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.
MI‘KINĀ‘K WÄNTUPẠNI.
MIKINAAK WENDOBANI.
SNAPPING-TURTLE ON THE WARPATH.
Narrated by (Told by Wāsāgunäckạnk — Wasagunackang. Series III header on p. 338: “SERIES III. Nos. 44–61. (Told by Wāsāgunäckạnk.)”)
from Ojibwa Texts collected by William Jones (1919).
(1) Ni´ngudingsa mi‘kinā‘k wīnạntupạni, mīdac äjinạndwäwämāt wâwītcīwāt. “Awänän käwītcīwạgä tcīnạntāpạnīyān?” Mīdạc īni´ᵘ mōzōn nä‘kwä‘tâgut: “Nīne´, nīne´!” Mōzōn kīpītāsamusäwạn opapīⁿsi‘kawāgạn kāgigizikạnk; nabạnä∙a∙ya∙i∙ kī∙u∙jāwackwāni kimiskwānidạc kayä; miskukitcipisonạn ogīkitcipisonạn; mīdạc īni´ᵘ täwä∙i∙gạnạn ugī∙ā∙cōnigwa∙a∙. Kāpici∙u∙jikābāwi‘tāgut, mīdạc äjikanōnāt: “Agataskumā kagwätcīn!”
Ningoding isa mikinaak wii-nandobani, mii dash ezhi-nandwewemaad waa-wiijiiwaad. “Awenen ge-wiijiiwaged ji-nandobaniyaan?” Mii dash iniw moozoon nakwetaagod: “Niine, Niine!” Moozoon gii-biidaasamosewan obabiinzikawaagan gaa-gigishkang; nabane-aya’ii gii-ozhaawashkwaani gii-miskwaani dash gaye; misko-gijipizonan ogii-gijipizonan; mii dash iniw dewe’iganan ogii-aazhoonigwa’aa. Gaa-bi-jigaabawitaagod, mii dash ezhi-ganoonaad: “Agadashkomaa gagwejiin!”
Once on a time Snapping-Turtle desired to go to war, whereupon he went about calling for them in whose company he would go. “With whom shall I go when I go to war?”¹ And then by Moose he was answered: “Me, me!” (He saw) the Moose coming along on a walk. A coat he wore; on one side it was green and red; with a red belt was he girdled; and then a hand-drum he had hanging under (one) arm, suspended from the (other) shoulder. And when (Moose) came up beside him and stood, (Snapping-Turtle) then spoke to him, saying: “Pray, (let me see) you make trial (of what you could do)!”²
Ningoding isa (once on a time) mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle) wii-nandobani (desired to go to war), mii dash ezhi-nandwewemaad (whereupon he went calling for) waa-wiijiiwaad (those who would go with him). “Awenen ge-wiijiiwaged (with whom shall I go) ji-nandobaniyaan (when I go to war)?” Mii dash iniw moozoon (and then by the Moose) nakwetaagod (he was answered): “Niine, Niine! (me, me!)” Moozoon gii-biidaasamosewan (the Moose came walking toward him) obabiinzikawaagan gaa-gigishkang (wearing his coat); nabane-aya’ii (on the one side) gii-ozhaawashkwaani (it was green-blue) gii-miskwaani dash gaye (and it was red too); misko-gijipizonan (a red belt) ogii-gijipizonan (he wore girdled); mii dash iniw dewe’iganan (and a hand-drum) ogii-aazhoonigwa’aa (he carried slung from the shoulder). Gaa-bi-jigaabawitaagod (when he came and stood beside him), mii dash ezhi-ganoonaad (he then spoke to him): “Agadashkomaa gagwejiin! (pray, make trial!)”
Jones’s footnotes: ¹ The request is chanted. ² In battle. — W.J. Print notes: Ni’ngudingsa with apostrophe inside the word; mīdac beside mīdạc on the same page (both carried); ugī∙ā∙cōnigwa∙a∙ as printed (expected final -ān; flagged); Agataskumā — the chanted request-particle, converted by character rules and flagged (cf. Agạtaga §5). Page-verified 2026-09-02 (re-crop audit, p. 338 l. 10 at 12–16× on the grayscale leaf): Jones prints Kāpici- with a plain i-dot, not the macron the record carried; the control is the ā of Kā- in the same word against the barred ī of mīdạc and ugī on the same line. Layer 1 corrected; the Fiero gaa-bi-ji- was already the short reading and is unchanged.
(2) Mīdạc aᵘ mōⁿs äjipapāmipa‘tōd, upapāpagi‘tä∙o∙wān mi‘tigōn. Mīdạc äjikạnōnāt aᵘ mi‘kinā‘k: “Kāwäsā! Kitāpō‘kutcīngwanänāgū; mī kāwin kīwīwītcīwiⁿsinōn.”
Mii dash aw mooz ezhi-babaamibatood, obabaa-bagite’owaan mitigoon. Mii dash ezhi-ganoonaad aw mikinaak: “Gaawesaa! Gidaa-bookojiingwanenaagoo; mii gaawiin giwii-wiijiiwisinoon.”
Whereupon Moose ran hither and thither, he struck first one tree, then another, about the place. And then to him spoke Snapping-Turtle, saying: “Impossible! You might have the (lower part of the) femur (of your hind leg) broken by a weapon; so therefore I do not care to go with you.”
Mii dash aw mooz (whereupon the Moose) ezhi-babaamibatood (ran hither and thither), obabaa-bagite’owaan mitigoon (he went about striking the trees). Mii dash ezhi-ganoonaad aw mikinaak (and then Snapping-Turtle spoke to him): “Gaawesaa! (impossible!) Gidaa-bookojiingwanenaagoo (you might get your femur broken — flagged); mii gaawiin giwii-wiijiiwisinoon (so I will not go with you).”
(3) Mī intawā kī∙ạ∙nimādcāt aᵘ mōⁿs.
Mii indawaa gii-ani-maajaad aw mooz.
Accordingly then departed Moose upon his way.
Mii indawaa (accordingly then) gii-ani-maajaad (off on his way went) aw mooz (the Moose).
(4) Mīsa¹ mīnawā äjipībāgit: “Awänän käwītcīwạgä tcinạntāpạniyān?”
Mii sa miinawaa ezhi-biibaagid: “Awenen ge-wiijiiwaged ji-nandobaniyaan?”
And so again he called with a loud voice: “With whom shall I go when I go to war?”
Mii sa miinawaa (and so again) ezhi-biibaagid (he called with a loud voice): “Awenen ge-wiijiiwaged (with whom shall I go) ji-nandobaniyaan (when I go to war)?”
(5) “Nīna´, nīna´!” Pimạdwä∙i∙‘kitowạn aᵘ ma‘kwạn kīpītāsạmusäwạn. Cigwa imāⁿ pitạgwicinōn, “Agạtaga, kạgwätcīn!”
