereupon they say that in a little while he heard the voice of him saying:
Mii dash giiwenh naagaj noondawaad madwe-ikidonid (whereupon, they say, after a while he heard him saying).
(100) “Ā‘tā, kägātsạnā nimācitä∙ä∙.”¹
“Aataa, geget sa naa ni-maazhide’e.”
“Oh, truly indeed but I am feeling sick at heart.”(3)
“Aataa, geget sa naa ni-maazhide’e.” (“oh, truly indeed I am sick at heart.”)(3)
(101) Mīdạc mädwä∙i∙cinạntutamawāt wīwạn tcimina∙i∙gut kägō kä∙u∙ndcicigaguwät.
Mii dash medwe-izhi-nandodamawaad wiiwan ji-mina’igod gegoo ge-onji-shigagowed.
And then he heard him asking his wife to give him a drink of something to make him vomit.
Mii dash medwe-izhi-nandodamawaad wiiwan (and then he heard him asking his wife) ji-mina’igod gegoo ge-onji-shigagowed (to give him something to make him vomit).
(102) Mīdạc cayīgwa ānuwī‘kwutōd tcicicigaguwät, kāwīn dạc ugaski‘tōsīn.
Mii dash zhayiigwa aano-wiikwodood ji-shishigagowed, gaawiin dash ogashkitoosiin.
And so presently did he begin trying to vomit, but he was not able to do it.
Mii dash zhayiigwa aano-wiikwodood ji-shishigagowed (and so presently he tried in vain to vomit), gaawiin dash ogashkitoosiin (but he could not do it).
(103) Mīdạc mädwä∙i∙‘kitut: “Kāwäsa, Nänabucu nimāni‘kāg,” i‘kito.
Mii dash medwe-ikidod: “Gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo ni-maanikaag,” ikido.
And then he heard him saying: “Impossible, for Nänabushu is making me sick at my stomach,” he said.
Mii dash medwe-ikidod (and then he heard him say): “Gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo ni-maanikaag,” ikido (“it is no use, Nenaboozhoo is making me sick inside,” he said).
(104) Ānawi kägä‘t ki‘tci∙ạ∙no‘kī Nänabucu tcicacigaguwānāsiwint; mī kā∙i∙jipimidā‘kwạnạng umi‘tigwābīn, mīdạc īni’ᵘ mäntcimā‘kwīt Nänabucu.
Aanawi geget gichi-anokii Nenaboozhoo ji-shashigagowaanaasiwind; mii gaa-izhi-bimidaakwanang omitigwaabiin, mii dash iniw menjimaakwiid Nenaboozhoo.
True was it, indeed, that hard worked Nänabushu to keep from being cast out; so then crosswise he placed his arrows, and so by them he held on.
Aanawi geget gichi-anokii Nenaboozhoo ji-shashigagowaanaasiwind (truly indeed Nenaboozhoo worked hard not to be cast out); mii gaa-izhi-bimidaakwanang omitigwaabiin (so then crosswise he braced his bow-staves), mii dash iniw menjimaakwiid Nenaboozhoo (and by them Nenaboozhoo held himself fast).
(105) Mīdạc minawā mîcinạmägwä ä‘kitut: “Kāwäsa.
Mii dash miinawaa mishi-namegwe e-kidod: “Gaawesa.
Thereupon again the Great Sturgeon spoke: “No hope.
Mii dash miinawaa mishi-namegwe e-kidod (thereupon again the Great Sturgeon spoke): “Gaawesa (“no hope).
(106) Nimāni‘kāg Nänabucu,” i‘kitu.
Ni-maanikaag Nenaboozhoo,” ikido.
I am in distress inside on account of Nänabushu,” he said.
Ni-maanikaag Nenaboozhoo,” ikido (“Nenaboozhoo is making me ill inside,” he said).
(107) Mīdạc wayība kīnibut, kīnisāt Nänabucu.
Mii dash wayiiba gii-nibod, gii-nisaad Nenaboozhoo.
And so in a little while he was dead, him had Nänabushu slain.
Mii dash wayiiba gii-nibod (and so in a little while he was dead), gii-nisaad Nenaboozhoo (Nenaboozhoo had killed him).
(108) Ānīc ānawi ka‘kina mini‘k wādä‘tōwāt kīwī‘kundiwạg tciwī‘pimātcī∙ā∙wāt otōgimāmiwạn, ānīc kāwīn;
Aaniish aanawi gakina minik waadetoowaad gii-wiikondiwag ji-wii-pimaajii’aawaad odoogimaamiwan, aaniish gaawiin;
Even though all that were living there had come together by invitation for the purpose of bringing their chief back to life, [but] (it was) not (to be) ;
Aaniish aanawi gakina minik waadetoowaad gii-wiikondiwag (even though all who lived there were called together) ji-wii-bimaajii’aawaad odoogimaamiwan (to try to revive their chief), aaniish gaawiin (it was not to be).
