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.
ĪNINWÄⁿ.
ININWENH.
HERO.
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 sīgwạniciwād; kī∙a∙yā kayä wīn imāⁿ ‘aᵉa´ᵘ a‘kiwäⁿzi Īninwäⁿ ājini‘kāzut. Ickwädcidạc ogīnōdci∙ā∙wān ma‘kwan. ‘Aᵉa´widạc Īninwäⁿ kī‘pōziwạg ugwisạn gayä nạndawâbạmāwād ma‘kwạn. Wänāgucigidạc käbäciwād, “Oji‘tōn käbäciwin, nīnidạc ningạtijā ugidādciwạn ningadawâbạmā ma‘kwa,” i‘kido. Mīdạc kīmādcād.
Ningoding ziigwanishiwaad; gii-ayaa gaye wiin imaa a’aw akiwenzii Ininwenh ezhinikaazod. Ishkwaaj idash ogii-noojii’aawaan makwan. A’aw idash Ininwenh gii-booziwag ogwisan gaye nandawaabamaawaad makwan. Wenaagoshig idash gebeshiwaad, “Ozhitoon gabeshiwin, niin idash ningad-izhaa ogidaajiwan ninga-nandawaabamaa makwa,” ikido. Mii dash gii-maajaad.
It was when they were once in their spring camp; there was also at the place the old man whose name was Hero. At the close (of the hunt) they sought for bears. So Hero and his son got into their canoe to hunt for a bear. And in the evening, when they went into camp, “Do you put up the camp, and I will go up the stream, I will go seek for a bear,” he said. Thereupon he departed.
Ningoding ziigwanishiwaad (once when they were in their spring camp); gii-ayaa gaye wiin imaa (there was also at that place) a’aw akiwenzii (the old man) Ininwenh ezhinikaazod (whose name was Ininwenh — Hero). Ishkwaaj idash (at the close of the hunt) ogii-noojii’aawaan makwan (they went after bears). A’aw idash Ininwenh (so Hero) gii-booziwag ogwisan gaye (got into their canoe, he and his son) nandawaabamaawaad makwan (seeking a bear). Wenaagoshig idash gebeshiwaad (and in the evening when they camped), “Ozhitoon gabeshiwin (put up the camp), niin idash ningad-izhaa ogidaajiwan (and I will go up the stream) ninga-nandawaabamaa makwa (I will go seek a bear),” ikido (he said). Mii dash gii-maajaad (thereupon he departed).
(2) Ā‘pidci nībiwa ayāwạg kīgūⁿyạg, mī īni´ᵘ nwādci∙ā∙wād īgi´ᵘ ma‘kwạg. ‘Aᵉa´widạc ạnicinābä onōndān mạmạdwägạmininig; mīdạc imāⁿ kā∙ạ∙nījād, owâbạmān ma‘kwạn imāⁿ ayānit.
Aapiji niibiwa ayaawag giigoonyag, mii iniw nwaajii’aawaad igiw makwag. A’aw idash anishinaabe onoondaan memadwegaminig; mii dash imaa gaa-ani-izhaad, owaabamaan makwan imaa ayaanid.
Very numerous were the fish, and that was what the bears were after. Now, the man heard the sound of the splashing of water; and when over to the place he went, he saw that a bear was there.
Aapiji niibiwa ayaawag giigoonyag (very many were the fish), mii iniw nwaajii’aawaad (those were what they were after) igiw makwag (the bears). A’aw idash anishinaabe (now the man) onoondaan memadwegaminig (heard the water sounding — the splashing); mii dash imaa gaa-ani-izhaad (and when he went over there), owaabamaan makwan imaa ayaanid (he saw a bear that was there).
(3) Ogī∙ạ∙nināsi‘kawān päᵉcu´, mīdạc kīpāskiswāt; ānawigīpạngicin ‘aᵘ ma‘kwa kāwin dạc nibusī, ogīkaski‘tōn kī∙ạ∙nimādcād ‘aᵘ ma‘kwa. ‘Aᵉa´widac ạnicinābä ogī∙ạ∙ninō‘pinạnān. “Kanạbạtc tạnibu,” kī∙i∙nändạm. Kāwīn ogī∙u∙jitōsīn.