“Niina, Niina!” Bimi-madwe-ikidowan aw makwan gii-biidaasamosewan. Zhigwa imaa bi-dagwishinoon, “Agadaga, gagwejiin!”
“Me, me!” came the voice of Bear when approaching hitherward on the walk. When at the place Bear was come, “Pray, (let me see) you make trial (of what you could do)!”
“Niina, Niina! (me, me!)” Bimi-madwe-ikidowan (came the voice along, saying it,) aw makwan (of the Bear) gii-biidaasamosewan (as he came walking hitherward). Zhigwa imaa bi-dagwishinoon (when there he was come), “Agadaga, gagwejiin! (pray, make trial!)”
(6) Mīdạc papāpāsagupināt mi‘tigōn, kayätạc ugīta‘kwamān mi‘tigōn. “Mīsagunā kä∙a∙ī∙jiyāmbān mawinạciwäyạnk,” utigōn.
Mii dash babaa-baazagobinaad mitigoon, gaye dash ogii-dakwamaan mitigoon. “Mii sa gonaa ge-a-izhiyaambaan mawinazhiweyang,” odigoon.
Thereupon round about he went clawing one tree after another, and he also bit the trees. “Now, this is just what I would do when we rush to the attack,” (he was told).
Mii dash babaa-baazagobinaad mitigoon (thereupon he went about clawing the trees), gaye dash ogii-dakwamaan mitigoon (and he also bit the trees). “Mii sa gonaa (now this is just) ge-a-izhiyaambaan (what I would do — preterite conjunct) mawinazhiweyang (when we rush to the attack),” odigoon (he was told by him).
(7) “Kāwäsā! Kītāpō‘kwutcīngwanänāgō.”
“Gaawesaa! Gidaa-bookojiingwanenaagoo.”
“Impossible! You might have the lower part of your femur broken by a missile.”
“Gaawesaa! (impossible!) Gidaa-bookojiingwanenaagoo (you might get your femur broken by a missile — flagged).”
(8) Mī∙i∙mā kī∙ạ∙nimādcānit. Mīnawā ägipīpāgit: “Awänän käwītciwagä?” “Nīne´, nīne´!” Kägä‘t pā‘tạnīnwäwitạmōᵉ mädwäna‘kumigutcin. Mīdạc ānuwinābit aᵘ mi‘kinā‘k; mi‘ta‘kạmig owâbạmā iᵉi´ᵘ miskwâtäsiwaᵉ; kägä‘t osām mīnawā. Cigwa dạc imā kītạgwicinuᵉ, “Agataga kagwätcīg!” ogī∙i∙nän.
Mii imaa gii-ani-maajaanid. Miinawaa egi-biibaagid: “Awenen ge-wiijiiwaged?” “Niine, Niine!” Geget baataniinwewidamoog madwenakamigodjin. Mii dash aano-winaabid aw mikinaak; mitakamig owaabamaan i’iw miskwaadesiwag; geget osaam miinawaa. Zhigwa dash imaa gii-dagwishinog, “Agadaga gagwejiig!” ogii-inaan.
Whereupon (from) thence went (Bear) on his way. Again he called with a loud voice: “With whom shall I go when I go to war?” “Me, me!” In truth, many were the voices he heard in reply to what he had said. And then to see (who they were) Snapping-Turtle looked; on the ground he beheld the Painted-Turtles; in truth, (they were) ever so many. And when over there they were come, “Pray, (let me see) you make trial (of what you could do)!” he said to them.
Mii imaa gii-ani-maajaanid (whereupon thence went he on his way). Miinawaa egi-biibaagid (again he called aloud): “Awenen ge-wiijiiwaged? (with whom shall I go?)” “Niine, Niine! (me, me!)” Geget baataniinwewidamoog (truly many were the voices sounding) madwenakamigodjin (the ground was heard rumbling with them — flagged). Mii dash aano-winaabid (then, trying to look,) aw mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle); mitakamig (on the bare ground) owaabamaan (he beheld them) i’iw miskwaadesiwag (those Painted-Turtles); geget osaam miinawaa (truly ever so many). Zhigwa dash imaa gii-dagwishinog (and when there they were come), “Agadaga gagwejiig! (pray, make trial — 2pl imperative)” ogii-inaan (he said to them).
(9) Iᵉi´ᵘ dạc miskwātäsiwaᵉ tcāngā‘kwäniwaᵉ, mīnawā äji∙o∙ci‘kwänit miskwātäsiwaᵉ. “Mīsạgunākä∙a∙ī∙cīyāngibạn.”
I’iw dash miskwaadesiwag jaangaakweniwag, miinawaa ezhi-ozhikwenid miskwaadesiwag. “Mii sa gonaa ge-a-izhiiyaangiban.”
And the Painted-Turtles lifted up their heads (from out of their shells), back into their shells the Painted-Turtles drew their heads. “This is just the way we would do.”
I’iw dash miskwaadesiwag (and then the Painted-Turtles) jaangaakweniwag (thrust out their heads — flagged), miinawaa ezhi-ozhikwenid (and back in drew their heads) miskwaadesiwag (the Painted-Turtles). “Mii sa gonaa (this is just) ge-a-izhiiyaangiban (the way we would do — exclusive we, preterite conjunct).”
(10) “Mīsa´ kīnawā tciwītciwīnạgug.”
“Mii sa giinawaa ji-wiijiiwinagog.”
“Therefore then with you will I go.”
“Mii sa giinawaa (therefore it is you) ji-wiijiiwinagog (whom I will take along — 1→2pl).”
(11) Mīdạc iᵘ kā∙i∙jimādcāwāt. Nīc ogimāwiwạg ändạciwāt. Cigwadạc ạninibāwag. Päcig aᵉa’ᵘ wägimāwit inābạndạm: “Cigwạmī nimawīnạciwämin, mintimōyäyạgidạc kīcikạckimutāng nīmpītcwäbinigunānig.” Mīdạc igu iᵘ ạninạgamut ạnikuckusit:—
“Micīⁿkäⁿwā, nintā‘tawänigomin nintinā‘pawe.”
Mii dash iw gaa-izhi-maajaawaad. Niizh ogimaawiwag endashiwaad. Zhigwa dash ani-nibaawag. Bezhig a’aw wegimaawid inaabandam: “Zhigwa mii nimawinazhiwemin, mindimooyeyag idash giizhik-ashkimodaang nimbiinjwebinigonaanig.” Mii dash igo iw ani-nagamod ani-goshkozid:—
“Micīⁿkäⁿwā, nintā‘tawänigomin nintinā‘pawe.”
