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.
PŌ‘KIDI.
BOOKIDI.
BOBTAIL.
Narrated by Penesi — Series 2 (Nos. 4–43), Fort William (per Jones Part II Introduction p. ix; not credited on the story page itself).
from Ojibwa Texts collected by William Jones (1919).
(1) Ninguding kīwäⁿ tāwạg anicinābäᵉg. Äniwä‘kigu ōdä‘tōⁿsiwạg. Kāwin gägōn pīwābi‘k udayāsīnāwa, kāwin wâgā‘kwạt,¹ kāwin gayä mō‘kumān;¹ kāwin gayä kägō ano‘kātcigan; mīyä‘ta kījiginigä‘kwạn wä‘kunāsiwāt, kayä awäsīyäⁿsạwayānạn udō‘kunāsināwān; kayä pīwānạgōn ugī∙u∙mō‘kumāniwạg; asînīn ogīwâgā‘kwạdōwạg. Äniwä‘k kägōn ogī∙u∙ji‘tōnāwa wänicicininik,—sạgā‘kwa∙u∙nạn ugī∙u∙ji∙ā∙wạn, äsạg ki‘tcigamīng kāyāwāt, pîmāskutisīg kayä, kīsạzägāwāt.
Ningoding giiwenh daawag anishinaabeg. Eniwekigo odenadoonsiwag. Gaawiin gegoon biiwaabik odayaasiinaawaa, gaawiin waagaakwad, gaawiin gaye mookomaan; gaawiin gaye gegoo anokaajigan; miiyeta giizhiginigekwan gaa-gonaasiwaad, gaye awesiiyensawayaanan odookonaasinaawaan; gaye biiwaanagoon ogii-omookomaaniwag; asiniin ogii-waagaakwadowag. Eniwek gegoon ogii-ozhitoonaawaa wenizhishininig,—zagaakwaonan ogii-ozhi’aawaan, esag gichigamiing gaa-ayaawaad, bimaaskodisiig* gaye, giisazegaawaad*.**
Now, once on a time, they say, there lived some people. Hardly even a town did they have. Nothing of metal did they use, no axe, and no knife; and nothing in the way of goods; of cedar-bark only did they make blankets to wear, and the skins of the small animal-folk did they also use for robes; and of flint were their knives; stones did they use for axes. A few things they made that were nice, — brooches they made; shells that were in the sea, and shells with spirals, they fixed in a pleasing way.
Ningoding giiwenh (once, they say) daawag anishinaabeg (there lived some people). Eniwekigo odenadoonsiwag (hardly even a little town did they have). Gaawiin gegoon biiwaabik odayaasiinaawaa (nothing of metal did they use), gaawiin waagaakwad (no axe), gaawiin gaye mookomaan (and no knife); gaawiin gaye gegoo anokaajigan (and nothing in the way of goods); miiyeta giizhiginigekwan (only of cedar-bark) gaa-gonaasiwaad (did they make blankets to wear), gaye awesiiyensawayaanan (and the skins of the small animals) odookonaasinaawaan (they used for robes); gaye biiwaanagoon (and flint) ogii-omookomaaniwag (they made into their knives); asiniin ogii-waagaakwadowag (stones they used for axes). Eniwek gegoon ogii-ozhitoonaawaa wenizhishininig (a few things they made that were nice), zagaakwaonan* ogii-ozhi’aawaan (brooches they made), esag* gichigamiing gaa-ayaawaad (shells that were in the sea), bimaaskodisiig* gaye (and shells with spirals), giisazegaawaad* (they fixed in a pleasing way).
¹ Of metal. — Jones’s footnote, marking the axe (waagaakwad) and knife (mookomaan); prints at the foot of the Ojibwe p. 262. odenadoonsiwag — “hardly a town did they have,” the oodena-diminutive verb, drafted; stem flagged. ogii-omookomaaniwag (§1) — “they made (flint) into their knives,” drafted, flagged.
(2) Ningudingidạc päᵉjik uckinawä pō‘kidi kā∙i∙nint ugīkạnōnān wīdcickinawän: “Ạmbäsạnōnā, mādcādā! Kägu kayä gīn awiya windạmawā‘kän!”
Ningodingidash bezhig oshkinawe Bookidi gaa-inind ogii-ganoonaan wiijiishkinawen: “Ambezhanoonaa, maajaadaa! Gego gaye giin awiya wiindamawaaken!”
Now, once a certain youth, who was known by the name of Bobtail, spoke to his youthful comrade, saying: “Pray, let us go away! And tell it not to any one!”
Ningodingidash bezhig oshkinawe (now once a certain youth) Bookidi gaa-inind (who was called Bobtail — name flagged) ogii-ganoonaan wiijiishkinawen (spoke to his youthful comrade): “Ambezhanoonaa, maajaadaa! (“pray, let us go away!) Gego gaye giin awiya wiindamawaaken!” (and you, tell it to no one!”)
(3) Mīdac kä‘gä‘t kā∙i∙jitcigäwād. Kāwin ōmā ayāsīgwābạn. Wâbanung kitci∙a∙gāming mī∙i∙widi ändạna‘kīwāgubạnän. Mī∙i∙dạc kā∙i∙jimādcāwād kwaya‘k äpạngicimut kī∙i∙jāwạg. Kīnwäᵉj kīpîmosäwạg. Nānīngudinū kāwin kägō kämīdciwād ugī∙a∙yāsīnāwa; nānīngudinū pînäwạn unîsāwān; nāningudinū kayä ạnōtc kägōn nä‘tāwigink a‘kīng² umī‘kānāwa mādciwād. Kāwin ā‘pidci kīkîjī‘kāsiwạg, wäwänigu kīpîmusäwag; pînic kīmạdāpīwād kistciki‘tcigamīng. Mīdec imā kīnwäᵉj kīpạbāmusäwād; ạnōtc kägō owâbạndānāwa kistcigamīng inābiwād, kistcikiⁿgōⁿyạn sāgibisänit owâbamāwān. Pä‘kicigu ma‘kadä‘kägwâbạn igi´ᵘ uckinawäg. Mī∙i∙dạc nānīngudinū onāⁿgucing ạnwāting, ā‘pidci minunāguzi kizis anipạngicimut. Mēdạc ä‘kidōwāt: “A‘pägic ijāⁿyạnk iwidi! Nạmạntc äjināgwatogwän!”