(109) ānīc awiya kädicipimātisit udä kīpigiska∙i∙gātänig?
aaniish awiya ged-izhi-bimaadizid ode gii-bi-giishka’igaadenig?
for how could any one live with his heart cut to pieces?
aaniish awiya ged-izhi-bimaadizid ode gii-bi-giishka’igaadenig? (for how could anyone live with his heart cut to pieces?)
(110) Mīdạc kā∙u∙ntcinibunit.
Mii dash gaa-onji-nibonid.
And that was why he had died.
Mii dash gaa-onji-nibonid (and that was why he had died).
(111) Mīdạc wīn Nänabucu, imā ayāt.
Mii dash wiin Nenaboozhoo, imaa ayaad.
And as for Nänabushu, there he remained.
Mii dash wiin Nenaboozhoo, imaa ayaad (and as for Nenaboozhoo, there he stayed).
(112) Mīdạc kägä‘t kitcī∙i∙cictcigäwāt mạnidō‘kāsuwāt.
Mii dash geget gichi-izhichigewaad manidookaazowaad.
Thereupon truly they were doing wonderful things as they conjured for a miracle.
Mii dash geget gichi-izhichigewaad manidookaazowaad (thereupon truly they did great things, working their conjuring).
(113) Ānīc āja kīnibu ki‘tcikīⁿgōⁿ.
Aaniish aazha gii-nibo gichi-giigoonh.
It was no use, for already dead was the great fish.
Aaniish aazha gii-nibo gichi-giigoonh (it was no use, for already the great fish was dead).
(114) Mīdạc kīⁿwäⁿ wâ∙i∙jipạgidänimāwāt, ānawi kînwäⁿj ugī‘kanawänimāwān;
Mii dash giiwenh waa-izhi-bagidenimaawaad, aanawi ginwenzh ogii-kanawenimaawaan;
And so it is said that they were going to bury him, for really a long while had they kept him;
Mii dash giiwenh waa-izhi-bagidenimaawaad (and so they say they were going to lay him away), aanawi ginwenzh ogii-kanawenimaawaan (for a long while indeed they had kept him).
(115) māgicā ta∙ā∙bitcībā, kīinändạmōg.
maagizhaa da-aabijiibaa, gii-inendamoog.
perhaps he might come back to life, they thought.
maagizhaa da-aabijiibaa, gii-inendamoog (perhaps he might come back to life, they thought).
(116) Mīdạc intawātc kīⁿwäⁿ cayīgwa pạgidänimāwāt, nawatc nāwitc ānti ā‘pidci tîmīyāg ki‘tcigạmi mī∙i∙mā awipạgidänimāwāt.
Mii dash indawaaj giiwenh zhayiigwa bagidenimaawaad, nawaj naawij aandi aapiji dimiiyaag gichi-gami mii imaa awi-bagidenimaawaad.
And so accordingly they say that when they were burying him, farther out upon the sea, where it was deep, they went to bury him.
Mii dash indawaaj giiwenh zhayiigwa bagidenimaawaad (and so accordingly, they say, when they laid him away), nawaj naawij aandi aapiji dimiiyaag gichi-gami (farther out where the great water was very deep) mii imaa awi-bagidenimaawaad (there they went to lay him away).
(117) Ā‘pidci ki‘tcimạnidō‘kāsowạg.
Aapiji gichi-manidookaazowag.
Ever so mightily they conjured for a miracle.
Aapiji gichi-manidookaazowag (mightily indeed they worked their conjuring).
(118) Ka‘kina dạc wīn Nänabucu ugi‘kändān äna‘kamigatînig, wīn dạc kāwīn awiya ugi‘känimigusīn imā ayāt pimādisit kayä.
Gakina dash wiin Nenaboozhoo ogikendaan enakamigadinig, wiin dash gaawiin awiya ogikenimigosiin imaa ayaad bimaadizid gaye.
Now, Nänabushu knew everything that was happening, but yet by no one was it known that he was there and alive.
Gakina dash wiin Nenaboozhoo ogikendaan enakamigadinig (now Nenaboozhoo knew everything that was going on), wiin dash gaawiin awiya ogikenimigosiin imaa ayaad bimaadizid gaye (but no one knew that he was there and alive).
(119) Ugi‘känimāwan kī‘kumimint, kāwīn dạc wīn ugi‘känimāsiwāwān pimādisinit.
Ogikenimaawaan gii-komimind, gaawiin dash wiin ogikenimaasiwaawaan bimaadizinid.
They knew that he had been swallowed, but yet they did not know that he was alive.
Ogikenimaawaan gii-komimind (they knew he had been swallowed), gaawiin dash wiin ogikenimaasiwaawaan bimaadizinid (but they did not know he was alive).
(120) Mīdạc kā∙i∙ckwāpạgidänimāwāt, kīpikīwäyāwạnitīwāt minawā.