Thereupon thence they departed. There were two chiefs among their number. And now, as they journeyed along, they slept by the way. One (of them) that was chief had a dream: “In the course of time we shall make an attack, and by the old women we shall be tossed into cedar-bark bags.” Thereupon then he began singing as he woke from sleep:—
“O Snapping-Turtle! that our fire was going out was what I dreamed.”¹
Mii dash iw gaa-izhi-maajaawaad (thereupon thence they departed). Niizh ogimaawiwag (two were chiefs) endashiwaad (among their number). Zhigwa dash ani-nibaawag (and as they went they slept by the way). Bezhig a’aw wegimaawid (one of the chiefs) inaabandam (dreamed): “Zhigwa mii nimawinazhiwemin (in time we shall make an attack), mindimooyeyag idash (and by the old women) giizhik-ashkimodaang (into cedar-bark bags) nimbiinjwebinigonaanig (we shall be tossed).” Mii dash igo iw ani-nagamod ani-goshkozid (thereupon he sang as he woke):—
“Micīⁿkäⁿwā, nintā‘tawänigomin nintinā‘pawe.” (O Snapping-Turtle! that our fire was going out was what I dreamed.) (song, carried as printed)
Jones’s footnote (marker on the song’s English; prints at the foot of p. 340): The going-out of fire is the symbol of the departure of life. — W.J. The song is carried as printed in every layer per the songs-carried ruling (M., 2026); note its first word — Micīⁿkäⁿ (mishiikenh), a second word for the snapping turtle beside the narration’s mikinaak.
(12) Aᵘ mi‘kināk äci∙a∙mạtcimigut, mīdạc äcipạsiguntcisät; äwi∙i∙citạngickawāt, mīsa äcinicki∙ā∙t.
Aw mikinaak ezhi-amajimigod, mii dash ezhi-bazigonjised; ewi-izhi-dangishkawaad, mii sa ezhi-nishki’aad.
When Snapping-Turtle was roused from sleep (by the song), he then leaped to his feet; going over to (the singer), he kicked him, whereupon he angered him.
Aw mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle) ezhi-amajimigod (being wakened by his singing), mii dash ezhi-bazigonjised (then leaped to his feet); ewi-izhi-dangishkawaad (going over and kicking him), mii sa ezhi-nishki’aad (thus he angered him).
(13) Kīgīcäbitạc päjik īni´ᵘ wītci∙u∙gimān uganōnigôn: “Intawā kīwätā!” Mīdạc kā∙i∙jikīwäwāt nīⁿc wītcōgimān, aᵘ mi‘kinä‘k idạc cigwa mādcā utänāng. Miskwâtäsiwạn nībiwa uwītcīwān. Cigwa otäbābandānâwa ōᵉo´ᵘ udäna. Sāga∙a∙midạc päjik a‘kiwäⁿzī, a‘panägu kābisā‘kwänig kīwi‘tāya∙ī∙; inābit, pạnägu miskwātäsiwaᵉ. Inändạmidạc: “Nimawinanigunānig māwīn.”
Gigizheb idash bezhig iniw wiiji-ogimaan oganoonigoon: “Indawaa giiwedaa!” Mii dash gaa-izhi-giiwewaad niizh wiij-ogimaan, aw mikinaak idash zhigwa maajaa oodenaang. Miskwaadesiwan niibiwa owiijiiwaan. Zhigwa odebaabandaanaawaa o’ow oodena. Zaaga’ami dash bezhig akiwenzii, apane go gaa-bizaakwenig giiwitaaya’ii; inaabid, apane go miskwaadesiwag. Inendami dash: “Nimawinanigonaanig maawiin.”
So in the morning one of the chiefs was addressed by the other saying: “Therefore let us return home!” And then, after the two that were chiefs together had departed, Snapping-Turtle kept straight on for the town. In company with many Painted-Turtles he went. In time they came in sight of this town. Now, out of doors came a certain old man, for there rose much shouting everywhere roundabout; as he looked, (he beheld) Painted-Turtles without number. And he thought: “We are being attacked, perhaps.”
Gigizheb idash (so in the morning) bezhig (one of them) iniw wiiji-ogimaan (by his fellow-chief) oganoonigoon (was addressed): “Indawaa giiwedaa! (therefore let us go home!)” Mii dash gaa-izhi-giiwewaad (and after they had gone home) niizh wiij-ogimaan (the two fellow-chiefs), aw mikinaak idash (Snapping-Turtle for his part) zhigwa maajaa oodenaang (kept on for the town). Miskwaadesiwan niibiwa owiijiiwaan (many Painted-Turtles went with him). Zhigwa odebaabandaanaawaa (in time they came in sight of) o’ow oodena (this town). Zaaga’ami dash (out of doors came) bezhig akiwenzii (a certain old man), apane go gaa-bizaakwenig (for there kept rising a clamor — flagged) giiwitaaya’ii (everywhere roundabout); inaabid (as he looked), apane go miskwaadesiwag (everywhere Painted-Turtles). Inendami dash (and he thought): “Nimawinanigonaanig maawiin (we are being attacked, it must be).”
(14) Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ ki‘tci änigu‘k äjipīpāgit: “Ạnicināpätug! miskwātäsiwạg kīmawinạnigunānig! Aha’ᵘ, mindimoyätug! kigīckạckimutāwän nawạtinamu‘k! Pīndcwäpini‘k īgi’ᵘ miskwātäsiwag!”
Mii dash i’iw gichi-enigok ezhi-biibaagid: “Anishinaabedog! miskwaadesiwag gii-mawinanigonaanig! Ahaw, mindimooyedog! gigiizhik-ashkimodaawaan nawadinamok! Biinjwebinik igiw miskwaadesiwag!”
Thereupon at the very top of his voice he called: “O ye people! by the Painted-Turtles are we being attacked! — Now, O ye old women! make haste to get your cedar-bark bags! Toss into them the Painted-Turtles!”
Mii dash i’iw gichi-enigok (thereupon with all his might) ezhi-biibaagid (he called aloud): “Anishinaabedog! (O ye people!) miskwaadesiwag gii-mawinanigonaanig! (by the Painted-Turtles are we attacked!) Ahaw, mindimooyedog! (now, O ye old women!) gigiizhik-ashkimodaawaan nawadinamok! (seize your cedar-bark bags!) Biinjwebinik igiw miskwaadesiwag! (toss in those Painted-Turtles!)”
(15) Ā‘taiyā! Ā‘tā! Ātaiyā, mindimōyäyạg sāgitcikwāskuniwạg! Upīndcwäbināwa iᵉi’ᵘ miskwātäsiwaᵉ.
Aataiyaa! Aataa! Aataiyaa, mindimooyeyag zaagijigwaashkoniwag! Obiinjwebinaawaan i’iw miskwaadesiwag.