Mii dash gaget gaa-izhichigewaad. Gaawiin omaa ayaasiigwaaban. Waabanong gichi-agaaming mii iwidi endanakiiwagobanen. Mii dash gaa-izhi-maajaawaad gwayak epangizimod gii-izhaawag. Giinwezh gii-bimosaawag. Naaningodinoo gaawiin gegoo gemijiwaad ogii-ayaasiinaawaa; naaningodinoo binewan onisaawaan; naaningodinoo gaye anooj gegoon netaawiging akiing omiikaanaawaa majiiwaad. Gaawiin aapiji gii-gizhiikaasiwag, wewenigo gii-bimosaawag; biinish gii-madaabiiwaad gichi-gichigamiing. Mii dash imaa giinwezh gii-babaamosaawaad; anooj gegoo owaabandaanaawaa gichigamiing inaabiwaad, gichi-giigoonyan zaagibizenid owaabamaawaan. Bekizhigo makadekegwaaban igiw oshkinaweg. Mii dash naaningodinoo onaagoshing anwaating, aapiji minonaagozi giizis ani-bangizimod. Mii dash ekidowaad: “Apegizh izhaayaank iwidi! Namanj ezhinaagwatogwen!”
Thereupon truly such was what they did. Not at this place did they belong. Eastward, on the farther great shore, was their native place. And so, when they started out, straight toward where the sun sets was the way they went. A long while were they travelling. Sometimes they had nothing to eat; sometimes a ruffed grouse they killed; and sometimes the various things that grow upon the ground they found to eat. They did not walk very fast, comfortably they travelled along; at last they came out upon the great sea. And so roundabout the place for a long while they wandered; all sorts of things they saw in the sea while they were looking, a great fish that leaped up out of the water they saw. And at the same time did the youths blacken (their faces and fast). And then frequently in the evening-time, when it was calm on the water, very beautiful was the sight of the sun when it was setting. And so they said: “Would that we might go over there! Wonder what it may be like!”
Mii dash gaget gaa-izhichigewaad (and so truly that was what they did). Gaawiin omaa ayaasiigwaaban (not at this place did they belong). Waabanong gichi-agaaming (eastward, on the farther great shore) mii iwidi endanakiiwagobanen (was where their home once was). Mii dash gaa-izhi-maajaawaad (and so when they set off) gwayak epangizimod (straight toward where the sun sets) gii-izhaawag (they went). Giinwezh gii-bimosaawag (a long while they walked). Naaningodinoo gaawiin gegoo gemijiwaad (sometimes nothing did they have to eat); naaningodinoo binewan onisaawaan (sometimes a ruffed grouse they killed); naaningodinoo gaye anooj gegoon netaawiging akiing (and sometimes the various things that grow on the ground) omiikaanaawaa majiiwaad (they found to eat). Gaawiin aapiji gii-gizhiikaasiwag (not very fast did they go), wewenigo gii-bimosaawag (comfortably they travelled along); biinish gii-madaabiiwaad gichi-gichigamiing (at last they came out on the great sea). Mii dash imaa giinwezh gii-babaamosaawaad (and there a long while they wandered about); anooj gegoo owaabandaanaawaa gichigamiing inaabiwaad (all sorts of things they saw looking into the sea), gichi-giigoonyan zaagibizenid owaabamaawaan (a great fish leaping out of the water they saw). Bekizhigo makadekegwaaban igiw oshkinaweg (and at the same time the youths blackened/fasted). Mii dash naaningodinoo onaagoshing anwaating (and so sometimes in the evening when it was calm), aapiji minonaagozi giizis ani-bangizimod (very beautiful was the sun as it set). Mii dash ekidowaad (and so they said): “Apegizh izhaayaank iwidi! (“would that we might go over there!) Namanj ezhinaagwatogwen!” (wonder what it is like!”)
¹ Berries. — Jones’s footnote on “the various things that grow upon the ground” (netaawiging akiing); prints at the foot of the English p. 263 (Jones numbers footnotes per page here — p. 262 carries “Of metal,” p. 263 carries “Berries”). endanakiiwagobanen — “where they once had their home,” the -goban defunct/preterite frame, drafted. makadekegwaaban — “they blackened/fasted,” the ma‘kadeke- fasting verb in a preterite-dubitative print, drafted.
(4) Ninguding päcu´ owâbạmāwān kīⁿgōⁿyạn mō‘kibīsänit, kī‘pimipimisä aᵘ kīⁿgu. Mēdạc kā∙i∙jikạnōnāwāt ini´ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyạn päcu´ tcîbījānit. Mēdạc änāt aᵘ pō‘kidi ini´ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyạn: “Kāwīnina kîdā∙i∙ji∙u∙wijisīnām kwaya‘k kīsis ä‘pạngicimut?”
Ningoding besho owaabamaawaan giigoonyan mookibiisenid, gii-bimi-bimise aw giigoonh. Mii dash gaa-izhi-ganoonaawaad iniw giigoonyan besho ji-biizhaanid. Mii dash enaad aw Bookidi iniw giigoonyan: “Gaawiinina gidaa-izhi-wiijishinaam gwayak giizis epangizimod?”
Once near by they saw a fish come quickly up to the surface of the water, up in the air and back into the water leaped the fish. Accordingly they spoke to the fish, telling it to come nigh. And then Bobtail said to the Fish: “Would you not bear us straight to the place where the sun sets?”
Ningoding besho owaabamaawaan giigoonyan mookibiisenid (once near by they saw a fish come to the surface), gii-bimi-bimise aw giigoonh (up and back leaped the fish). Mii dash gaa-izhi-ganoonaawaad iniw giigoonyan besho ji-biizhaanid (and so they spoke to the fish, telling it to come near). Mii dash enaad aw Bookidi iniw giigoonyan (and then Bobtail said to the fish): “Gaawiinina gidaa-izhi-wiijishinaam (“could you not carry us) gwayak giizis epangizimod?” (straight to where the sun sets?”)
(5) Awidac kīⁿgōⁿ kī∙i∙‘kido: “Kāwin nîndākạckitōsīn nīⁿj tcîmādcīninagu‘k. Päᵉjik ninganāzi‘kawā käwīdcīwạg.” Mīdạc kīmādcād ‘aᵉa´ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿ pämisät; ugīnāzi‘kawān päᵉjik kīⁿgōⁿyạn. Mī∙i∙dạc nīⁿj kī‘pījāwād igi´ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyạg.
Awidash giigoonh gii-ikido: “Gaawiin nindaa-gashkitoosiin niizh ji-maajiininagok. Bezhig ninga-naazikawaa ge-wiijiiwag.” Mii dash gii-maajaad a’aw giigoonh bemised; ogii-naazikawaan bezhig giigoonyan. Mii dash niizh gii-biizhaawaad igiw giigoonyag.
And the Fish said: “I would not be able to carry both of you together. I will go fetch one with whom I may go.” Thereupon away departed the Fish, flying through the air; he went to fetch a certain fish. Accordingly two were the fishes that came.
Awidash giigoonh gii-ikido (and the fish said): “Gaawiin nindaa-gashkitoosiin (“I would not be able) niizh ji-maajiininagok (to carry both of you together). Bezhig ninga-naazikawaa ge-wiijiiwag.” (I will go fetch one to go with me.”) Mii dash gii-maajaad a’aw giigoonh bemised (thereupon away went the fish, flying); ogii-naazikawaan bezhig giigoonyan (he went to fetch a certain fish). Mii dash niizh gii-biizhaawaad igiw giigoonyag (and so two were the fishes that came).