Mii dash gaa-ishkwaa-bagidenimaawaad, gii-bi-giiweyaawanidiiwaad miinawaa.
And so after they had finished burying (the chief of fishes), then back they came together to their home again.
Mii dash gaa-ishkwaa-bagidenimaawaad (and so after they had finished laying him away), gii-bi-giiweyaawanidiiwaad miinawaa (back together they came to their home again).
(121) Ā‘pidci kīpā‘tayīnowạg, miziwä änigu‘kwāg iᵘ ki‘tcigạmi kī∙u∙ndciwạg kī∙a∙wipạgidänimāwāt utōgimāmiwān.
Aapiji gii-baatayiinowag, miziwe e-nigokwaag iw gichi-gami gii-onjiwag gii-awi-bagidenimaawaad odoo-gimaamiwaan.
Exceedingly numerous they were, from every part of the sea had they come to be at the burial of their chief.
Aapiji gii-baatayiinowag (exceedingly many they were), miziwe e-nigokwaag iw gichi-gami gii-onjiwag (from all the breadth of the great water they had come) gii-awi-bagidenimaawaad odoo-gimaamiwaan (to lay away their chief).
(122) Mīdạc kīⁿwäⁿ wīn Nänabucu ändạjiwawänändạnk ānīn kätijikaski‘tōd tcisāga∙ạ∙nk imā pīndcaya∙ī∙ kīⁿgōⁿying kayä kīningwa∙o∙mint.
Mii dash giiwenh wiin Nenaboozhoo endazhi-wawenendang aaniin ged-izhi-gashkitood ji-saaga’ang imaa biinjaya’ii giigoonying gaye gii-ningwa’omind.
In the mean while they say that Nänabushu had been thinking out a plan how he might succeed in getting out from the inside of the fish which now was also lying buried.
Mii dash giiwenh wiin Nenaboozhoo endazhi-wawenendang (meanwhile, they say, Nenaboozhoo was working out a plan) aaniin ged-izhi-gashkitood ji-saaga’ang (how he might manage to get out) imaa biinjaya’ii giigoonying gaye gii-ningwa’omind (from inside the fish that now lay buried too).
(123) Mīdạc cayīgwa Nänabucu ki‘kändạnk ānīn kädōdạnk, mīdạc ä‘kitut:
Mii dash zhayiigwa Nenaboozhoo gikendang aaniin ge-doodang, mii dash e-kidod:
And so, now that Nänabushu knew what he would do, he thereupon said:
Mii dash zhayiigwa Nenaboozhoo gikendang aaniin ge-doodang (and so now that Nenaboozhoo knew what he would do), mii dash e-kidod (he thereupon said).
(124) “‘Āᵘ, ạmbäsinō tawīkiˢtcī∙i∙jiwäbak wī‘kā kā∙i∙jiwäbisinuk!”
“Aaw, ambe sa noo da-wii-kichi-izhiwebag wiikaa gaa-izhiwebisinog!”
“Oh, I would that there rise a mighty storm the like of which there has never been before!”
“Aaw, ambe sa noo da-wii-kichi-izhiwebag (“oh, would that there come a mighty happening) wiikaa gaa-izhiwebisinog!” (the like of which has never happened before!”)
(125) Mīdạc Nänabucu kīsaguswä∙ā∙t nīwing inaka‘käyā wändabinit mạnitōᵉ.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gii-sagaswe’aad niiwing inakakeyaa wendabinid manidoon.
Whereupon Nänabushu made a smoke offering toward the four directions where sit the manitous.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gii-sagaswe’aad niiwing inakakeyaa wendabinid manidoon (whereupon Nenaboozhoo made a smoke offering toward the four directions where the manidoog sit).
(126) Mīdạc kīna‘kumigut.
Mii dash gii-nakomigod.
And so his prayer was answered.
Mii dash gii-nakomigod (and so he was answered).
(127) Mīdạc kägä‘t kā∙i∙jikiˢtcinōdink, ka‘kina kägō kīpa‘kudāmikā∙a∙n imā kīkiˢtcigạming ināmaya∙ī∙ ä‘tägini.
Mii dash geget gaa-izhi-kichi-nooding, gakina gegoo gii-bakodaamikaa’an imaa gii-kichi-gaming inaamaya’ii etegini.
Thereupon truly there rose a mighty wind, everything that was on the floor of the sea came to the surface by force of the waves.
Mii dash geget gaa-izhi-kichi-nooding (thereupon truly a mighty wind arose), gakina gegoo gii-bakodaamikaa’an imaa gii-kichi-gaming inaamaya’ii etegini (everything that lay on the floor of the great water was driven up to the surface).