Ogii-ani-naazikawaan besho, mii dash gii-baashkizwaad; aanawi gii-bangishin a’aw makwa gaawiin dash nibosii, ogii-gashkitoon gii-ani-maajaad a’aw makwa. A’aw idash anishinaabe ogii-ani-noopinanaan. “Ganabaj da-nibo,” gii-inendam. Gaawiin ogii-ozhitoosiin.
On going up to it, he got close, whereupon he shot at it with a gun; although the bear fell, yet it was not dead, able to go away was the bear. Now, the man followed after it. “Perhaps it may die,” he thought. He did not load (his gun).
Ogii-ani-naazikawaan besho (he went up close to it), mii dash gii-baashkizwaad (whereupon he shot it); aanawi gii-bangishin a’aw makwa (though the bear fell) gaawiin dash nibosii (yet it did not die), ogii-gashkitoon gii-ani-maajaad a’aw makwa (the bear was able to go off). A’aw idash anishinaabe (and the man) ogii-ani-noopinanaan (followed along after it). “Ganabaj da-nibo (perhaps it will die),” gii-inendam (he thought). Gaawiin ogii-ozhitoosiin (he did not make it ready — did not load).
(4) A‘pī∙i∙dạc wayābạmād cingicininit īni´ᵘ ma‘kwạn, kī‘pīnābiwạn. Mīdạc pā∙i∙jināsi‘kāgut wīmīgānigut. Awidạc ạnicinābä kāwīn kī∙u∙jimusī, udānugīnạgāwäba∙o∙wān upāskisigạn. Käga‘pī ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ạnicinābä kī∙ā∙tisäniwạn mi‘tigunk usidạn, mīdạc kīpạngicing, mī∙i∙´ᵘ kī‘pipạtạguskāgut īni´ᵘ ma‘kwạn. Ogīmīgānigōn, mīziwä ugīta‘kwạmigōn, ugīpāsagubinigōn mīziwä wī∙a∙wing, ā‘pidci ogīpīgwạmigōn unindcīng, uni‘kāng, u‘kāding, ā‘pīdci ugīpạnādci∙i∙gōn.
Apii idash wayaabamaad zhingishininid iniw makwan, gii-biinaabiwan. Mii dash ba-izhi-naazikaagod wii-miiganigod. Aw idash anishinaabe gaawiin gii-ozhimosii, odaano-gii-nagaaweba’owaan obaashkizigan. Gegapii a’aw anishinaabe gii-aatiseniwan mitigong ozidan, mii dash gii-bangishing, mii i’iw gii-bi-badagoshkaagod iniw makwan. Ogii-miiganigoon, miziwe ogii-dakwamigoon, ogii-baazagobinigoon miziwe wiiyawing, aapiji ogii-biigwamigoon oninjiing, onikaang, okaading, aapiji ogii-banaaji’igoon.
And when he saw the bear lying down, it was looking at him. Thereupon hither it came to fight with him. But the man did not run away, he tried keeping it off with the gun. Finally, when the man’s foot tripped over a log, then down he fell, whereupon the bear came and got on top of him. It fought with him, all over was he bitten by it, he was clawed by it all over the body; very much was he chewed on his hands, on his arms, on his legs; very much out of sorts was he put by it.
Apii idash wayaabamaad (and when he saw) zhingishininid iniw makwan (the bear lying down), gii-biinaabiwan (it was looking at him). Mii dash ba-izhi-naazikaagod (then hither it came at him) wii-miiganigod (wanting to fight him). Aw idash anishinaabe (but the man) gaawiin gii-ozhimosii (did not flee), odaano-gii-nagaaweba’owaan obaashkizigan (in vain he tried to ward it off with his gun). Gegapii (finally) a’aw anishinaabe gii-aatiseniwan mitigong ozidan (the man’s feet caught on a log), mii dash gii-bangishing (and down he fell), mii i’iw gii-bi-badagoshkaagod iniw makwan (whereupon the bear came pressing upon him). Ogii-miiganigoon (it fought him), miziwe ogii-dakwamigoon (all over he was bitten by it), ogii-baazagobinigoon miziwe wiiyawing (he was clawed all over his body), aapiji ogii-biigwamigoon (badly was he chewed by it) oninjiing, onikaang, okaading (on his hands, on his arms, on his legs), aapiji ogii-banaaji’igoon (very much was he ruined by it).