(6) Mē∙i∙dạc kä‘gä‘t kīmādcīnigōwād, päpäᵉjik ini´ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyan. “Wäwäni mindcimīyu‘k,” udigūwān, “sạnagạt mạmāngāskāt kitcigạmi. Nānīngudinū kayä mi‘kwạm ayā kitcigạmīng kayä; nānīngudinū kayä a‘kipīg ayāmạgạt. Kīcpîn mi‘kwạm ayāt ạnāmindîm ningatijāmîn,” i‘kidōwạg igi´ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyạg. “Kīcpîn gayä a‘kibīk ayāmạgạ‘k ningapîmisämin. Wäwäni mindcemīyu‘k ninindciganāng!”
Mii dash gaget gii-maajiinigoowaad, bebezhig iniw giigoonyan. “Weweni minjimiiyok,” odigowaan, “zanagad memaangaaskaad gichigami. Naaningodinoo gaye mikwam ayaa gichigamiing gaye; naaningodinoo gaye akwabiig ayaamagad. Giishpin mikwam ayaad anaamindim ningad-izhaamin,” ikidowag igiw giigoonyag. “Giishpin gaye akwabiig ayaamagak ninga-bimisemin. Weweni minjimiiyok nininjiganaang!”
Thereupon, to be sure, were they borne away, each by a fish. “Carefully do you hold on,” they were told, “for it is difficult when the sea is rolling high. And frequently there is ice in the sea, too; and sometimes there is a small floating island. When there is ice, then underneath will we go,” said the fishes. “When there is a small floating island, then into the air will we fly. Carefully hold you on to our fins!”
Mii dash gaget gii-maajiinigoowaad (thereupon truly were they borne away), bebezhig iniw giigoonyan (each by a fish). “Weweni minjimiiyok,” odigowaan (“carefully hold on,” they were told), “zanagad memaangaaskaad gichigami (“it is hard when the sea rolls high). Naaningodinoo gaye mikwam ayaa gichigamiing (sometimes there is ice in the sea too); naaningodinoo gaye akwabiig ayaamagad (and sometimes there is open water). Giishpin mikwam ayaad anaamindim ningad-izhaamin,” (if there is ice, underneath we will go,”) ikidowag igiw giigoonyag (said the fishes). “Giishpin gaye akwabiig ayaamagak ninga-bimisemin (“and if there is open water, we will fly). Weweni minjimiiyok nininjiganaang!” (carefully hold on to our fins!”)
(7) Mīsa kä‘gä‘t mādcīniguwād kwaya‘k ä‘pạngicimut kīsis. Änicwāsugunạgạtinik kī‘tagwicinōg igi´ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyạg i∙i∙māⁿ, a‘ki ki∙u∙di‘tạmuwād sī´bi ayāmạgạtinig. Mī∙u∙wä Sagi‘tawābi‘kāng äjini‘kätäg ozîbi. Äniwä‘k wä´saᵘ ugīdādciwạn ugī∙i∙jiwinigōwān ini´ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyan. “Mī∙o∙mā tcîbạgidinigōyäg,” ugī∙i∙gōwān. Mī∙i∙māⁿ kī‘kạbāwād; kīⁿgōⁿyạg dec kī∙a∙nikīwäwạg näyāp kitcigamīng.
Mii sa gaget maajiinigowaad gwayak epangizimod giizis. Eshwaaso-gonagadinig gii-dagwishinoog igiw giigoonyag i’imaa, aki gii-oditamowaad ziibi ayaamagadinig. Mii iwe Zaagitawaabikaang ezhinikaadeg oziibi. Eniwek wezhao ogii-daadagiiwan ogii-izhiwinigoowaan iniw giigoonyan. “Mii omaa ji-bagidinigooyeg,” ogii-igoowaan. Mii imaa gii-gabaawaad; giigoonyag dash gii-ani-giiwewag neyaab gichigamiing.
Thereupon truly by them were they conveyed straight to where the sun sets. On the eighth day arrived the fishes at the place, to a land they came where there was a river. Now, this was Projection-out-over-the-Water, which was the name of this river. At some distance up the stream were they conveyed by the fish. “Here is where you shall be left,” they were told. Accordingly they stepped ashore there; while the fishes went their homeward way, back over the sea.
Mii sa gaget maajiinigowaad gwayak epangizimod giizis (so truly were they carried straight toward where the sun sets). Eshwaaso-gonagadinig gii-dagwishinoog igiw giigoonyag i’imaa (on the eighth day the fishes arrived there), aki gii-oditamowaad ziibi ayaamagadinig (coming to a land where there was a river). Mii iwe Zaagitawaabikaang ezhinikaadeg oziibi (this was the river called Projection-out-over-the-Water). Eniwek wezhao ogii-daadagiiwan (some distance up the stream) ogii-izhiwinigoowaan iniw giigoonyan (were they conveyed by the fish). “Mii omaa ji-bagidinigooyeg,” ogii-igoowaan (“here is where you will be set free,” they were told). Mii imaa gii-gabaawaad (so there they went ashore); giigoonyag dash gii-ani-giiwewag neyaab gichigamiing (and the fishes went back home over the sea).
(8) Mīnawādec pō‘kidi kāwin ugīki‘kändạzīnāwā tîbi i∙i∙ a‘king ayāwâgwän. Ạnōdc kī∙i∙‘kidōwạg: “Ạmāntc äjināgwạtogwän ‘o∙o´ a‘ki wädi‘tạmạnk!” Mī∙i∙dạc mānōgu a‘pạnä äjāwād kī∙i∙jāwạg. Kīsạnagiziwạg kämīdciwād; mīnawā kägō ugîmī‘kānāwa a‘king nä‘tāwiginig, minạn kāmīdciwād. Mī∙i∙dạc kīmādcāwād kwaya‘k nîngābi∙a∙nunk; nāningutinū sāga∙i∙gạn ogīmạdābīnāwa; nānīngudînō kayä sībing kīwī‘kwadci∙o∙wạg agāming ki∙i∙jāwad. Mīnawā ogīwâbạmāwān nāningutinū pînäwaᵉ mizisaᵉ gayä, mī ini´ᵘ kā∙a∙mwāwāt. Kī‘pîskạnäpōtcigäwạg skudä uji‘tōwād; kīnwäᵉj ninguding anicinābän ugī∙o∙disāwān; kāwin ogīnisitotawasiwāwān änwänit; ogīcamigūwān mizisä wīyās. ‘Aᵉa´ᵘ gayä anicinābä kāwin kägōn odayāsīn pīwâbi‘k ābạdcîtcigạn. Awäsīwayānạn udō‘kunāsîwāwān. Ogītā‘tānga∙a∙mawāwān uzitāwān pīguzitäcinuwāt, mīdạc kīmīniguwād ma‘kizinạn.