Oh, I tell you what! Oh, my! Oh, but (how) the old women rushed out (of the wigwams)! In they flung the Painted-Turtles.
Aataiyaa! Aataa! Aataiyaa (oh, I tell you what! oh, my!), mindimooyeyag (the old women) zaagijigwaashkoniwag (came leaping out)! Obiinjwebinaawaan (in they flung them) i’iw miskwaadesiwag (those Painted-Turtles).
(16) Midạc imāⁿ wạnickwäkạmigatinik aᵘ mi‘kinā‘k äjipīndigāpa‘tōt i∙i∙mā cāpondawāning. Ogīwâbạmāᵉ ạbinōdcīyaᵉ. Päcig īni’ᵘ äcinawạtināt, äjikīckigwäpināt; utcicākānk äci∙a∙‘tōt iᵉi´wä utuctigwänim. Minawā päcig äcikīckikwäpināt ạbinōtcīyạn, mīnawā ācawaya∙ī∙ utcitcā‘kāng äjipīnawāt.
Mii dash imaa wanishkwekamigadinig aw mikinaak ezhi-biindigebatood i’imaa zhaabondawaaning. Ogii-waabamaag abinoojiiyag. Bezhig iniw ezhi-nawadinaad, ezhi-giishkigwebinaad; ojijaakaang ezhi-atood i’iwe oshtigwaanim. Miinawaa bezhig ezhi-giishkigwebinaad abinoojiiyan, miinawaa aazhawaya’ii ojijaakaang ezhi-biinawaad.
And while there was din and tumult, Snapping-Turtle rushed into a long-lodge. He saw some children. On seizing one of them, he broke its neck; at his groin he placed its head. When he broke the neck of the other child, at his groin on the other side he put (its head).
Mii dash imaa wanishkwekamigadinig (and while the place was in tumult) aw mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle) ezhi-biindigebatood (ran inside) i’imaa zhaabondawaaning (into the long-lodge there). Ogii-waabamaag abinoojiiyag (he saw some children). Bezhig iniw ezhi-nawadinaad (seizing one of them), ezhi-giishkigwebinaad (he wrenched off its head); ojijaakaang ezhi-atood (at his groin he placed) i’iwe oshtigwaanim (that head). Miinawaa bezhig ezhi-giishkigwebinaad abinoojiiyan (when he tore off the head of the other child), miinawaa aazhawaya’ii ojijaakaang (at his groin on the other side) ezhi-biinawaad (he put its head).
(17) Mīsa cigwa pipīndigät päcig inini ugīwâbạmān ạbinōtcīyạn kīckikwänit. Aᵘ mi‘kinâ‘k cigwa wī∙ạ∙nisāga∙a∙m; äcitāpipināt aᵉainini, api‘kạn ä∙i∙cimindcima‘pināt, mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ äcikitā‘kwawāt. Äcisāga∙ạ∙nk äjipīpāgit: “Ạbinōdcīyaᵉ mi‘kinā‘k ugīkīckigwäpināᵉ nīc! Pījāya‘k, anicinābätug! omā cābuntawāning!” Cigwadạc tatagwicinōg; īgi’ᵘ anicinābäg mōckīnäwạg iᵘ jābuntawān.
Mii sa zhigwa bi-biindiged bezhig inini ogii-waabamaan abinoojiiyan giishkikwenid. Aw mikinaak zhigwa wii-ani-zaaga’am; ezhi-daapibinaad a’aw inini, apikan ezhi-minjimabinaad, mii dash i’iw ezhi-gidaakwawaad. Ezhi-zaaga’ang ezhi-biibaagid: “Abinoojiiyag mikinaak ogii-giishkigwebinaag niizh! Biijaayak, anishinaabedog! omaa zhaabondawaaning!” Zhigwa dash dadagwishinoog; igiw anishinaabeg mooshkinewag iw zhaabondawaan.
And when back in came a certain man, he saw that his children had had their necks cut off. Snapping-Turtle now was anxious to go out of doors; when the man seized him, with a tump-line he then bound him, whereupon he tied him to a post. Then, going out of doors, he called aloud: “Snapping-Turtle has cut off the necks of (my) two children! Come hither, O ye people! here at the long-lodge!” And presently many came; the people filled up the long-lodge.
Mii sa zhigwa bi-biindiged (and when back in came) bezhig inini (a certain man) ogii-waabamaan abinoojiiyan giishkikwenid (he saw his children with their necks cut off). Aw mikinaak zhigwa wii-ani-zaaga’am (Snapping-Turtle now wanted to get out); ezhi-daapibinaad a’aw inini (the man snatched him up), apikan ezhi-minjimabinaad (with a tump-line he bound him fast), mii dash i’iw ezhi-gidaakwawaad (whereupon he tied him to a post — flagged). Ezhi-zaaga’ang ezhi-biibaagid (going out, he called aloud): “Abinoojiiyag mikinaak ogii-giishkigwebinaag niizh! (two children has Snapping-Turtle beheaded!) Biijaayak, anishinaabedog! (come ye, O people!) omaa zhaabondawaaning! (here at the long-lodge!)” Zhigwa dash dadagwishinoog (and presently they kept arriving); igiw anishinaabeg (the people) mooshkinewag (filled up) iw zhaabondawaan (the long-lodge).
(18) “Ānīndạcinā oᵘ kägitōyawank waᵉaᵘ mi‘kinā‘k?” Pācigidạc aᵉa’ᵘ inini kīgitu: “Nīnwạnawātābinagu! Wāgā‘kwạtigu kigapagi‘tāwānān.” Midạc iᵉi’ᵘ mi‘kinā‘k äjigīkitut: “Kāwāsā, kitābīgwisitōnāwān īni’ᵘ kiwâgā‘kwatōwān.” Mīsagu iᵉi’ᵘ äcitäbwä‘tawāwāt īni’ᵘ mi‘kinā‘kwân.
“Aaniin dash inaa o’ow ge-gii-doodawang wa’aw mikinaak?” Bezhig idash a’aw inini giigido: “Niiwana’waadaa bina go! Waagaakwad igo giga-bagite’waanaan.” Mii dash i’iw mikinaak ezhi-giigidod: “Gaawesaa, gidaa-biigwisidoonaawaan iniw giwaagaakwadowaan.” Mii sa go i’iw ezhi-debwetawaawaad iniw mikinaakwan.
“And, pray, what shall we do to Snapping-Turtle?” And one of the men spoke, saying: “Why, let us kill him with a club! With an axe we will strike him.” Whereupon then Snapping-Turtle spoke, saying: “Impossible! You might break your axes.” Accordingly they then believed Snapping-Turtle.