(5) Gägā näsigut ogīmi‘kwändān i∙i∙ᵘ mō‘komān ēyāt pīndigumāning, kāwindec ogīkaski‘tōsin tci∙o∙dā‘pinạⁿg omo‘komān; unīndcīn ā‘pidci kīpingwandcigādäniwạn; unạmạndcini‘k äniwä‘k pạngī umạmādinān. Mēdạc kī∙o∙dā‘pinạng umō‘komān, pạngī∙i∙dạc kīmạmādcī u‘kāding. Mī mīnawā tata‘kwamigut ugitigwānk. Mī∙i∙dạc kīpạjibawād kwaya‘k udäing. Mīnawā kwä‘kayä∙ī∙ kī∙i∙ji‘tā ‘aᵘ ma‘kwa, mīnawā kwä‘kaya∙ī∙ ugīpạjibaᵘwān. Nāgajidạc kīpạzigwī ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ma‘kwa, päcudec imāⁿ kī∙ạ∙nipạngicin; kīnibut.
*Gegaa nesigod ogii-mikwendaan i’iw mookomaan eyaad biindigomaaning, gaawiin dash ogii-gashkitoosiin ji-odaapinang omookomaan; oninjiin aapiji gii-bingwanjigaadeniwan; onamanjinik eniwek bangii omamaadinaan. Mii dash gii-odaapinang omookomaan, bangii idash gii-mamaajii okaading. Mii miinawaa dadakwamigod ogidigwaning. Mii dash gii-bazhiba’waad gwayak ode’ing. Miinawaa gwekaya’ii gii-izhitaa a’aw makwa, miinawaa gwekaya’ii ogii-bazhiba’waan. Naagaj idash gii-bazigwii a’aw makwa, besho dash imaa gii-ani-bangishin; gii-nibod.**
When nearly slain, he thought of the knife he had in (his) scabbard, but he had not the strength to reach it; his hands were very badly chewed up; his left hand he could move a little bit. And when he took hold of his knife, then gently he moved his leg, whereupon again was he bitten on his knee. And then he stabbed (the bear) right in its heart. The other way round turned the bear, on the other side he stabbed it. After a little while, up rose the bear, and a short distance off it went and fell; it was dead.
Gegaa nesigod (when nearly slain by it) ogii-mikwendaan (he remembered) i’iw mookomaan (the knife) eyaad biindigomaaning (that was in his scabbard), gaawiin dash ogii-gashkitoosiin ji-odaapinang omookomaan (but he could not manage to take his knife); oninjiin aapiji gii-bingwanjigaadeniwan* (his hands were badly chewed to pieces); onamanjinik (his left hand) eniwek bangii omamaadinaan (he could move a little). Mii dash gii-odaapinang omookomaan (and when he took his knife), bangii idash gii-mamaajii okaading (gently he moved his leg), mii miinawaa dadakwamigod ogidigwaning (whereupon again he was bitten on his knee). Mii dash gii-bazhiba’waad gwayak ode’ing (then he stabbed it right in the heart). Miinawaa gwekaya’ii gii-izhitaa a’aw makwa (the other way round turned the bear), miinawaa gwekaya’ii ogii-bazhiba’waan (on the other side he stabbed it). Naagaj idash gii-bazigwii a’aw makwa (after a while up rose the bear), besho dash imaa gii-ani-bangishin (a short way off it went and fell); gii-nibod (it was dead).
(6) ‘Aᵉa´widạc ạnicinābä mī∙i∙māⁿ kī∙a∙yāt kabätibi‘k, kägā nîbut. Kāwīn ogī‘pinạndawâbamigusīn ogwisạn, ānawi ogīnōndān kīmạdwäzigänit ōsạn. Kigījäbidạc kīpōzi aᵘ skînawä. “Kạnạbạtc awīya ogīnisigōn nōs,” kī∙i∙nändạm.
A’aw idash anishinaabe mii imaa gii-ayaad gabe-dibik, gegaa nibod. Gaawiin ogii-bi-nandawaabamigosiin ogwisan, aanawi ogii-noondaan gii-madwezigenid oosan. Gigizheb idash gii-boozi aw oshkinawe. “Ganabaj awiya ogii-nisigoon noos,” gii-inendam.