Miinawaa dash Bookidi gaawiin ogii-gikendaziinaawaa dibi i’i akiing ayaawaagwen. Anooj gii-ikidowag: “Amanj ezhinaagwatogwen o’ow aki weditamank!” Mii dash maanoogo apane ezhaawaad gii-izhaawag. Gii-zanagiziwag gemijiwaad; miinawaa gegoo ogii-miikaanaawaa akiing netaawiginig, miinan gaa-mijiwaad. Mii dash gii-maajaawaad gwayak ningaabaya’anong; naaningodinoo zaaga’igan ogii-madaabiinaawaa; naaningodinoo gaye ziibing gii-wiikwajiiwag agaaming gii-izhaawaad. Miinawaa ogii-waabamaawaan naaningodinoo binewag mizisag gaye, mii iniw gaa-amwaawaad. Gii-biskanebootchigewag ishkode ozhitoowaad; giinwezh ningoding anishinaaben ogii-odisaawaan; gaawiin ogii-nisidotawaasiwaawaan enwenid; ogii-ashamigoowaan mizise-wiiyaas. A’aw gaye anishinaabe gaawiin gegoon odayaasiin biiwaabik abajiichigan. Awesii-wayaanan odookonaasiiwaawaan. Ogii-daadaangaamawaawaan oziidaawaan biigozideshinowaad, mii dash gii-miinigowaad makizinan.
Now, Bobtail and his companion did not know in what part of the land they were. All manner of things they said: “Wonder what sort of country this is to which we have come!” However, without tarrying they continued toward the place whither they were bound. They had a hard time obtaining food to eat; something else they found that grew upon the ground, blueberries was what they ate. Thereupon they continued straight on toward the west; frequently out upon a lake they came; sometimes they tried crossing a river to get over to the other shore. Furthermore, they sometimes saw ruffed grouse and turkeys, and them they ate for food. By boring with a drill they obtained fire; a long while were they travelling. Once to where some people were they came, but they did not understand the language they spoke; by them were they fed upon turkey-meat. And those people, too, possessed nothing in the way of metal tools. With the skins of game-animals were they clad. (Bobtail and his comrade) touched their feet (to show) that they were foot-sore, whereupon they were given moccasins.
Miinawaa dash Bookidi (now Bobtail) gaawiin ogii-gikendaziinaawaa (did not know) dibi i’i akiing ayaawaagwen (in what part of the land they were). Anooj gii-ikidowag (all sorts of things they said): “Amanj ezhinaagwatogwen o’ow aki weditamank!” (“wonder what this land is like that we have reached!”) Mii dash maanoogo apane ezhaawaad gii-izhaawag (but anyway they kept on going). Gii-zanagiziwag gemijiwaad (they had a hard time finding food); miinawaa gegoo ogii-miikaanaawaa akiing netaawiginig (again they found something growing on the ground), miinan gaa-mijiwaad (blueberries they ate). Mii dash gii-maajaawaad gwayak ningaabaya’anong (and so they went straight toward the west); naaningodinoo zaaga’igan ogii-madaabiinaawaa (sometimes upon a lake they came out); naaningodinoo gaye ziibing gii-wiikwajiiwag agaaming gii-izhaawaad (sometimes they tried to cross a river to the other shore). Miinawaa ogii-waabamaawaan naaningodinoo binewag mizisag gaye (again they saw sometimes ruffed grouse and turkeys), mii iniw gaa-amwaawaad (and those they ate). Gii-biskanebootchigewag ishkode ozhitoowaad (by drilling they made fire); giinwezh ningoding anishinaaben ogii-odisaawaan (a long while; once they came upon some people); gaawiin ogii-nisidotawaasiwaawaan enwenid (they did not understand their language); ogii-ashamigoowaan mizise-wiiyaas (they were fed turkey-meat). A’aw gaye anishinaabe gaawiin gegoon odayaasiin biiwaabik abajiichigan (these people too had nothing of metal for tools). Awesii-wayaanan odookonaasiiwaawaan (with skins of game-animals were they clad). Ogii-daadaangaamawaawaan oziidaawaan biigozideshinowaad (they touched their feet to show they were foot-sore), mii dash gii-miinigowaad makizinan (whereupon they were given moccasins).
(9) Mīnawā kī∙a∙nimādcāwạg, mīgwa‘pạnä änigininit kīzisōn. Ningudingidạc wâbạndānāwa mạckudäwạninig a‘ki. Kīminwändamōg wāsa∙i∙nābiwād. Ninguding udäbābandānāwa wạdci‘ᵘ pîmạdînānig, tibickō āna‘kwadunk ijināgwạdini; äckạm päcu´ nāgwạdini, mī∙i∙dạc käga‘pī kī∙u∙di‘tạmowād asînīwạdci´ᵘ. Nībiwa mīnäⁿsạgānjîn pada‘kizō kīpabāta‘kicinōg. Kōnạn kayä ayāwạn ogīdạdci´ᵘ. Wī‘kā ugī∙a∙ni∙u∙di‘tānāwa mīnawā nīsā‘kīwäwād. Ninguding ogīwâbạmāwān ạnicinābän. “Ānīndi äjāyäg, nicîmäyitug?” udigōwān.
Miinawaa gii-ani-maajaawag, megwaa-ban enigininid giizisoon. Ningodingidash waabandaanaawaa mashkodewaninig aki. Gii-minwendamoog waasa-inaabiwaad. Ningoding odebaabandaanaawaa wajiw bimadinaanig, dibishkoo aanakwadong izhinaagwadini; eshkam besho naagwadini, mii dash gegapii gii-oditamowaad asiniiwajiw. Niibiwa miinensagaanjiin badakizo gii-babaadakishinoog. Goonan gaye ayaawan ogidajiw. Wiikaa ogii-ani-oditaanaawaa miinawaa niisaakiiwewaad. Ningoding ogii-waabamaawaan anishinaaben. “Aaniindi ezhaayeg, nishiimeyidog?” odigowaan.
They continued on their journey, and all the while of the same size remained the sun. And by and by they saw a land of plains. They were pleased to see far away. Once they came into view of a range of mountains, like clouds was their aspect; nearer it kept getting, till at last they came to a rocky mountain. Numerous thorns stood in the way, with which they were pricked. And there was snow upon the mountain. A long while were they going before they got down to the foot of the mountain. By and by they saw a man. “Whither are you going, O my younger brothers?” they were asked.