(128) Mīdạc kayä wīn Nänabucu, kīmōnātāwạngā∙i∙ninig iimā ayāt;
Mii dash gaye wiin Nenaboozhoo, gii-moonaadaawangaa’ininig i’imaa ayaad;
And as for Nänabushu, the sand (of the mound) where he had been was washed away ;
Mii dash gaye wiin Nenaboozhoo (and as for Nenaboozhoo too), gii-moonaadaawangaa’ininig i’imaa ayaad (the sand where he had lain was washed away).
(129) mīdạc aᵘ kīⁿgōⁿ kā∙i∙ci∙u∙ki‘tcibīskāt.
mii dash aw giigoonh gaa-izhi-ogichibiiskaad.
and then afterwards the fish came to the surface of the water.
mii dash aw giigoonh gaa-izhi-ogichibiiskaad (and then the fish rose to the surface).
(130) Midāsugun kīkiˢtcinūdin, mīdạc minawā kā∙i∙jiki‘tci∙ạ∙nwā‘tin, mīdạc kīmōckạntcit aᵘ mîcinamägwä.
Midaasogon gii-kichi-noodin, mii dash miinawaa gaa-izhi-kichi-anwaatin, mii dash gii-mooshkanjid aw mishi-namegwe.
For ten days the wind raged, and afterwards there was another great calm, whereupon to the surface (came) the Great Sturgeon.
Midaasogon gii-kichi-noodin (for ten days the wind blew mightily), mii dash miinawaa gaa-izhi-kichi-anwaatin (and then again a great calm came), mii dash gii-mooshkanjid aw mishi-namegwe (whereupon the Great Sturgeon rose to the surface).
(131) Mīdạc ningutingigu Nänabucu ayāt imā anāmaya∙i∙ kīⁿgōⁿying onōndān kägō ā‘pitci mino‘tāgutînig;
Mii dash ningoding igo Nenaboozhoo ayaad imaa anaamaya’ii giigoonying onoondaan gegoo aapiji minotaagodinig;
Now once, when Nänabushu was inside of the fish, he heard something that sounded very pleasantly;
Mii dash ningoding igo Nenaboozhoo ayaad imaa anaamaya’ii giigoonying (now once, when Nenaboozhoo was there inside the fish) onoondaan gegoo aapiji minotaagodinig (he heard something that sounded very pleasant).
(132) mīdạc āji∙ạ∙ntutạnk, mī∙änitạnk: “(cry of gulls).”
mii dash aazhi andodang, mii e-nidang: “(cry of gulls).”
and as he listened, he then heard: “(cry of gulls).”
mii dash aazhi andodang (and as he listened), mii e-nidang: “(cry of gulls).” (he heard: “(cry of gulls).” — carried verbatim)
(133) Ā‘pidci mino‘tāgusiwạn awiyā; mīnạngwạna kayāskwạg.
Aapiji minotaagoziwan awiya; mii nangwana gayaashkwag.
Very pleasant was the sound of the creature ; it turned out to be some gulls.
Aapiji minotaagoziwan awiya (very pleasant was the sound of the creature); mii nangwana gayaashkwag (it turned out to be gulls).
(134) “Ạmbä,” mīdạc änändạnk Nänabucu, “ningakanōnāg,” inändạm.
“Ambe,” mii dash e-nendang Nenaboozhoo, “ninga-ganoonaag,” inendam.
“Well,” thus thought Nänabushu, “I will speak to them,” he thought.
“Ambe,” mii dash e-nendang Nenaboozhoo (“well,” thus thought Nenaboozhoo), “ninga-ganoonaag,” inendam (“I will speak to them,” he thought).
(135) Mīdạc kägä‘t cayīgwa minawā onōndawāᵉ pīdwäwinạminit, mīgu minawā pā∙i∙nwänit: “(cry of gulls).”
Mii dash geget zhayiigwa miinawaa onoondawaan biidwewinaminid, mii go miinawaa baa-inwenid: “(cry of gulls).”
It was true that soon again he heard the sound of them coming hitherward, whereupon again they came with the cry: “(cry of gulls).”
Mii dash geget zhayiigwa miinawaa onoondawaan biidwewinaminid (it was true that soon he again heard the sound of them coming this way), mii go miinawaa baa-inwenid: “(cry of gulls).” (whereupon again they cried: “(cry of gulls).” — carried verbatim)
(136) Mīdạc äjikanōnāt: “Īct, nîcīmîsā!¹ skumānā pagwanätcigạnānandạmāwiciyu‘k aᵘ kīⁿgōⁿ!”
Mii dash ezhi-ganoonaad: “Ishte, ni-shiime sa! shkomaa naa bagwanejiganaanandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!”
And then he said to them : “ Hark, O my younger brothers(4)! Please peck an opening for me into the belly of this fish!”
Mii dash ezhi-ganoonaad (and then he spoke to them): “Ishte, ni-shiime sa! (“hark, O my younger brothers!) shkomaa naa bagwanejiganaanandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!” (do peck an opening into this fish for me!”)