And now the man remained there throughout the night, nearly was he dead. Not did his son come to look for him, even though he had heard the sound of his father shooting. And in the morning into his canoe got the youth. “Perhaps by some creature was my father slain,” he thought.
A’aw idash anishinaabe (and the man) mii imaa gii-ayaad gabe-dibik (remained there all night), gegaa nibod (nearly dead). Gaawiin ogii-bi-nandawaabamigosiin ogwisan (his son did not come looking for him), aanawi ogii-noondaan (although he had heard) gii-madwezigenid oosan (his father shooting in the distance). Gigizheb idash (and in the morning) gii-boozi aw oshkinawe (the youth got into the canoe). “Ganabaj awiya ogii-nisigoon noos (perhaps my father was slain by some being),” gii-inendam (he thought).
(7) ‘Aᵉa´widạc a‘kiwäⁿzi kī∙i∙nādcimo: “Awiya ningīwâbạmā, ā‘pidci mindido. Ningī∙o∙tāpinik, unindcīng ningī∙a∙sik. Mīgu∙i∙cit: ‘Nōcis, kāwin kīganîbusī nōngum. Kînwänj kīgabîmādis. Ā‘pidci tawābickā kistigwān,’ ningī∙i∙‘k. ‘Nīn Nänabujū.’ ”
A’aw idash akiwenzii gii-inaajimo: “Awiya ningii-waabamaa, aapiji mindido. Ningii-odaapinig, oninjiing ningii-asig. Mii go izhid: ‘Noozhis, gaawiin giga-nibosii noongom. Ginwenzh giga-bimaadiz. Aapiji dawaabishkaa gishtigwaan,’ ningii-ig. ‘Niin Nenabozho.’ ”
Now, the old man in his story said: “Somebody did I see, very big was he. I was taken up, in (the palms of) his hands I was placed by him. Then he said to me: ‘My grandson, you will not die now. A long while will you live. Very white will be your hair,’ I was told by him. ‘I am Nänabushu.’ ”
A’aw idash akiwenzii gii-inaajimo (now the old man told in his story): “Awiya ningii-waabamaa (somebody I saw), aapiji mindido (very big was he). Ningii-odaapinig (he took me up), oninjiing ningii-asig (in his hands he placed me). Mii go izhid (then he said to me): ‘Noozhis (my grandson), gaawiin giga-nibosii noongom (you will not die now). Ginwenzh giga-bimaadiz (long will you live). Aapiji dawaabishkaa gishtigwaan (very white will be your head),’ ningii-ig (I was told). ‘Niin Nenabozho (I am Nenabozho).’ ”
(8) ‘Aᵉa´widạc a‘kiwäⁿzi käᵉgat kînwänj kipimādisi.
A’aw idash akiwenzii geget ginwenzh gii-bimaadizi.
Now, the old man, sure enough, lived a long while.
A’aw idash akiwenzii (and that old man) geget (sure enough) ginwenzh gii-bimaadizi (lived a long while).
(9) ‘Aᵉ´widạc uskinawä a‘pī katagwicing ändāwād kī∙i∙nātcimō: “Mī∙a∙‘pạnä nōs kīwạni∙a∙k.”
A’aw idash oshkinawe apii gaa-dagwishing endaawaad gii-inaajimo: “Mii apane noos gii-wani’ag.”
And when the youth arrived at home, he told: “Now gone is my father whom I have lost.”
A’aw idash oshkinawe (and the youth) apii gaa-dagwishing endaawaad (when he arrived at their home) gii-inaajimo (told): “Mii apane (now forever gone) noos (is my father) gii-wani’ag (whom I have lost — 31-H2).”
(10) Mīnawā ānugī∙i∙jāwạg, kāwīn ogītä∙u∙disāsiwāwān. Kīnōndäkīwäwạg, kīku‘tādciwạg. “Awiya ugīnisigōn,” kī∙i∙nändạmōg. Ogīnạgadānāwa wâgā‘kwadōns imāⁿ kabäciwinänsing. Kā‘tạgwicinowād ändāwād kīmawiwạg ka‘kina, kīkạckändạmowād.