Miinawaa gii-ani-maajaawag (again they went on), megwaa-ban enigininid giizisoon (and all the while the sun stayed the same size). Ningodingidash waabandaanaawaa mashkodewaninig aki (and once they saw a land of plains). Gii-minwendamoog waasa-inaabiwaad (they were glad to see far away). Ningoding odebaabandaanaawaa wajiw bimadinaanig (once they sighted a range of mountains), dibishkoo aanakwadong izhinaagwadini (like clouds it looked); eshkam besho naagwadini (nearer it kept getting), mii dash gegapii gii-oditamowaad asiniiwajiw (and at last they reached a rocky mountain). Niibiwa miinensagaanjiin badakizo gii-babaadakishinoog (many thorns stood, with which they were pricked). Goonan gaye ayaawan ogidajiw (and there was snow upon it). Wiikaa ogii-ani-oditaanaawaa miinawaa niisaakiiwewaad (a long while before they got down off it). Ningoding ogii-waabamaawaan anishinaaben (by and by they saw a man). “Aaniindi ezhaayeg, nishiimeyidog?” odigowaan (“whither are you going, my younger brothers?” they were asked).
(10) “Wāsa nindajāmin,” udināwān. “Kawīdcīwininim,” udigōwān. “Awänän gīn?” udinān ‘aᵉa´ᵘ pō‘kidi. “Nīnguca kā∙u∙ji‘tōyān ‘o∙o´wä a‘ki. Nīn Nänabuju ägōyān.” Mī‘tigwābîn uda‘kunān ‘aᵉa´ᵘ Nänabujū.
“Waasa nindizhaamin,” odinaawaan. “Ga-wiijiiwininim,” odigowaan. “Awenen giin?” odinaan a’aw Bookidi. “Niingozha gaa-ozhitooyaan o’owe aki. Niin Nenabozho egooyaan.” Mitigwaabiin odakonaan a’aw Nenabozho.
“Far away are we bound,” they said to him. “I am going along with you,” they were told. “Who are you?” of him asked Bobtail. “Why, I am the one who made this earth. I am he that is called Nänabushu.” A bow and arrow Nänabushu held in his hand.
“Waasa nindizhaamin,” odinaawaan (“far away are we bound,” they said to him). “Ga-wiijiiwininim,” odigowaan (“I will go along with you,” they were told). “Awenen giin?” odinaan a’aw Bookidi (“who are you?” Bobtail asked him). “Niingozha gaa-ozhitooyaan o’owe aki (“why, I am the one who made this earth). Niin Nenabozho egooyaan.” (I am the one called Nänabushu.”) Mitigwaabiin odakonaan a’aw Nenabozho (a bow Nänabushu held in his hand).
(11) “Mīnawā kistcigạmi ayāmạgạt iwidi äjāyäg; ā‘pidci sạnagạt; ạnōtc kägō ayāmạgạt, kistcikiⁿgōⁿyạg, mîcipîjīk ayāwạg; ma‘kwạg gayä nîbi‘kāng ayāwạg, wâbima‘kwạg.” Mēdạc kī∙a∙niwîdcīwāwād Nänabujūn. Ninguding ogīmạdābīnāwa mīnawā kitcigạmi. “Mī∙o∙mā mōⁿjạg ayāyän,” i‘kidō Nänabujū. “Anōtc awäsīyạg ninîsäg.” Kīnwäᵉj i∙i∙mā kī∙a∙yāwạg. Kāga‘pi ugīpa‘käwīniguwān Nänabujūn, wīnawädec ki∙o∙wânändamōg.
“Miinawaa gichigami ayaamagad iwidi ezhaayeg; aapiji zanagad; anooj gegoo ayaamagad, gichi-giigoonyag, mishibizhiig ayaawag; makwag gaye nibiikaang ayaawag, waabi-makwag.” Mii dash gii-ani-wiijiiwaawaad Nenabozhoon. Ningoding ogii-madaabiinaawaa miinawaa gichigami. “Mii omaa moonzhag ayaayaan,” ikido Nenabozho. “Anooj awesiiyag ninisaag.” Giinwezh i’imaa gii-ayaawag. Gaagapii ogii-bakewiinigowaan Nenabozhoon, wiinawaa dash gii-owaanendamoog.
“There is another sea on the way you are bound; very troublesome is it; all sorts of things abound there, great fishes, great lynxes, are there; bears too are in the water there, white bears.” And so on their way they went with Nänabushu. In course of time they came out upon another sea. “It is here that I often stay,” said Nänabushu. “All kinds of game-animals do I kill.” A long while they continued there. At last they were parted from Nänabushu, and they themselves were in doubt what to do.
“Miinawaa gichigami ayaamagad iwidi ezhaayeg (“there is another sea on the way you are going); aapiji zanagad (very dangerous it is); anooj gegoo ayaamagad (all sorts of things are there), gichi-giigoonyag, mishibizhiig ayaawag (great fishes, great lynxes are there); makwag gaye nibiikaang ayaawag, waabi-makwag.” (bears too are in the water there, white bears.”) Mii dash gii-ani-wiijiiwaawaad Nenabozhoon (and so they went on with Nänabushu). Ningoding ogii-madaabiinaawaa miinawaa gichigami (once they came out upon another sea). “Mii omaa moonzhag ayaayaan,” ikido Nenabozho (“it is here I often stay,” said Nänabushu). “Anooj awesiiyag ninisaag.” (all kinds of game-animals do I kill.”) Giinwezh i’imaa gii-ayaawag (a long while there they stayed). Gaagapii ogii-bakewiinigowaan Nenabozhoon (at last they were parted from Nänabushu), wiinawaa dash gii-owaanendamoog (and they themselves were in doubt what to do).
(12) Ninguding owâbamāwān wâbimāngwạn tcîbījä agumunit; ugīkạnōnāwān: “Kāwīnina kidämādcīwīnīnām gwaya‘k ä‘pạngicimut kīsis?” Awidạc wâbimāng kī∙i∙kido: “Kāwin nindākạcki‘tōsīn nījiyäg tcîmādcīninạgu‘k. Päᵉjik ninganạndawâbamā käwīdcīwit.” Awidạc māng ugīnāzi‘kawān mīnawā päᵉjik wâbimāngwạn, mī∙i∙dạc päᵉpäᵉjik kī∙u∙dā‘piniguwād.
*Ningoding owaabamaawaan waabi-maangwan ji-biizhaa agomonid; ogii-ganoonaawaan: “Gaawiinina gidaa-maajiiwininaam gwayak epangizimod giizis?” Awidash waabi-maang gii-ikido: “Gaawiin nindaa-gashkitoosiin niizhiyeg ji-maajiininagok. Bezhig ninga-nandawaabamaa ge-wiijiiwid.” Awidash maang ogii-naazikawaan miinawaa bezhig waabi-maangwan, mii dash bebezhig gii-odaapinigowaad.**
Once they saw a White Loon riding on the water by the shore; they spoke to it, saying: “Would you not take us straight to where the sun sets?” And the White Loon said: “I could not carry both of you. A certain one will I go seek, who will go with me.” So the Loon went to fetch another White Loon, whereupon then each was taken by (a loon).