(137) Mīdạc kayāckwạg äjipạsigwa∙o∙wāt, kayä ạninōndāgusiwāt kạgwānisaka‘kạmig äni‘tāgusiwāt.
Mii dash gayaashkwag ezhi-bazigwa’owaad, gaye ani-noondaagoziwaad gagwaanisagakamig e-nitaagoziwaad.
Thereupon the gulls flew up , and as they went, they could be heard uttering a frightful cry, for such was the sound they made.
Mii dash gayaashkwag ezhi-bazigwa’owaad (thereupon the gulls flew up), gaye ani-noondaagoziwaad gagwaanisagakamig e-nitaagoziwaad (and as they went they could be heard making a dreadful cry).
(138) Mī Nänabucu kā∙i∙cinawatinạngin u‘tawagạn, kā∙i∙jiki‘pi‘tänitisut.
*Mii Nenaboozhoo gaa-izhi-nawadinangin otawagan, gaa-izhi-gipitenidizod.**
Whereupon Nänabushu seized his ears (and) closed them with the hands (to keep from hearing the din).
Mii Nenaboozhoo gaa-izhi-nawadinangin otawagan (whereupon Nenaboozhoo seized his ears), gaa-izhi-gipitenidizod (and stopped them up).
(139) Nāgạtc dạc minawā kī∙ạ∙ndutạm, mīc minawā kī‘kạnōnāt:
Naagaj dash miinawaa gii-andodam, miish miinawaa gii-kanoonaad:
And in a little while again he listened, where upon again he spoke to them, saying:
Naagaj dash miinawaa gii-andodam (and after a while again he listened), miish miinawaa gii-kanoonaad (whereupon again he spoke to them).
(140) “‘Āᵘ, nîcīm,² pạgwanätciganānandamawiciyu‘k aᵘ kīⁿgōⁿ!” udināᵉ.
“Aaw, nishiim, bagwanejiganaanandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!” odinaan.
“O my younger brothers(5)! peck an opening for me into the belly of this fish!” he said to them.
“Aaw, nishiim, bagwanejiganaanandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!” (“O my younger brothers, peck an opening into this fish for me!”) odinaan (he said to them).
(141) Mīdạc kägä‘t äjipisānayāwāt.
Mii dash geget ezhi-bisaanayaawaad.
Thereupon truly they became silent.
Mii dash geget ezhi-bisaanayaawaad (thereupon truly they fell silent).
(142) Minawādạc ugạnōnān: “Pạgwạnätcigạnāndamawiciyu‘k aᵘ kīⁿgōⁿ!” udinān.
Miinawaa dash oganoonaan: “Bagwanejiganaandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!” odinaan.
And so again he spoke to them, saying: “Peck an opening for me into the belly of this fish!” he said to them.
Miinawaa dash oganoonaan (and so again he spoke to them): “Bagwanejiganaandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!” odinaan (“peck an opening into this fish for me!” he said to them).
(143) “Mäckut kīgasasägā∙i∙ninim.”
“Meshkod giga-sasegaa’ininim.”
“In return I will adorn you.”
“Meshkod giga-sasegaa’ininim.” (“in return I will adorn you.”)
(144) Mīdạc kayāckwạg äjikanōnitiwāt: “Nänabucu imā ayā.”
Mii dash gayaashkwag ezhi-ganoonidiwaad: “Nenaboozhoo imaa ayaa.”
Thereupon the gulls spoke one with another, saying: “Nänabushu is there.”
Mii dash gayaashkwag ezhi-ganoonidiwaad (thereupon the gulls spoke among themselves): “Nenaboozhoo imaa ayaa.” (“Nenaboozhoo is in there.”)
(145) Ka‘kinaguta awiya kīki‘känimigōn aᵘ Nänabucu.
Gakina gonda awiya gii-gikenimigoon aw Nenaboozhoo.
Indeed, by every creature was Nänabushu known.
Gakina gonda awiya gii-gikenimigoon aw Nenaboozhoo (indeed by every creature was Nenaboozhoo known).
(146) Mīc mīnawā äjikanōnāt: “‘Āᵘ, nîcīmitug, pagwanätciganāndamawiciyu‘k.
Miish miinawaa ezhi-ganoonaad: “Aaw, ni-shiimidog, bagwanejiganaandamawishiyok.
And so again he spoke to them, saying: “Come, my younger brothers, peck an opening for me into the belly (of this fish).
Miish miinawaa ezhi-ganoonaad (and so again he spoke to them): “Aaw, ni-shiimidog (“come, my younger brothers), bagwanejiganaandamawishiyok (peck an opening for me).
(147) Mäckut kīgasasäkā∙i∙ninim; nīgān wänicicit päpāmisät kīgatici∙u∙nicici∙i∙nim,” udināᵉ.