Miinawaa aano-gii-izhaawag, gaawiin ogii-de-odisaasiwaawaan. Gii-noonde-giiwewag, gii-gotaajiwag. “Awiya ogii-nisigoon,” gii-inendamoog. Ogii-nagadaanaawaa waagaakwadoons imaa gabeshiwinensing. Gaa-dagwishinowaad endaawaad gii-mawiwag gakina, gii-gashkendamowaad.
They tried going back over there, but they did not go so far as he was. They turned to come back too soon, they were afraid. “By some creature was he slain,” they thought. They left behind a little axe at a small camping-spot. When they arrived at home they all wept, for they were sad.
Miinawaa aano-gii-izhaawag (again they went, in vain), gaawiin ogii-de-odisaasiwaawaan (they did not go far enough to reach him). Gii-noonde-giiwewag (they turned back too soon), gii-gotaajiwag (they were afraid). “Awiya ogii-nisigoon (by some being was he slain),” gii-inendamoog (they thought). Ogii-nagadaanaawaa waagaakwadoons (they left behind a little axe) imaa gabeshiwinensing (there at the little camping-spot). Gaa-dagwishinowaad endaawaad (when they arrived home) gii-mawiwag gakina (they all wept), gii-gashkendamowaad (for they were sorrowful).
(11) Mīdạc kā∙i∙ji∙i∙cāwād nīnj ininiwạg kī∙a∙witibādcîmowād wā‘ka∙i∙gạning, kīwīndạmawāwād adāwäwininiwạn. Kayä wīn kīkistcikạckändạm ‘aᵉa´ᵘ adāwäwinini; ā‘pidcisa´ ni‘tā∙ạ∙ndāwändcigä ‘aᵉa´ᵘ kāwạnicing. Kayägu ogimāwibạn.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-izhaawaad niizh ininiwag gii-awi-dibaajimowaad waakaa’iganing, gii-wiindamawaawaad adaawewininiwan. Gaye wiin gii-gichi-gashkendam a’aw adaawewinini; aapiji sa nitaa-nandawenjige a’aw gaa-wanishing. Gaye go ogimaawiban.
Thereupon hence departed two men, who went to tell the news at the post, to inform the trader. And exceedingly sad, too, was the trader; for an exceptionally fine hunter was he who had been lost. And, furthermore, he was chief at the time.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-izhaawaad niizh ininiwag (thereupon went two men) gii-awi-dibaajimowaad waakaa’iganing (to go tell the news at the post), gii-wiindamawaawaad adaawewininiwan (to inform the trader). Gaye wiin gii-gichi-gashkendam a’aw adaawewinini (and greatly grieved too was the trader); aapiji sa nitaa-nandawenjige (an exceptionally skilled hunter was) a’aw gaa-wanishing (the one who was lost). Gaye go ogimaawiban (and furthermore, he was chief — the preterite -ban: at the time).
(12) ‘Aᵉa´widạc a‘kiwäⁿzi käyābi pîmādisi. Kī∙i∙nōtä imāⁿ ma‘kwạn ạbinit. Mī∙i∙dạc ‘aᵉa´ᵘ a‘kiwäⁿzi äniwäk ogīkacki‘tōn kī‘kīckicwāt īni´ᵘma‘kwạn. Kīpa‘kunāt pạngī nabạnäni‘k ogīsạgīgạmān kayädạc pạngī ogīkạcki‘tōn kīmạnijạng pîmidäwinit mī∙i∙´ᵘ kāmīdcit.
A’aw idash akiwenzii geyaabi bimaadizi. Gii-inoode imaa makwan abinid. Mii dash a’aw akiwenzii aaniwek ogii-gashkitoon gii-giishkizhwaad iniw makwan. Gii-bakonaad bangii nabanenik ogii-zagigamaan gaye dash bangii ogii-gashkitoon gii-manizhang biimidewinid mii i’iw gaa-miijid.
But the old man was yet alive. He had crawled over to where the bear was. And now the old man was just about able to cut up the bear. When he had taken off a little of the skin with one hand, he took hold of it with his teeth, and thus was able to cut off portions where it was fat, and that was what he ate.
A’aw idash akiwenzii geyaabi bimaadizi (but the old man was still alive). Gii-inoode imaa makwan abinid (he crawled over to where the bear lay — 31-H1). Mii dash a’aw akiwenzii aaniwek ogii-gashkitoon (and he was just about able) gii-giishkizhwaad iniw makwan (to cut up the bear). Gii-bakonaad bangii nabanenik (skinning a little of it with one hand) ogii-zagigamaan (he took hold of it with his teeth) gaye dash bangii ogii-gashkitoon gii-manizhang (and thus was able to cut off portions) biimidewinid (where it was fat) mii i’iw gaa-miijid (and that was what he ate).