Ningoding owaabamaawaan waabi-maangwan ji-biizhaa agomonid (once they saw a White Loon riding on the water); ogii-ganoonaawaan (they spoke to it): “Gaawiinina gidaa-maajiiwininaam (“could you not take us) gwayak epangizimod giizis?” (straight to where the sun sets?”) Awidash waabi-maang gii-ikido (and the White Loon said): “Gaawiin nindaa-gashkitoosiin niizhiyeg* ji-maajiininagok. Bezhig ninga-nandawaabamaa ge-wiijiiwid.” (“I could not carry both of you. A certain one will I go seek, who will go with me.”) Awidash maang ogii-naazikawaan miinawaa bezhig waabi-maangwan (so the loon went to fetch another White Loon), mii dash bebezhig gii-odaapinigowaad (and so each was taken by one).
(13) Ā‘pidci sạnagạt ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kistcigạmi mạmāngāskā, nībawa gayä mī‘kwạm ayā gitcigạmīng, mī∙i∙dec kīpāpīna∙u∙guwāt ạnāmaya∙ī∙ unīngwīgạnāng. Ninguding kī∙a∙nikāgōgīwạg igi‘ᵘ wâbimāngwạg; kāwin ningutinū kījiwäbizisīwạg igi´ᵘ ckinawäg i∙i∙māⁿ māng unīngwīng ayāwāt. Mīnawā cwāsugun kā∙a∙ni∙a∙yawāt kistcigạming mī∙i∙´ᵘ minawā kī∙u∙di‘tamuwād a‘ki. Mīdạc kanōniguwạd: “Mīsaᵉ uwä a‘ki cigwa wädi‘tạmạnk, mīsaomāⁿ kä∙u∙ndcikīⁿwäⁿyānk,” kī∙i∙dōwạg igi´ᵘ wâbimāngwạg.
Aapiji zanagad i’iw gichigami memaangaaskaa, niibawa gaye mikwam ayaa gichigamiing, mii dash gii-baabiinaagoowaad anaamaya’ii oningwiiganaang. Ningoding gii-ani-gaagoogiiwag igiw waabi-maangwag; gaawiin ningodinoo gizhiwebizisiiwag igiw oshkinaweg i’imaa maang oningwiing ayaawaad. Miinawaa nishwaaso-gon gaa-ani-ayaawaad gichigamiing mii iw miinawaa gii-oditamowaad aki. Mii dash ganoonigowaad: “Mii sa iwe aki zhigwa weditamank, mii sa omaa ge-onji-giiweyaank,” gii-idowag igiw waabi-maangwag.
Very troublesome was the sea with the waves rolling high, and much ice too was in the sea, therefore they were placed under the wings (of the loons). Often in the water dived the White Loons as they went along; nothing ever happened to the youths while they were there under the wings (of the loons). After they had been travelling seven days on the sea, they then came to another land. Thereupon they were addressed by the Loons saying: “Now, here are we coming to some land, and it is from here that we are going to return home,” (so) said the White Loons.
Aapiji zanagad i’iw gichigami memaangaaskaa (very troublesome was the sea, rolling high), niibawa gaye mikwam ayaa gichigamiing (and much ice too was in the sea), mii dash gii-baabiinaagoowaad anaamaya’ii oningwiiganaang (so they were placed under the wings). Ningoding gii-ani-gaagoogiiwag igiw waabi-maangwag (now and then the White Loons dived as they went); gaawiin ningodinoo gizhiwebizisiiwag igiw oshkinaweg (nothing ever happened to the youths) i’imaa maang oningwiing ayaawaad (there under the loon’s wings). Miinawaa nishwaaso-gon gaa-ani-ayaawaad gichigamiing (after seven days on the sea) mii iw miinawaa gii-oditamowaad aki (then they reached another land). Mii dash ganoonigowaad (then they were told): “Mii sa iwe aki zhigwa weditamank (“now this is the land we are reaching), mii sa omaa ge-onji-giiweyaank,” gii-idowag igiw waabi-maangwag (and from here we will return home,” said the White Loons).
(14) Mēdạc kīmādcāwād mīnawā igiᵘ ạnicinābäᵉg mī∙i∙gu a‘pạnä kwaya‘k ä‘pạngicimut äjāwād. Ā‘pidci mīnawā sạnagiziwạg; nāningutinū kistci∙a∙wäsīyạn usägi∙i∙gowān; nāningudinū gayä ki‘tciginābîgun usägi∙i∙gowān igi´ᵘ uckinawäg. Anōdc kägōn ugīkî‘kändānāwa kima‘kadä‘kāwād; mī∙i∙dạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ kā∙u∙ndcikägōntōtāgusigwa ‘iᵉi´ᵘ mạdci∙a∙ya∙a∙wica‘ᵉ.
Mii dash gii-maajaawaad miinawaa igiw anishinaabeg mii igo apane gwayak epangizimod ezhaawaad. Aapiji miinawaa zanagiziwag; naaningodinoo gichi-awesiiyan ozegi’igowaan; naaningodinoo gaye gichi-ginebigoon ozegi’igowaan igiw oshkinaweg. Anooj gegoon ogii-gikendaanaawaa gii-makadekaawaad; mii dash i’iw gaa-onji-gegoondotaagosigwaa i’iw maji-aya’aawishag.
Thereupon continued the youths on their way, and straight toward the setting (sun) they kept on going. A very difficult time did they have again; often by great animal-folk were they frightened; and often by great serpents were the youths scared. About all sorts of things they had learned when they (once) had fasted; therefore on that account were they not harmed by the malicious creatures.
Mii dash gii-maajaawaad miinawaa igiw anishinaabeg (then the youths went on again) mii igo apane gwayak epangizimod ezhaawaad (straight toward the setting sun they kept going). Aapiji miinawaa zanagiziwag (a very hard time they had again); naaningodinoo gichi-awesiiyan ozegi’igowaan (often great animals frightened them); naaningodinoo gaye gichi-ginebigoon ozegi’igowaan igiw oshkinaweg (and often great serpents scared the youths). Anooj gegoon ogii-gikendaanaawaa gii-makadekaawaad (all sorts of things they had learned when they fasted); mii dash i’iw gaa-onji-gegoondotaagosigwaa i’iw maji-aya’aawishag (so for that reason they were not harmed by the evil creatures).