“Aaniin dash inaa o’ow (and pray, what) ge-gii-doodawang (shall we do to him) wa’aw mikinaak (this Snapping-Turtle)?” Bezhig idash a’aw inini giigido (and one of the men spoke): “Niiwana’waadaa bina go! (why, let us just club him to death!) Waagaakwad igo (with an axe) giga-bagite’waanaan (we will strike him).” Mii dash i’iw mikinaak ezhi-giigidod (whereupon Snapping-Turtle spoke): “Gaawesaa (impossible!), gidaa-biigwisidoonaawaan (you might shatter them) iniw giwaagaakwadowaan (those axes of yours).” Mii sa go i’iw ezhi-debwetawaawaad (accordingly then they believed) iniw mikinaakwan (Snapping-Turtle).
(19) Cigwa mīnawā päcig aᵉa’ᵘ inini äcigīgitut: “Ictä! ickutäng pinagu pạginātā.” Mīdạc aᵉa´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘k äcigīgitut: “Kāwäsä! Kitātcāgiswāwāg īgi´ᵘ kitạpinōtcīmiwāg.” Cigwa dạc päcig undcigīgito aᵉa∙i∙nini: “Kägätsa kạnạbạtc tātcāgisōwạg.”
Zhigwa miinawaa bezhig a’aw inini ezhi-giigidod: “Ishte! ishkodeng bina go baginaadaa.” Mii dash a’aw mikinaak ezhi-giigidod: “Gaawesa! Gidaa-jaagiswaawaag igiw gidabinoojiimiwaag.” Zhigwa dash bezhig onji-giigido a’aw inini: “Geget sa ganabaj da-jaagizowag.”
Presently another of the men spoke, saying: “Hold! then into the fire let us fling him!” Whereupon Snapping-Turtle then spoke, saying: “Impossible! You might burn up all your children.” And now at this point one of the men spoke, saying: “In truth, perhaps they might burn up.”
Zhigwa miinawaa bezhig a’aw inini ezhi-giigidod (presently another of the men spoke): “Ishte! (hold!) ishkodeng bina go baginaadaa (into the fire let us just fling him!).” Mii dash a’aw mikinaak ezhi-giigidod (whereupon Snapping-Turtle spoke): “Gaawesa! (impossible!) Gidaa-jaagiswaawaag (you might burn up) igiw gidabinoojiimiwaag (those children of yours).” Zhigwa dash bezhig onji-giigido a’aw inini (and at this point one of the men spoke): “Geget sa ganabaj (in truth perhaps) da-jaagizowag (they might burn up).”
(20) Mīnawā päcig a∙i∙nini: “Tạga pina! nibī‘kāng tawipa‘kubīwäpinā aᵉa´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘k!”
Miinawaa bezhig a’aw inini: “Daga bina! nibiikaang da-wii-bakobiiwebinaa a’aw mikinaak!”
Another man (spoke): “Then come! into the water let Snapping-Turtle be thrown!”
Miinawaa bezhig a’aw inini (another man spoke): “Daga bina! (then come!) nibiikaang (into the water) da-wii-bakobiiwebinaa (let him be thrown) a’aw mikinaak (that Snapping-Turtle)!”
(21) Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘k äjikīgitut: “Ya’ⁱ´! Nibi ningu‘tān!” Pä‘kic kistcimawi. “Yaⁱ! nibi ningu‘tān!”
Mii dash i’iw mikinaak ezhi-giigidod: “Ya’ⁱ´! Nibi ningotaan!” Bekish gichi-mawi. “Yaⁱ! nibi ningotaan!”
Whereupon Snapping-Turtle spoke, saying: “Don’t! I am afraid of the water!” At the same time he wept grievously. “Don’t! I am afraid of the water!”
Mii dash i’iw mikinaak ezhi-giigidod (whereupon Snapping-Turtle spoke): “Ya’ⁱ´! (don’t! — cry, carried as printed) Nibi ningotaan! (the water I fear!)” Bekish gichi-mawi (at the same time he wept aloud). “Yaⁱ! (don’t!) nibi ningotaan! (I am afraid of the water!)”
(22) A‘taiyā! äcipasiguntcisäwāt ininiwạg; äcinawạtināwāt īni´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘kwạn sāgitciwäpināwāt. Utānunạwạtinān iᵉi´ᵘ ạbạno, mīgu iᵉi´ᵘ āni∙ī∙cipagwa‘kupitōnit iyo tạpacīwān. Mīnawādac mi‘tigōnsạn utạninawạtinānạn, mīgu iᵉi´ᵘ anīcipagwā‘kupitōnit. Mī∙i∙´ᵘ ci´gwa äcipa‘kupīwäpinit.
Aataiyaa! ezhi-bazigonjisewaad ininiwag; ezhi-nawadinaawaad iniw mikinaakwan zaagijiwebinaawaad. Odaano-nawadinaan i’iw abano, mii go i’iw eni-izhi-bagwakobidoonid iyo dapajiiwaan. Miinawaa dash mitigoonsan odani-nawadinaanan, mii go i’iw eni-izhi-bagwaakobidoonid. Mii iw zhigwa ezhi-bakobiiwebinind.
Ah! then up sprang the men to their feet; seizing hold of Snapping-Turtle, they flung him out of doors. He tried catching hold of the lodge-pole, but they pulled up their lodge-pole (together with him). And next of shrubs he grabbed hold, whereupon they pulled them up (with him). Then finally they flung him into the water.
Aataiyaa! (ah!) ezhi-bazigonjisewaad ininiwag (up sprang the men); ezhi-nawadinaawaad iniw mikinaakwan (seizing Snapping-Turtle) zaagijiwebinaawaad (they flung him out of doors). Odaano-nawadinaan i’iw abano (in vain he caught hold of the lodge-pole — flagged), mii go i’iw eni-izhi-bagwakobidoonid iyo dapajiiwaan (for they just pulled up the lodge-pole as they went — flagged). Miinawaa dash mitigoonsan odani-nawadinaanan (and next of shrubs he grabbed hold along the way), mii go i’iw eni-izhi-bagwaakobidoonid (and they pulled those up by the roots too). Mii iw zhigwa ezhi-bakobiiwebinind (then at last he was flung into the water).
(23) Kā‘pa‘kubīwäpinit aᵘ mi‘kinā‘k äjikanōnāt: “Mīgwetc, ạnicinābätug! äntōtawiyäg pa‘kupīwäpiniyäg; mī∙i∙māⁿ kayä nīn ändạcipimātisiyān omāⁿ nibī‘kāng.” Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ cīgwa kī∙ạ∙nigōgīt. Päcudạc i∙i∙mā mīnisāpi‘k ayāni, mīdạc imāⁿ äci∙ạ∙gwā‘tāt. Cigwa dạc äji∙o∙dā‘pinạng utōctigwānimạn, utcitcā‘kāng mī∙i∙māⁿ wätinạng īni∙o∙tōctigwānimạn. Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ äcipa‘kunạng īni∙o∙tōctigwänimạn. Mi‘tigōnsigidạc unābä‘kwa∙ā∙nạn īniyotōctigwānimạn. Cigwadạc äcigạmādcit äcinīmit; päkic nạgạmu unīmi‘tōnạn īni∙o∙tōctigwānimạn. Mägwāgu tạc nạgamut ạnicinābä onōndawāwān, kuniginīn kimạdwägamādciwạn īni´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘kwạn.
Gaa-bakobiiwebinind aw mikinaak ezhi-ganoonaad: “Miigwech, anishinaabedog! endoodawiyeg bakobiiwebiniyeg; mii imaa gaye niin endazhi-bimaadiziyaan omaa nibiikaang.” Mii sa i’iw zhigwa gii-ani-googiid. Beshoo dash i’imaa minisaabik ayaani, mii dash imaa ezhi-agwaataad. Zhigwa dash ezhi-odaapinang odooshtigwaaniman, ojijaakaang mii imaa wedinang iniw odooshtigwaaniman. Mii dash i’iw ezhi-bakonang iniw odooshtigwaaniman. Mitigoonsing idash onabaakwa’aanan iniw odooshtigwaaniman. Zhigwa dash ezhi-gamaajid ezhi-niimid; bekish nagamo oniimitoonan iniw odooshtigwaaniman. Megwaa go dash nagamod anishinaabe onoondawaawaan, goniginiin gii-madwe-gamaajiwan iniw mikinaakwan.
After Snapping-Turtle was thrown into the water, he spoke to them, saying: “(I) thank (you), O people! for what you have done to me, in that you threw me into the water; for the place where I live is right here in the water.” Thereupon he then went down into the water. Now, a short way out was a rocky island, and it was there he came up out of the water. And in a while he reached for his heads, from his groins was where he took out those heads of his. And then he skinned them. Upon sticks he stuck those heads of his. And in a while he sang a war-song as he danced; at the same time that he sang, he danced those heads of his. And while he sang, the people heard him; lo, they heard Snapping-Turtle sing the war-song.
Gaa-bakobiiwebinind (after he was flung into the water) aw mikinaak ezhi-ganoonaad (Snapping-Turtle spoke to them): “Miigwech, anishinaabedog! (thank you, O people!) endoodawiyeg (for what you have done to me) bakobiiwebiniyeg (in throwing me into the water); mii imaa gaye niin (for right there is where I too) endazhi-bimaadiziyaan (live my life) omaa nibiikaang (here in the water).” Mii sa i’iw zhigwa gii-ani-googiid (thereupon he dove down). Beshoo dash i’imaa minisaabik ayaani (a short way out was a rocky island), mii dash imaa ezhi-agwaataad (and there he came up out). Zhigwa dash ezhi-odaapinang odooshtigwaaniman (in a while he took up his heads), ojijaakaang mii imaa wedinang (from his groins was where he got) iniw odooshtigwaaniman (those heads of his). Mii dash i’iw ezhi-bakonang (and then he skinned) iniw odooshtigwaaniman (those heads). Mitigoonsing idash onabaakwa’aanan (upon little sticks he fixed) iniw odooshtigwaaniman (those heads of his). Zhigwa dash ezhi-gamaajid (in a while he sang out on the water — flagged) ezhi-niimid (as he danced); bekish nagamo (at the same time he sang) oniimitoonan (he made dance) iniw odooshtigwaaniman (those heads of his). Megwaa go dash nagamod (and while he sang) anishinaabe onoondawaawaan (the people heard him), goniginiin (lo!) gii-madwe-gamaajiwan (he was heard singing out on the water) iniw mikinaakwan (that Snapping-Turtle).
(24) “Ānīcnā,” i‘kitōwạg īgi´ᵘ ạnicinābäg, “kätōtawạnk?” “Āpinagu mawinäwātā!” Tcīmānạnidạc utābạdci‘tōnāwān; payäcwâbamāwāt äcipa‘kubīnit. Misạntawā äcigīwäwāt īgi’ᵘ ạnicinābäg. Kānigạpāwāt ācamīnawā kītạcinīmiwan īni´ᵘ mi‘kinākwạn. Taiyā! mīsa cigwa ānuki‘tcinickātisiwāt īgi´ᵘ anicinābäg. “Ānīcītugu oᵘ kägītōtawạnk ‘aᵉa´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘kuc?”
“Aaniish naa,” ikidowag igiw anishinaabeg, “ge-doodawang?” “Apii naa go mawinewaadaa!” Jiimaanan idash odaabajitoonaawaan; bayeshwaabamaawaad ezhi-bakobiinid. Mii sa indawaa ezhi-giiwewaad igiw anishinaabeg. Gaa-nigaabaawaad aazha miinawaa gii-dazhi-niimiwan iniw mikinaakwan. Taiyaa! mii sa zhigwa aano-gichi-nishkaadiziwaad igiw anishinaabeg. “Aaniish idog o’ow ge-gii-doodawang a’aw mikinaakosh?”
“Now, what,” said the people, “(what) shall we do to him?” “Why, let us attack him!” So canoes they used; (and) when they were in easy view of him, then into the water he dived. And so on that account back home went the people. When they were landing, already again was Snapping-Turtle dancing. Ah, but now were the people angry! but it was no use. “What in the deuce shall we do to that fool of a Snapping-Turtle?”
“Aaniish naa,” ikidowag igiw anishinaabeg (“now what,” said the people), “ge-doodawang? (shall we do to him?)” “Apii naa go mawinewaadaa! (why, let us just attack him!)” Jiimaanan idash odaabajitoonaawaan (so canoes they used); bayeshwaabamaawaad (when they had him in easy view) ezhi-bakobiinid (down into the water he dove). Mii sa indawaa ezhi-giiwewaad (so on that account home went) igiw anishinaabeg (the people). Gaa-nigaabaawaad (when they were landing — flagged) aazha miinawaa gii-dazhi-niimiwan (already again was he dancing there) iniw mikinaakwan (that Snapping-Turtle). Taiyaa! (ah!) mii sa zhigwa aano-gichi-nishkaadiziwaad (but now in vain were they greatly angered) igiw anishinaabeg (the people). “Aaniish idog o’ow (what in the deuce) ge-gii-doodawang (shall we do to) a’aw mikinaakosh (that wretched Snapping-Turtle)?”
(25) Mīwīni∙i∙’ᵘ imā na∙ā∙ngapit aᵉaᵘ nigig, cigwạdạc aᵉawä wäningwạnit ugạnōnān: “Tạga, nigig! nātanābāwänutaᵘ.”