(13) Nī∙o∙gun imāⁿ kī∙a∙yat, mēdạc iᵘ a‘pī kīmādcī∙ō∙dät wī‘kīwäd. Ā‘pidci kayä pigickạnạni; kāwīn ogạcki‘tōsīn tcîbīni∙i∙tisut. Wī‘kā ogi∙o∙di‘tān imāⁿ kạbäciwāpạn. Kībimōdät ogīmi‘kān wāgā‘kwadōns kīwäbinigādänig. Mīdạc ī∙i∙’ᵘ kā∙ạ∙nimādcīdōt pimōdät. Pạbäcu´ kī∙a∙ninîbā; kägā‘ku kawạdci tibigạtinik.
Niiyogon imaa gii-ayaad, mii dash iw apii gii-maajii-ooded wii-giiwed. Aapiji gaye bigishkanani; gaawiin ogashkitoosiin ji-biini’idizod. Wiikaa ogii-oditaan imaa gabeshiwaapan. Gii-bimooded ogii-mikaan waagaakwadoons gii-webinigaadenig. Mii dash i’iw gaa-ani-maajiidood bimooded. Babesho gii-ani-nibaa; gegaa go gawaji dibikadinig.
Four days at the place was he, and that was when he started off crawling, in the hope of getting back home. He was then also very much in decay; he was unable to cleanse his wounds. A long while was he arriving at the place where he (and his son) had had a camp. As he came crawling, he found a small axe that had been lost. Accordingly he carried it along as he went crawling. Short distances apart were the places where he camped on the way; nearly would he freeze at night.
Niiyogon imaa gii-ayaad (four days was he there), mii dash iw apii gii-maajii-ooded (then it was that he started crawling) wii-giiwed (wanting to go home). Aapiji gaye bigishkanani (very much too was he in decay); gaawiin ogashkitoosiin ji-biini’idizod (he could not cleanse himself). Wiikaa ogii-oditaan (after a long while he reached) imaa gabeshiwaapan (the place where there had been a camp — the preterite -aapan on the place). Gii-bimooded (as he crawled along) ogii-mikaan waagaakwadoons (he found the little axe) gii-webinigaadenig (that had been left behind). Mii dash i’iw gaa-ani-maajiidood (so he carried it along) bimooded (as he crawled). Babesho gii-ani-nibaa (short distances apart he slept along the way); gegaa go gawaji dibikadinig (nearly would he freeze each night).
(14) Ninguding owâbạmān kī∙i∙ci‘kạn pạda‘kizunit. Mī∙i∙dạc kā∙i∙jimādci‘tād wīkīckawāt; käga‘pī ogīkawawān. Mī∙i∙dạc kā∙i∙jipa‘kunāt wạnagä‘kwạn wītcīmāni‘kät; kayädạc pạngī ogīpa‘kwägawān īni´ᵘ kīci‘kạn, mīdạc īni´ᵘ kāwāgināgu´kät.
Ningoding owaabamaan giizhikan badakizonid. Mii dash gaa-izhi-maajitaad wii-giishkawaad; gegapii ogii-gawawaan. Mii dash gaa-izhi-bakonaad wanagekwan wii-jiimaaniked; gaye dash bangii ogii-bakwegawaan iniw giizhikan, mii dash iniw gaa-waaginaagoked.
Once he saw a cedar that was standing. Thereupon he set to work to cut it down; at length he felled it. Accordingly he stripped it of the bark, in order to make a canoe; and he also chipped splints off the cedar, and of them he made ribs (for the canoe).
Ningoding owaabamaan giizhikan badakizonid (once he saw a cedar standing). Mii dash gaa-izhi-maajitaad wii-giishkawaad (then he set to work to cut it down); gegapii ogii-gawawaan (at length he felled it). Mii dash gaa-izhi-bakonaad wanagekwan (then he stripped it of its bark) wii-jiimaaniked (to make a canoe); gaye dash bangii ogii-bakwegawaan iniw giizhikan (and he chipped some splints off the cedar), mii dash iniw gaa-waaginaagoked (and of them he made the bent ribs).