Meshkod giga-sasegaa’ininim; niigaan wenizhishid bebaamised gigad-izhi-onizhishi’inim,” odinaan.
In return I shall adorn you ; as beautiful as the creature of the air that surpasses (all others in beauty) is how beautiful I shall make you,” he said to them.
Meshkod giga-sasegaa’ininim (in return I will adorn you); niigaan wenizhishid bebaamised (as beautiful as the fairest creature of the air) gigad-izhi-onizhishi’inim,” odinaan (so beautiful I shall make you,” he said to them).
(148) “Kāwīn kuca nindākaski∙ā∙siwānān,” udigōᵉ.
“Gaawiin gosha nindaa-gashki’aasiiwaanaan,” odigoon.
“We surely could not (make an opening into) him,” he was told.
“Gaawiin gosha nindaa-gashki’aasiiwaanaan,” odigoon (“surely we could not do it to him,” he was told).
(149) “Awa’ᵘ” udināᵉ. “Kīgakaski∙ā∙wā!”
“Awaw” odinaan. “Giga-gashki’aawaa!”
“Yea, (you can)!” he said to them. “You can do it!”
“Awaw” odinaan (“yea!” he said to them). “Giga-gashki’aawaa!” (“you can do it!”)
(150) Mīdạc kägä‘t äjimādci‘tāwāt pagwanätciganāmāwāt; wī‘kā dạc ogacki∙ā∙wān.
Mii dash geget ezhi-maajitaawaad bagwanejiganaamawaad; wiikaa dash ogashki’aawaan.
Thereupon truly they began pecking an opening into (the fish) ; and after a long while they succeeded.
Mii dash geget ezhi-maajitaawaad bagwanejiganaamawaad (thereupon truly they began pecking an opening into it); wiikaa dash ogashki’aawaan (and after a long while they managed it).
(151) Mīdạc Nänabucu kā∙i∙jisāgitōtät, kayä isāgitci tābātạnk utcīmān mi‘tigōn kāwīmbigawā‘pạn.
Mii dash Nenaboozho gaa-izhi-saagidooded, gaye zaagiji-daabaadang ojiimaan mitigoon gaa-wiimbigawaapan.
And then afterwards Nänabushu crawled out, and he drew out his canoe which he had hewn from a log.
Mii dash Nenaboozho gaa-izhi-saagidooded (and then Nenaboozhoo crawled out), gaye zaagiji-daabaadang ojiimaan (and dragged out his canoe) mitigoon gaa-wiimbigawaapan (the log he had hollowed out).
(152) Mīdạc pîtcīnạg wäwäni wâbạmāt īni’ᵘ mîcinamägwän kāgumigut änigininit;
Mii dash bijiinag weweni waabamaad iniw mishi-namegwen gaa-gomigod e-nigininid;
And then was the time that he took a careful look to see how big was the great sturgeon which had swallowed him ;
Mii dash bijiinag weweni waabamaad iniw mishi-namegwen (and then at last he looked carefully at that Great Sturgeon) gaa-gomigod e-nigininid (that had swallowed him, how big it was).
(153) intigu minis ägundäk äjināgusinit ạgwantcininit.
indigo minis e-gondeg ezhi-naagozinid agwanjininid.
like an island afloat upon the water was how it looked as it lay upon the deep.
indigo minis e-gondeg ezhi-naagozinid agwanjininid (like an island afloat it looked as it lay upon the water).
(154) Mīdạc kā∙i∙ji∙u∙dā‘pinät päjik īni’ᵘ kayāckwạn; mīdạc kā∙i∙jiwawäci∙ā∙t.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-odaapinaad bezhig iniw gayaashkwan; mii dash gaa-izhi-wawezhi’aad.
Thereupon he took up one of the gulls in his hands ; and then he adorned it.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-odaapinaad bezhig iniw gayaashkwan (thereupon he took up one of the gulls); mii dash gaa-izhi-wawezhi’aad (and then he adorned it).
(155) Mīdạc kā∙i∙ciwâpicki∙ā∙t, tibickō kōning kīci∙ā∙t.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-waabishki’aad, dibishkoo gooning gii-zhi’aad.
And then he whitened it, (white) like snow he made it.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-waabishki’aad (and then he made it white), dibishkoo gooning gii-zhi’aad (white as snow he made it).
(156) Mīdạc kā∙i∙nāt: “Kīn wīn kayāsk kīgatạni∙i∙jiwīnigō tci∙ạ∙nia‘kīwạng.”
Mii dash gaa-inaad: “Giin wiin gayaashk gigad-ani-izhi-wiinigoo ji-ani-akiiwang.”
Thereupon he said to it : “ You shall be called a gull from now till the end of time.”
Mii dash gaa-inaad (thereupon he said to it): “Giin wiin gayaashk gigad-ani-izhi-wiinigoo ji-ani-akiiwang.” (“you shall be called a gull from now to the end of the world.”)