(15) Mīnawā ninguding mīnawā ugīwâbamāwān mîciginābigōn uwi∙a∙muguwān. Cingusạnidạc ugīnādạmāguwān: “Nīn ningamīgānā ‘aᵉa´ᵘ kînäbik!” Cingusidạc kägōn ugîmūni‘kādān udcîbi‘ᵘ käns ugīcācāgwạndān. Mīdạc kīmawinạtō‘k kînäbigōn, kīpîndcigwâckuni udōnining ini´ᵘ kînäbigōn. ‘A∙a∙widec kînäbik anōtc ki‘tōdạm wīsạgändạnk ta‘kwạmigut ini´ᵘ cingusạn. Kāwin päcu´ kīpījāsī ‘aᵉa’ᵘ kînäboik, kīnisigut ini´ᵘ cingusạn. Mīnawā ki∙a∙pa‘tū ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ci´ngus imā kā∙u∙ndinạnk udcîbikäns; ugīcācāgwạndān mī∙i∙‘ᵘ kīminu∙a∙yāt.
Miinawaa ningoding miinawaa ogii-waabamaawaan mishi-ginebigoon owii-amigowaan. Zhingosan idash ogii-naadamaagowaan: “Niin ninga-miigaanaa a’aw ginebig!” Zhingosi dash gegoon ogii-moonikaadaan ojiibi kens ogii-zhaazhaagwandaan. Mii dash gii-mawinatook ginebigoon, gii-biindigwaashkoni odoonining iniw ginebigoon. A’aw idash ginebig anooj gii-doodam wiisagendang dakwamigod iniw zhingosan. Gaawiin besho gii-biizhaasii a’aw ginebig, gii-nisigod iniw zhingosan. Miinawaa gii-abatoo a’aw zhingos imaa gaa-ondinang ojiibikens; ogii-zhaazhaagwandaan mii iw gii-mino-ayaad.
At one other time they saw another large serpent that was going to devour them. So by a Weasel were they implored, saying: “Let me fight the serpent!” So the Weasel dug for some sort of tiny root, (and) chewed it. Thereupon, attacking the serpent, he leaped into the mouth of the serpent. And the serpent acted in every kind of way with pain when bitten by the Weasel. Not nigh did the serpent come, for he was slain by the Weasel. Back again ran the Weasel to the place from whence he had gotten the little root; he chewed it, and by doing so was all right (again).
Miinawaa ningoding miinawaa ogii-waabamaawaan mishi-ginebigoon owii-amigowaan (once again they saw a great serpent that would devour them). Zhingosan idash ogii-naadamaagowaan (and a Weasel came to their aid): “Niin ninga-miigaanaa a’aw ginebig!” (“let me fight that serpent!”) Zhingosi dash gegoon ogii-moonikaadaan ojiibi kens ogii-zhaazhaagwandaan (so the Weasel dug for a tiny root and chewed it). Mii dash gii-mawinatook ginebigoon (then he attacked the serpent), gii-biindigwaashkoni odoonining iniw ginebigoon (he leaped into the serpent’s mouth). A’aw idash ginebig anooj gii-doodam wiisagendang dakwamigod iniw zhingosan (and the serpent thrashed about in pain, bitten by the Weasel). Gaawiin besho gii-biizhaasii a’aw ginebig (not nigh did the serpent come), gii-nisigod iniw zhingosan (for he was slain by the Weasel). Miinawaa gii-abatoo a’aw zhingos imaa gaa-ondinang ojiibikens (back the Weasel ran to where he had gotten the little root); ogii-zhaazhaagwandaan mii iw gii-mino-ayaad (he chewed it and so was well again).
(16) Igi´ᵘ idạcuckinawäg ugī∙u∙dā‘pīnānāwa ‘iᵉi´ᵘ udcîbi‘ᵘ ki‘kī kạnawändạmowād. Mīdạc i∙i∙ anicinābäᵉg mōⁿjạg kā∙ā∙bạdci‘tōwād kîcpîn wâbamāwāt mạdciginābigōn; kayädạc awiya ta‘kwạmigut mī∙i∙´ᵘ ayābạdci‘tōwād tcîbimādci∙ā∙wād anicinābän. Kāga‘pi mīnawā wâsa‘ kitagwicinōg. Ninguding mīnawā anicinābän owâbamāwān, kāwin mīnawā ogīnisitotawāsiwāwān änwänit. Mīnawā ugī∙a∙camiguwān mạnōmin. Mīnawā pạngi kägō ugīminigōwān.
Igiw idash oshkinaweg ogii-odaapinaanaawaa i’iw ojiibi gii-gii-ganawendamowaad. Mii dash i’iw anishinaabeg moonzhag gaa-aabajitoowaad giishpin waabamaawaad maji-ginebigoon; gaye dash awiya dakwamigod mii iw ayaabajitoowaad ji-bimaaji’aawaad anishinaaben. Gaagapii miinawaa waasa gii-dagwishinoog. Ningoding miinawaa anishinaaben owaabamaawaan, gaawiin miinawaa ogii-nisidotawaasiwaawaan enwenid. Miinawaa ogii-ashamigowaan manoomin. Miinawaa bangii gegoo ogii-miinigowaan.
And the youths took that root to keep. And that is what the people often use when they see a dangerous serpent; when any one is bitten, that is what they use to save the person. At last a long way off again were they come. By and by they saw some more people, but again they did not understand them when they spoke. This time they were fed upon rice. Besides, a few things were they given.
Igiw idash oshkinaweg ogii-odaapinaanaawaa i’iw ojiibi gii-gii-ganawendamowaad (and the youths took that root to keep). Mii dash i’iw anishinaabeg moonzhag gaa-aabajitoowaad (and that is what people often use) giishpin waabamaawaad maji-ginebigoon (when they see a dangerous serpent); gaye dash awiya dakwamigod mii iw ayaabajitoowaad ji-bimaaji’aawaad anishinaaben (and when anyone is bitten, that is what they use to save the person). Gaagapii miinawaa waasa gii-dagwishinoog (at last a long way off again they came). Ningoding miinawaa anishinaaben owaabamaawaan (once again they saw some people), gaawiin miinawaa ogii-nisidotawaasiwaawaan enwenid (again they did not understand their speech). Miinawaa ogii-ashamigowaan manoomin (this time they were fed wild rice). Miinawaa bangii gegoo ogii-miinigowaan (besides, a few things were they given).
(17) Mīdạc mīnawā kīmādcāwād, nīnguding mīnawā ōdäna ugī∙u∙du‘tānāwā anicinābäᵉ ayānit. Päᵉjik idạc a‘kiwäⁿziyạn ugīpīndiganigōwān ändānit; nīⁿjiwaᵉ udānisaᵉ ‘aᵉa´ᵘ a‘kiwäⁿzi. Ugī∙a∙camigōwān mīnawā mạndāminạn. Mīdạc mīnawā wīmādcāwād ogīkạnōniguwān ini´ᵘ a‘kiwäⁿzīyạn: “Kägu mādcä‘kägun! Kạmininîm ōgō´ᵘ nindānisạg tcîwīdigämigwā.”