(15) Wạdabī∙iⁿ∙sạn pạngī ogīkạcki∙ā∙n kīta‘kupitōt ī∙i∙´ᵘ udcimān. Ānināndạk wạnagä‘k mīnawā ogīwī‘kwạdci∙ā∙n; ogīcācāgōmān. A‘pī∙i∙dạc kā‘kīci‘tōd kīpōzi; agāwa kikạcki∙o∙. Ā pidcisa´ kīmājimāguzi pigickạnạnit.
Wadabiinsan bangii ogii-gashki’aan gii-dakobidood i’iw ojiimaan. Aninaandag wanagek miinawaa ogii-wiikwaji’aan; ogii-zhaazhaagwamaan. Apii idash gaa-giizhitood gii-boozi; agaawaa gii-gashki’o. Aapiji sa gii-maazhimaagozi bigishkananid.
Small spruce-roots in limited supply he obtained to tie up his canoe. Some balsam-bark he also tried to get; he chewed it. And when he had completed (his canoe), he got in; hardly was he able (to get in). Very much he stunk at the place where he was decaying.
Wadabiinsan bangii ogii-gashki’aan (small spruce-roots in limited supply he managed to get) gii-dakobidood i’iw ojiimaan (tying up his canoe). Aninaandag wanagek (balsam-bark) miinawaa ogii-wiikwaji’aan (he also tried to get); ogii-zhaazhaagwamaan (he chewed it). Apii idash gaa-giizhitood (and when he had finished it) gii-boozi (he got in); agaawaa gii-gashki’o (hardly was he able). Aapiji sa gii-maazhimaagozi (very much he stank) bigishkananid (where he was decaying).
(16) Ạbwīns kayä ogī∙u∙ji‘tōn, mēdạc kīmādcīyābugut. Päpạngī äniwā‘k ogī∙ā∙badci‘tōn udạbwīns. Keyābi nīnj bāwi‘tigōn ayāwạn imāⁿ sīⁿbink. Ā‘pī∙i∙dac awädi‘tạnk bāwi‘tig kī∙ạ∙gwāwōdä. Mîskwābīmạgōn ogīta‘kubinān udcīmānink; mīdạc ī∙i∙´ᵘ kāmindciminạng mi‘tigōns pîmōdät; kī∙a∙ninīsābōtänig udcīmānic pīnic ogīkibikānạn īni´ᵘ bāwi‘tigōn.
Abwiins gaye ogii-ozhitoon, mii dash gii-maajiiyaabogod. Bebangii eniwek ogii-aabajitoon odabwiins. Geyaabi niizh baawitigoon ayaawan imaa ziibiing. Apii idash weditang baawitig gii-agwaa-oode. Miskwaabiimagoon ogii-dakobinaan ojiimaaning; mii dash i’iw gaa-minjiminang mitigoons bimooded; gii-ani-niisaaboodenig ojiimaanish biinish ogii-gabikaanan iniw baawitigoon.
A small paddle he also made, whereupon off he went with the current. Only a little now and then did he use his tiny paddle. There were yet two more rapids in the river. And when he came to the rapids, he crawled out of (the canoe). Some red willows he tied to his canoe; and so with the little (willow) stick in his hand he crawled along; down the current went his crude canoe till he got past the rapids.
Abwiins gaye ogii-ozhitoon (a little paddle too he made), mii dash gii-maajiiyaabogod (then off he floated with the current). Bebangii eniwek ogii-aabajitoon odabwiins (only a little now and then did he use his little paddle). Geyaabi niizh baawitigoon ayaawan imaa ziibiing (still two rapids were there in the river). Apii idash weditang baawitig (and when he reached a rapids) gii-agwaa-oode (he crawled ashore). Miskwaabiimagoon ogii-dakobinaan ojiimaaning (red willows he tied to his canoe); mii dash i’iw gaa-minjiminang mitigoons (and holding the little stick) bimooded (he crawled along); gii-ani-niisaaboodenig ojiimaanish (down the current went his poor canoe) biinish ogii-gabikaanan iniw baawitigoon (until he got past those rapids).