(157) Mīdạc kägä‘t kistciminwändạnk wâbandisut aᵘ kayāsk äjiwunicicit.
Mii dash geget gichi-minwendang waabandizod aw gayaashk ezhi-onizhishid.
It was true that exceedingly happy was the gull when it looked upon itself and saw how beautiful it was.
Mii dash geget gichi-minwendang waabandizod aw gayaashk ezhi-onizhishid (it was true that the gull was exceedingly glad when it saw itself, how beautiful it was).
(158) “‘Āᵘ,” udinān, “mīdạc ijipazigu∙i∙yu‘k.”
“Aaw,” odinaan, “mii dash izhi-bazigo’iyok.”
“Now, then,” he said to them, “now fly away!”
“Aaw,” odinaan (“now then,” he said to them), “mii dash izhi-bazigo’iyok.” (“now fly away!”)
(159) Mīdạc ānicînā ātisō‘kān, mīyä‘tagu päji‘k tagimimint kī∙u∙dā‘pinät kayāckwạn.
Mii dash aaniish inaa aadizookaan, mii eta go bezhik dagimimind gii-odaapinaad gayaashkwan.
Now, according to the story, there was mentioned but a single gull that he took up in his hands.
Mii dash aaniish inaa aadizookaan (now, according to the sacred story), mii eta go bezhik dagimimind gii-odaapinaad gayaashkwan (only one gull is counted that he took up).
(160) Mīdạc a‘pōtc kā∙i∙ji∙u∙niciciwāt ka‘kina mini‘k a‘pī ka‘kina päsịgō∙o∙wāt.
*Mii dash apooch gaa-izhi-onizhishiwaad gakina minik apii gakina bezigo’owaad.**
Yet nevertheless just as beautiful were all the rest when they all started to fly away.
Mii dash apooch* gaa-izhi-onizhishiwaad gakina minik (yet just as beautiful were all of them) apii gakina bezigo’owaad (when they all flew up).
(161) Mīdạc Nänabucu kā∙i∙jimādci‘tāt kīpigickicwāt īni’ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyạn.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gaa-izhi-maajitaad gii-bi-giishkizhwaad iniw giigoonyan.
And then afterwards Nänabushu began cutting up the fish with a knife.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gaa-izhi-maajitaad gii-bi-giishkizhwaad iniw giigoonyan (and then Nenaboozhoo set about cutting up that fish).
(162) Mīdạc a‘pī kā∙i∙ckwānanawijwāt, mī kī∙i∙‘kitut kayä pä‘kic kiziswäwäbināt:
Mii dash apii gaa-ishkwaa-nanawizhwaad, mii gii-ikidod gaye bekish gii-ziswewebinaad:
And so when he had finished cutting it up, then he said, at the same time that he was flinging the pieces in every direction:
Mii dash apii gaa-ishkwaa-nanawizhwaad (and so when he had finished cutting it apart), mii gii-ikidod gaye bekish gii-ziswewebinaad (then he spoke, while flinging the pieces about).
(163) “Kīⁿgōⁿ kīgatạnijiwīnigōm tci∙ạ∙ni∙a∙‘kīwạng.
“Giigoonh gigad-ani-zhi-wiinigoom ji-ani-akiiwang.
“Fishes shall you be called till the end of time.
“Giigoonh gigad-ani-zhi-wiinigoom ji-ani-akiiwang (“fishes shall you be called to the end of the world).
(164) Kīgatạmuguwāk kayä anicinābäg tci∙ạ∙ni∙a∙‘kīwạng. — Kīn dạc,” udinān mîcinamägwän:
Gigad-amogowaag gaye anishinaabeg ji-ani-akiiwang. — Giin dash,” odinaan mishi-namegwen:
And you shall be eaten by the people till the end of the world. - - And you,” he said to the Great Sturgeon,
Gigad-amogowaag gaye anishinaabeg ji-ani-akiiwang. (and the people shall eat you till the end of the world.) — Giin dash,” odinaan mishi-namegwen (and as for you,” he said to the Great Sturgeon).
(165) “Kāwīn minawā wī‘kā kīgatiniginisī tciani∙a∙‘kīwạng, kāwīn awiya tāpimādisisī,” udinān.
“Gaawiin miinawaa wiikaa gigad-iniginisii ji-ani-akiiwang, gaawiin awiya daa-bimaadizisii,” odinaan.
“never again so large shall you be as long as the world lasts, else nobody would ever live,” he said to him.
“Gaawiin miinawaa wiikaa gigad-iniginisii ji-ani-akiiwang (“never again so large shall you be as long as the world lasts), gaawiin awiya daa-bimaadizisii,” odinaan (else no one would live,” he said to him).
(166) Mīdạc kägä‘t kā∙i∙jiwäbatinig kīⁿgōⁿyänsaᵉ ki‘tcinībiwa kī∙u∙ndci∙u∙ci∙ā∙t imā mîcinạmägwäng.