Mii dash miinawaa gii-maajaawaad, ningoding miinawaa oodena ogii-oditaanaawaa anishinaabeg ayaanid. Bezhig idash akiwenziiyan ogii-biindiganigoowaan endaanid; niizhiwan odaanisag a’aw akiwenzii. Ogii-ashamigoowaan miinawaa mandaaminan. Mii dash miinawaa wii-maajaawaad ogii-ganoonigowaan iniw akiwenziiyan: “Gego maajaakegon! Ga-miininim ogow nindaanisag ji-wiidigemigwaa.”
And so when they continued on, in course of time they came to another town where there were some people. Now, into where a certain old man lived were they taken; two were the daughters of the old man. And they were fed corn. And when they were about to depart, they were addressed by the old man saying: “Go you not away! I will give you these daughters of mine to be your wives.”
Mii dash miinawaa gii-maajaawaad (and then again they set out), ningoding miinawaa oodena ogii-oditaanaawaa anishinaabeg ayaanid (once again they came to a town where there were people). Bezhig idash akiwenziiyan ogii-biindiganigoowaan endaanid (into a certain old man’s dwelling were they taken); niizhiwan odaanisag a’aw akiwenzii (two were the old man’s daughters). Ogii-ashamigoowaan miinawaa mandaaminan (they were fed corn). Mii dash miinawaa wii-maajaawaad ogii-ganoonigowaan iniw akiwenziiyan (and when about to leave they were addressed by the old man): “Gego maajaakegon! (“go not away! Ga-miininim ogow nindaanisag ji-wiidigemigwaa.” (I will give you these daughters of mine to marry.”)
(18) Mēdạc kä‘gä‘t kāwin kīmādcāsīwạg. Mīdạc kä‘gä‘t kīwīdigämād ini´ᵘ i‘kwäwạn ‘aᵉa´ᵘ pō‘kidi, kayä aᵘ päᵉjik ckînawä ogīwīdigämān ini´ᵘ i‘kwäwạn. Mī∙i∙dạc kā∙i∙gōwād ini´ᵘ a‘kiwäⁿziyạn: “Kāwin nimindcimināsīng ōgo´ᵘ nindānisạg. Mī∙i∙´ᵘ kädicitcîgäwād ạnicinābägᵉ wīdīgänit udānisiwān, mānu ogawīdcīwān unābämạn kīcpîn wīdigät i‘kwä.”
Mii dash gaget gaawiin gii-maajaasiiwag. Mii dash gaget gii-wiidigemaad iniw ikwewan a’aw Bookidi, gaye aw bezhig oshkinawe ogii-wiidigemaan iniw ikwewan. Mii dash gaa-igowaad iniw akiwenziiyan: “Gaawiin nimindjiminaasiing ogow nindaanisag. Mii iw ge-izhichigewaad anishinaabeg wiidigenid odaanisiwaan, maanoo oga-wiijiiwaan onaabeman giishpin wiidiged ikwe.”
Whereupon, in truth, they did not go away. Now, so truly one woman did Bobtail wed, and the other youth took to wife the other woman. And this was what they were told by the old man: “I have no further control over these daughters of mine. Such is the way people will do when their daughters marry, they willingly let them go with their husbands when the women marry.”
Mii dash gaget gaawiin gii-maajaasiiwag (so truly they did not go away). Mii dash gaget gii-wiidigemaad iniw ikwewan a’aw Bookidi (so truly Bobtail married the one woman), gaye aw bezhig oshkinawe ogii-wiidigemaan iniw ikwewan (and the other youth married the other woman). Mii dash gaa-igowaad iniw akiwenziiyan (and this is what they were told by the old man): “Gaawiin nimindjiminaasiing ogow nindaanisag (“I have no further hold on these daughters of mine. Mii iw ge-izhichigewaad anishinaabeg wiidigenid odaanisiwaan (this is what people do when their daughters marry), maanoo oga-wiijiiwaan onaabeman giishpin wiidiged ikwe.” (they willingly let them go with their husbands when a woman marries.”)
(19) Mīdec kīmādcāwāt wīdcīwāwāt unāpämiwāᵉ. Nawạdcidạc wäwäni kīpimusäwạg; nîbiwa tạsink ogī∙a∙ni∙u∙disāwaᵉ unicinābäᵉ. Ningudingidạc ugīwīndamāgōwān anicinābän kīwīndaminit ‘iᵉi´ᵘ ājini‘kädänik imā kā∙u∙ndcimādcāwāᵉ pạn; pīnic ogī∙o∙di‘tānāwa ‘iᵉi´māⁿ ayānipạn osiwān ugiwān gayä. Mīsa´ kī∙u∙di‘tạmuwād imā ändạna‘kīwād wâbanunk ina‘kakäyā kī‘pīnāwāt päpäjik i‘kwäwāᵉ.
Mii dash gii-maajaawaad wiijiiwaawaad onaabemiwag. Nawaj idash wewena gii-bimosaawag; niibiwa dasing ogii-ani-odisaawag anishinaaben. Ningodingidash ogii-wiindamaagoowaan anishinaaben gii-wiindaminid i’iw ezhinikaadenig imaa gaa-onji-maajaawaa-ban; biinish ogii-oditaanaawaa i’imaa ayaanipan osiwaan ogiwaan gaye. Mii sa gii-oditamowaad imaa endanakiiwaad waabanong inakakeyaa gii-biinaawaad bebezhig ikwewag.
Accordingly, when (the men) went away, (the women) went along with their husbands. And a much pleasanter journey (the youths) had; to many peoples did they come. And once they were told by some people the name of that place from whence they had come; (they kept on) till they came to the place where their fathers and mothers were. And so they came to their native place at the east, each bringing home a wife.
Mii dash gii-maajaawaad wiijiiwaawaad onaabemiwag (so they set off, the women going with their husbands). Nawaj idash wewena gii-bimosaawag (a much pleasanter journey they had); niibiwa dasing ogii-ani-odisaawag anishinaaben (to many peoples did they come). Ningodingidash ogii-wiindamaagoowaan anishinaaben gii-wiindaminid i’iw ezhinikaadenig imaa gaa-onji-maajaawaa-ban (and once some people told them the name of the place they had set out from); biinish ogii-oditaanaawaa i’imaa ayaanipan osiwaan ogiwaan gaye (until they reached where their fathers and mothers were). Mii sa gii-oditamowaad imaa endanakiiwaad waabanong inakakeyaa (and so they reached their home in the east), gii-biinaawaad bebezhig ikwewag (each bringing home a wife).
(20) Mīsai änātuzu‘kāzut ‘aᵉa’ᵘ pō´kidi‘k.
Mii sa i enaadizookaazod a’aw Bookidig.
And that is the story told of Bobtail.
Mii sa i (and that is) enaadizookaazod (the story that is told of) a’aw Bookidig (Bobtail — naming the protagonist in the close; not a carrier).