(17) Kī∙a∙nibōzidạc mīnawā udcīmānicing. A‘pī∙ä∙nidạgwicing i∙i∙māⁿ ändāwā‘pạn āja kī‘kuziwa. Tcīmānäns äta ogīmi‘kān imāⁿ kīwäbinigādänig, abwi gayä. Mīdạc kā‘pōzi tcīgibīg kī∙ạ∙nikā‘kanda‘kīwit; ābiding kī∙ạ∙ni∙ā∙jawaᵉᵘ. Ogiki‘kändān päᵉjik kạbäciwin, wī‘kādạc ogī∙u∙di‘tān mī∙i∙māⁿ ayāwād anicinābäg. Kayädạc onīdcānisaᵉ wīwạn gayä ka‘kina ma‘kadä‘käwaᵉ midāsugun acinīⁿjogun, niji‘kä kī∙a∙yā ‘aᵉa´ᵘ anicinābä.
Gii-ani-boozi dash miinawaa ojiimaanishing. Apii eni-dagwishing i’imaa endaawaapan azha gii-goziwag. Jiimaanens eta ogii-mikaan imaa gii-webinigaadenig, abwi gaye. Mii dash gaa-boozid jiigibiig gii-ani-gaakandakiiwid; aabiding gii-ani-aazhawa’o. Ogii-gikendaan bezhig gabeshiwin, wiikaa dash ogii-oditaan mii imaa ayaawaad anishinaabeg. Gaye dash oniijaanisag wiiwan gaye gakina makadekewag midaasogon ashi-niizhogon, nizhike gii-ayaa a’aw anishinaabe.
Then he got into his miserable canoe again, continuing his way. When arriving at the place where he (and the others) had lived, (he saw that) already they had moved camp. Only a small canoe that had been cast aside did he find there, also a paddle. And when he got in, he pushed himself off from the shore with the paddle; at one place he went over to the other side of the stream. He knew of a certain camping-place, and after a long while he came to where there were some people. And now his children and his wife had all been in mourning for twelve days, alone did the man remain there.
Gii-ani-boozi dash miinawaa ojiimaanishing (then he got into his miserable canoe again). Apii eni-dagwishing i’imaa endaawaapan (when he arrived where they had dwelt — the preterite -aapan again) azha gii-goziwag (already they had moved camp). Jiimaanens eta ogii-mikaan imaa gii-webinigaadenig (only a small canoe cast aside did he find there), abwi gaye (and a paddle). Mii dash gaa-boozid (and when he got in) jiigibiig gii-ani-gaakandakiiwid (along the shore he pushed himself off — flag-watch, stray-bank token); aabiding gii-ani-aazhawa’o (at one place he crossed over the water). Ogii-gikendaan bezhig gabeshiwin (he knew of a certain camping-place), wiikaa dash ogii-oditaan (after a long while he reached it) mii imaa ayaawaad anishinaabeg (and there the people were). Gaye dash oniijaanisag wiiwan gaye (and his children and his wife) gakina makadekewag (had all been blackened in mourning-fast — makadeke- in its mourning range; cf. #32’s vision-fast) midaasogon ashi-niizhogon (ten days and two), nizhike gii-ayaa a’aw anishinaabe (alone had the man been given up).
(18) Käᵉgä‘tidạc ā‘pidci kînwäⁿj kī‘pimādizi kā∙i∙gō‘pạn Nänabujūn; pīnic kī∙ạ∙dānding ōmāⁿ kistcigạmīng käyābi pîmādizībạn ‘aᵉa’ᵘ Tcān Ininwä.
Geget idash aapiji ginwenzh gii-bimaadizi gaa-igoopan Nenabozhoon; biinish gii-adaawanding o’omaa gichigamiing geyaabi bimaadiziiban a’aw Jaan Ininwe.
And truly a very long while did he live, as he had been told by Nänabushu; even till the time of the sale of this region of the sea, was still living that John Hero.
Geget idash (and truly) aapiji ginwenzh gii-bimaadizi (a very long while did he live) gaa-igoopan Nenabozhoon (as he had been told by Nenabozho — the preterite participle -goopan: the telling itself placed in the witnessed past); biinish gii-adaawanding o’omaa gichigamiing (even till the sale of this region of the sea) geyaabi bimaadiziiban (was still living) a’aw Jaan Ininwe (that John Hero).