Mii dash geget gaa-izhiwebadinig giigoonyensan gichi-niibiwa gii-onji-ozhi’aad imaa mishi-namegweng.
Therefore it truly came to pass that he created little fishes in great numbers from that Great Sturgeon.
Mii dash geget gaa-izhiwebadinig giigoonyensan gichi-niibiwa (so it truly came about that many little fishes) gii-onji-ozhi’aad imaa mishi-namegweng (he made from that Great Sturgeon).
(167) Mīdạc Nänabucu äjikīwä∙u∙t nạntawâbạmāt ō‘kumisạn.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo ezhi-giiwe’od nandawaabamaad ookomisan.
Thereupon Nänabushu paddled home in his canoe to find his grandmother.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo ezhi-giiwe’od nandawaabamaad ookomisan (thereupon Nenaboozhoo paddled home seeking his grandmother).
(168) Änitạgwicingidac omi‘kawān ō‘kumisạn ā‘pidci kawändạminit.
Eni-dagwishing idash omikawaan ookomisan aapiji gawendaminid.
And when he got there, he discovered his grandmother grievously sad in her thoughts.
Eni-dagwishing idash omikawaan ookomisan aapiji gawendaminid (and arriving, he found his grandmother deeply downcast in mind).
(169) Mīdạc änijita‘pābit, mīc änāt: “Nō‘kumis, nintạgwicin,” udinān.
Mii dash eni-zhi-dapaabid, miish e-naad: “Nookomis, nindagwishin,” odinaan.
And as he peeped into the lodge, he said to her: “O my grandmother ! I have now come home,” he said to her.
Mii dash eni-zhi-dapaabid (and as he peeped in), miish e-naad (he said to her): “Nookomis, nindagwishin,” odinaan (“my grandmother, I have come home,” he said to her).
(170) “Āⁱ, wägutugwänsa pạnä wändcīciwāgwänu‘ku, aya āwacänsạg!”
“Aay, wegodogwen sa bane wenji-izhi-waagwenoko, aya aawashensag!”
“Oh, I should like to know why they continually say this to me, these little animal-folk!”
“Aay, wegodogwen sa bane wenji-izhi-waagwenoko (“oh, I wonder why they keep saying this to me), aya aawashensag!” (these little animal-folk!”)
(171) “Kāwīn, nō‘kumis.
“Gaawiin, nookomis.
“Nay, my grandmother.
“Gaawiin, nookomis (“no, my grandmother).
(172) Nīn kuca, Nänabucu, kōjis, patagwicin.”
Niin gosha, Nenaboozhoo, goozhis, ba-dagwishin.”
It is really myself, Nänabushu, your grandson, who has now come home.”
Niin gosha, Nenaboozhoo, goozhis, ba-dagwishin.” (“it is really I, Nenaboozhoo, your grandson, who has come home.”)
(173) Mīdạc änijipīndigät.
Mii dash eni-zhi-biindiged.
And then into the lodge he went.
Mii dash eni-zhi-biindiged (and then he went into the lodge).
(174) Mīdạc owâbamāt ō‘kumisạn agāwa ōnsābinit, a‘panä∙ī∙dug kīmawinit.
Mii dash owaabamaad ookomisan agaawaa onzaabinid, apane iidog gii-mawinid.
Thereupon he saw that his grandmother was barely able to see, (showing) that perhaps all the while she had been weeping.
Mii dash owaabamaad ookomisan agaawaa onzaabinid (thereupon he saw that his grandmother could barely see), apane iidog gii-mawinid (showing she had perhaps been weeping all the while).
(175) Mīdạc Nänabucu ā‘pidci cawänimāt ō‘kumisạn.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo aapiji zhawenimaad ookomisan.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo aapiji zhawenimaad ookomisan (so then Nenaboozhoo deeply pitied his grandmother).
(176) Mīdạc nawạtc kā∙i∙ji∙ā∙ntci∙u∙skinīgi∙ā∙t.
Mii dash nawaj gaa-izhi-aanji-oshkiniigi’aad.
And then afterwards he had made her younger.
Mii dash nawaj gaa-izhi-aanji-oshkiniigi’aad (and then afterwards he made her young again).
(1) For other versions see Nos. 7 (p. 49), 28 (p. 207), 29 (p. 215).
(2) Boozhoo’aad, “bidding farewell to … ,” a verb from the French bon jour, and used in Ojibwa to greet or to bid farewell.
(3) Nimaashide’e, “I am sick at heart,” perhaps too literally rendered; “I am feeling qualmish” is nearer the sense.
(4) Nishiimisaa, “O my younger brothers!” the ending -isaa occurs in story, and usually in the mouth of Nenaboozhoo.
(5) Nishim, “my younger brothers,” a vocative singular noun rendered by the plural; a common construction.