Mii wiin i’iw imaa naangabid a’aw nigig, zhigwa dash a’awe weningwanid oganoonaan: “Daga, nigig! naadanaabaawaanotaw.”
Now, at the place was Otter living as son-in-law; and presently his father-in-law spoke to him, saying: “Come, O Otter! go dive after him.”
Mii wiin i’iw imaa (now at that place) naangabid (was living as son-in-law) a’aw nigig (the Otter), zhigwa dash a’awe weningwanid (and presently the one whose son-in-law he was) oganoonaan (spoke to him): “Daga, nigig! (come, O Otter!) naadanaabaawaanotaw (go dive and fetch him — flagged).”
(26) Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ kīmōdc ānawicipa‘kubīt, kwaya‘k iwidi ina‘kwaciwät ändạcigạmādcinit īni´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘kwạn. Mīnạgwạnạgu iᵘ kā∙u∙ndciwâbạmigut. Aᵘ mi‘kināk äcipa‘kubīt ạndunạgickawāt; ạni∙ī∙nābit kībītạgwạciwäwan, äcicagackāmikipạgisut. Cigwa imā tibickotcaiya∙ī∙ äcimawinäwāt, äcinawatamāt.
Mii sa i’iw giimooj aanawi-izhi-bakobiid, gwayak iwidi inakwazhiwed endazhi-gamaajinid iniw mikinaakwan. Mii nangwana go iw gaa-onji-waabamigod. Aw mikinaak ezhi-bakobiid nandonagishkawaad; ani-inaabid gii-biidagwazhiwewan, ezhi-zhagashkaamikibagizod. Zhigwa imaa dibishkoojaya’ii ezhi-mawinewaad, ezhi-nawadamaad.
Thereupon in secret did he try to dive, straight under the water he went to yonder place where Snapping-Turtle was dancing the war-dance. But it so happened that (Otter) had been seen from over there. Snapping-Turtle then went down into the water to meet him; when on the way he looked (and saw Otter) coming through the water, then down towards the bottom he dodged. When (Otter was) directly overhead, he attacked him, quickly biting hold of him.
Mii sa i’iw giimooj (thereupon in secret) aanawi-izhi-bakobiid (did he try diving), gwayak iwidi inakwazhiwed (straight over there he swam — flagged) endazhi-gamaajinid iniw mikinaakwan (to where Snapping-Turtle was singing on the water). Mii nangwana go iw (but so it turned out) gaa-onji-waabamigod (that he had been seen from there). Aw mikinaak ezhi-bakobiid (Snapping-Turtle went down into the water) nandonagishkawaad (going to meet him); ani-inaabid (looking as he went) gii-biidagwazhiwewan (the other came swimming hitherward), ezhi-zhagashkaamikibagizod (and he flung himself flat along the bottom). Zhigwa imaa dibishkoojaya’ii (when directly overhead) ezhi-mawinewaad (he rushed at him), ezhi-nawadamaad (and bit hold of him).
(27) Misa omāⁿ kinawatạmigut omạmaci∙ā∙ dac; äjimōckạmut aᵉa’ᵘ nigig. Kāmōckamutidạc pīpāgi: “Mi‘kināk ninta‘kwạmig!” “Ānti änami‘k?” “Nīyānk!” mạdwä∙i∙‘kito. “Kinạgāngina?” “Kāwīn, nīyānk.”
*Mii sa omaa gii-nawadamigod omamaazhi’aa dash; ezhi-mooshkamod a’aw nigig. Gaa-mooshkamod idash biibaagi: “Mikinaak nindakwamig!” “Aandi enamik?” “Niiyaank!” madwe-ikido. “Ginagaang ina?” “Gaawiin, niiyaank.”**
And so here¹ (Otter) was bitten and he was overcome; then up to the surface came Otter. And when he came up, he called aloud: “By Snapping-Turtle am I bitten!” “Where has he bitten you?” “At my penis!”² he was heard saying. “At your penis?”² “No, at my penis!”²
Mii sa omaa (and so HERE) gii-nawadamigod (was he bitten by him) omamaazhi’aa dash (and he overcame him); ezhi-mooshkamod a’aw nigig (then up to the surface came the Otter). Gaa-mooshkamod idash biibaagi (and when he surfaced he called aloud): “Mikinaak nindakwamig! (by Snapping-Turtle am I bitten!)” “Aandi enamik*? (where has he bitten you?)” “Niiyaank!” madwe-ikido (“at my penis!” he was heard saying — the archaic word). “Ginagaang ina? (at your penis? — the ordinary word)” “Gaawiin, niiyaank. (no — at my penis!)”
Jones’s footnotes: ¹ At the penis. ² There is a joke here which the translation does not bring out. It consists in a play on two words for “penis.” In the answer Otter uses an archaic word found only in story, and in the question the ordinary word is used; and, as the two words are nearly alike, the joke lies in the failure of the others to understand what Otter is saying, but at the same time to guess correctly. — W.J. Kinạgāngina — gi[wii]nag-aang ina suspected (the ordinary word wiinag; cf. #74 §19) — print carried, segmentation flagged; nīyānk the story-archaism carried untouched in the Fiero layer (it is the joke). Restored 2026-09-02 per M.’s ruling (re-crop audit, p. 346 l. 9, pixel-verified at 14×): the printed line “Ānti änami‘k?” — Jones’s English “Where has he bitten you?”, which the record already carried — was absent from the record’s Jones, Fiero and gloss. Restored in place, between “Mi‘kināk ninta‘kwạmig!” and “Nīyānk!”, exactly where the page prints it. Fiero pipeline-drafted 2026-09-02 per M.’s ruling: Ānti → Aandi (frozen lexicon, ānti → aandi ×14 / Aandi ×2; corpus Aandi ×18); änami‘k → enamik, derived letter for letter by the character rules (ä = e, ‘k = fortis k) and marked * — the whole word is unattested anywhere in the corpus, so the star stands until the lexicon pass.
(28) Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ äjigīgitut ‘aᵉa’ᵘ mi‘kinā‘k: “Pāmā ạnimi‘kīg pītwäwitạmowāt kīgạpạgitạmin.” “Ānīc käkītotạmạnk?” i‘kitōwag īgi’ᵘ anicinābäg. Mi‘tigwaki‘kōnidạc udānumạdwäwäwān. “Kūwisu mi‘tigwa‘ki‘k.” Misa mīnawā kāskīgin utānubiti‘kubitōnāwa anicinābäg. “Kūwisu kāskīginīni.”
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-giigidod a’aw mikinaak: “Baamaa animikiig biidwewidamowaad giga-bagidamin.” “Aaniish ge-gii-doodamang?” ikidowag igiw anishinaabeg. Mitigwakikoon idash odaano-madwewaawaan. “Goowiso mitigwakik.” Mii sa miinawaa gaashkiigin odaano-bidikobidoonaawaa anishinaabeg. “Goowiso gaashkiiginiini.”**
Thereupon then spoke Snapping-Turtle, saying: “Not till the Thunderers come a-roaring will I let him go.” “What are we to do?” said the people. And upon the wooden (kettle-)drum they tried to beat, but in vain. “Impossible is the wooden (kettle-)drum.”³ And so next with (muslin) cloth⁴ did the people try in vain to make a noise. “Impossible is (muslin) cloth.”³
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-giigidod a’aw mikinaak (thereupon spoke Snapping-Turtle): “Baamaa animikiig (not until the Thunderers) biidwewidamowaad (come sounding hither) giga-bagidamin (will I release him from my mouth).” “Aaniish ge-gii-doodamang? (what are we to do?)” ikidowag igiw anishinaabeg (said the people). Mitigwakikoon idash (and the wooden drum) odaano-madwewaawaan (they tried in vain to sound). “Goowiso* mitigwakik. (impossible is the wooden drum)” Mii sa miinawaa gaashkiigin (and next with cloth) odaano-bidikobidoonaawaa (they tried in vain, ripping it,) anishinaabeg (the people). “Goowiso* gaashkiiginiini. (impossible is cloth.)”
Jones’s footnotes: ³ Said by Snapping-Turtle. ⁴ For a drum-head. — W.J. Kūwisu (×2) — the impossible-particle; unattested shape (gaawii-class suspected), converted by character rules and HARD-ish flagged. käkītotạmạnk — the ge-gii- family yet again (fifth print this story-pair). kīgạpạgitạmin — giga-bagidamin ‘I will release you/him from the mouth’ (bagid- release + -am by mouth): the bite grammar. biidwewidamowaad — biidwewidam verbatim (#53/#73/#74 acoustic family). Derivation walk 2026-09-02 per M.’s ruling (Jones over the inherited hand): Goowisu → Goowiso (final -u is not a Fiero letter; char rules u→o, per the banked non-Fiero-u class); witness: char-rule derivation, no corpus attestation of Goowisu. Shape itself (gaawii-class) remains HARD-ish flagged; letters only were fixed. Kūwisu re-confirmed at the page 2026-09-02 (p. 346 ll. 17 and 19, both occurrences printed as the record has them). The letters were settled on 2026-09-02 (Goowisu → Goowiso); the shape/etymology remains M.’s — it is the one token in this record with a page reading and no corpus witness at all.
(29) Mīsa äjikīgitowāt anicinābäg: “Ānīc nā mīsa’ gägä‘t tcinisigut aᵉaᵘ nigig īni’ᵘ mi‘kinā‘kwan.” Päcigidạc aᵉaᵘ inini äjikīgitut: “Nīnsa nindākạcki‘tōn iᵉiwä tcipītwäwä‘tāwā‘pạn īgi’ᵘ ạnimi‘kīg.” Mīsa cigwa u‘pwāgạnạn kī∙a∙ī∙nā‘kunigät: “Ạmbäsanō, ạnimi‘kītug, pīcaiyu‘k! nōndāgusiyu‘k omāⁿ kī∙a∙yāyānk!” Kā∙i∙ckwā gāgīgitot ca∙ī∙gwa pitäbwäwitạmōᵉ.
Mii sa ezhi-giigidowaad anishinaabeg: “Aaniish naa mii sa geget ji-nisigod a’aw nigig iniw mikinaakwan.” Bezhig idash a’aw inini ezhi-giigidod: “Niin sa nindaa-gashkitoon i’iwe ji-biidwewetaawaapan igiw animikiig.” Mii sa zhigwa opwaaganan gii-ayinaakoniged: “Ambesanoo, animikiidog, biijaayok! noondaagoziyok omaa gii-ayaayaang!” Gaa-ishkwaa-gaagiigidod zhayiigwa biidwewidamoog.
And then spoke the people, saying: “Perhaps it is true that Otter will be killed by Snapping-Turtle.” And one of the men spoke, saying: “I might be able to make the Thunderers come a-roaring.” Thereupon then he pointed his pipe toward the (various) directions: “Now, O ye Thunderers, come! make the sound of your voices heard here where we are!” After he had made an end of his talking, then came the sound (of the Thunderers).
Mii sa ezhi-giigidowaad anishinaabeg (and then spoke the people): “Aaniish naa mii sa geget (perhaps then it is true) ji-nisigod (that he will be killed) a’aw nigig (the Otter) iniw mikinaakwan (by Snapping-Turtle).” Bezhig idash a’aw inini ezhi-giigidod (and one of the men spoke): “Niin sa nindaa-gashkitoon (I might be able to bring it about) i’iwe ji-biidwewetaawaapan (that they be heard coming) igiw animikiig (those Thunderers).” Mii sa zhigwa opwaaganan (thereupon his pipe) gii-ayinaakoniged (he pointed to the various directions): “Ambesanoo, animikiidog, biijaayok! (now, O ye Thunderers, come!) noondaagoziyok (make your voices heard) omaa gii-ayaayaang! (here where we are!)” Gaa-ishkwaa-gaagiigidod (after he had made an end of his talking) zhayiigwa biidwewidamoog (already came the sound of them approaching).
(30) “Cigwa ạnimi‘kīg!” udinān īni’ᵘ mi‘kinā‘kwan aᵉa’ᵘ nigig mägwā umindcimạmigōn. Cigwa imā titickōtcayā∙ī∙ pimitạnwäwitamōᵉ mīsa iᵉi’ᵘ äjipạgitạmigut. Änīci∙ạ∙gwā‘tāt awä nigig.
“Zhigwa animikiig!” odinaan iniw mikinaakwan a’aw nigig megwaa ominjimamigoon. Zhigwa imaa didishkoojayaa’ii bimi-danwewidamoog mii sa i’iw ezhi-bagidamigod. Eni-izhi-agwaataad awe nigig.
“Hear the Thunderers!” to Snapping-Turtle said Otter, while he was yet being firmly held by the bite. When directly overhead came the roar of (the Thunderers), then was he freed from the bite. Then out of the water came Otter.
“Zhigwa animikiig! (now the Thunderers!)” odinaan iniw mikinaakwan (said to Snapping-Turtle) a’aw nigig (the Otter) megwaa ominjimamigoon (while he was still held fast in his mouth). Zhigwa imaa didishkoojayaa’ii (when directly overhead) bimi-danwewidamoog (they passed sounding) mii sa i’iw ezhi-bagidamigod (then was he released from the bite). Eni-izhi-agwaataad awe nigig (then out of the water went the Otter).
(31) Mīsa iᵘ ä‘kōsit.
Mii sa iw ekoozid.
That is as far as (the story) goes.
Mii sa iw (that is) ekoozid (as far as it goes).