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.
ĀYĀSÄ.
AYAASE.
FILCHER-OF-MEAT.
Narrated by Wāsāgunäckạnk — Series 3 (Nos. 44–61), Bois Fort (per Jones Part II Introduction p. ix; not credited on the story page itself).
from Ojibwa Texts collected by William Jones (1919).
(1) Aᵘ Āyāsä nījō‘kwäwä; päjikowạn ogwisạn kāwīn wīdigäsiwạn kwaya‘k ijiwäbisiwạn. Ki‘tci∙ō∙däna udibändānāwa, mī nīciwāt ugimāwiwāt.
Aw Ayaase niizhokwewe; bezhigowan ogwisan gaawiin wiidigesiwan gwayak izhiwebiziwan. Gichi-oodena odibendaanaawaa, mii niizhiwaad ogimaawiwaad.
Filcher-of-Meat had two wives; he had one son who was not married, (and) who was leading an upright life. Over a large town they ruled, for both of them were chiefs.
Aw Ayaase (Filcher-of-Meat) niizhokwewe (had two wives); bezhigowan ogwisan (he had one son) gaawiin wiidigesiwan (who was not married) gwayak izhiwebiziwan (who lived rightly — upright-life stem flagged). Gichi-oodena odibendaanaawaa (a great town they ruled), mii niizhiwaad ogimaawiwaad (for both of them were chiefs).
Foot ¹ (p380): “That is, never transgressing in anything that would get him in ill grace with the manitous.” Attaches to kwaya‘k ijiwäbisiwạn (“leading an upright life”). — Title printed English-first with Ojibwe parenthetical subtitle (Áyâsä); titleJones taken from that paren.
(2) Ningutingigu kägä‘t inändạm Āyāsä wī∙ạ∙ndawābạtạmuwāt wāwạnūn kītcisāga∙i∙gạning imāⁿ ändāwāt; nāwạgām tạgwạnini i∙i∙wä ki‘tciminisābi‘k. Kigicäb sāga∙ạ∙m Ayāsä äjipīpāgit: “Mīsa cigwa tci∙ạ∙ntawâbantamạnk ini´ᵘ wâwạnūn!” Cigwa dạc udạbwi kā∙u∙dā‘pinạng kīpipīndigäwạn īni´ wīwạn pigīgitōwạn: “A‘kawä awipāckisu‘k pinä.”
Ningoding igo geget inendam Ayaase wii-andawaabandamowaad waawanoon gichi-zaaga’iganing imaa endaawaad; naawagaam dagwanini i’iwe gichi-minisaabik. Gigizheb zaaga’am Ayaase ezhi-biibaagid: “Mii sa zhigwa ji-andawaabandamang iniw waawanoon!” Zhigwa dash odabwi gaa-odaapinang gii-bi-biindigewan iniw wiiwan bi-giigidowan: “Akawe awi-baashkizok bine.”
Now, once truly thought Filcher-of-Meat that he would go look for eggs at a great lake where they lived; far out on the water was a great island of rock. In the morning out of doors went Filcher-of-Meat, when he then cried aloud: “It is now time that we go look for the eggs!” And when he took up his paddle, in entered his wives, who came saying: “Before you depart, go shoot a ruffed grouse.”
Ningoding igo geget inendam Ayaase (once truly Filcher-of-Meat thought) wii-andawaabandamowaad waawanoon (that they would go look for eggs) gichi-zaaga’iganing imaa endaawaad (at the great lake where they lived); naawagaam dagwanini i’iwe gichi-minisaabik (far out on the water lay a great rocky island). Gigizheb zaaga’am Ayaase (in the morning Filcher-of-Meat went out of doors) ezhi-biibaagid (then he called aloud): “Mii sa zhigwa ji-andawaabandamang iniw waawanoon!” (“now it is time we go look for the eggs!”) Zhigwa dash odabwi gaa-odaapinang (and when he took up his paddle) gii-bi-biindigewan iniw wiiwan (his wives came in) bi-giigidowan (saying): “Akawe awi-baashkizok bine.” (“first go shoot a ruffed grouse.”)
(3) Äjikạnōnāt īniyōgwisạn: “Ningwisis, a‘kawä awipāskisᵘ aᵘ binä.”
Ezhi-ganoonaad iniw ogwisan: “Ningwizis, akawe awi-baashkizo aw bine.”
Then he spoke to his son, saying: “My dear son, before you depart, go shoot the ruffed grouse.”
Ezhi-ganoonaad iniw ogwisan (then he spoke to his son): “Ningwizis, akawe awi-baashkizo aw bine.” (“my son, first go shoot that ruffed grouse.”)
(4) Kā∙u∙dā‘pinạng a∙ī∙nini ‘iᵉi´ᵘ pāskisigạn, “Ānīndi dạc ạyāt?” “Iwiti,” utigōn īniᵘ unucäyạn.
Gaa-odaapinang a’aw inini i’iw baashkizigan, “Aaniindi dash ayaad?” “Iwidi,” odigoon iniw onozheyan.
When the man took up his gun, “And where is it?” (he said). “At yonder place,” he was told by his step-mother.
Gaa-odaapinang a’aw inini i’iw baashkizigan (when the man took up his gun), “Aaniindi dash ayaad?” (“and where is it?”) “Iwidi,” (“over yonder,”) odigoon iniw onozheyan (he was told by his step-mother — onozhe ‘step-mother’ flagged).
(5) “Nīnä‘tạgu ninga∙ī∙cā.”
“Niinetago ninga-izhaa.”
“I myself alone will go there.”
“Niinetago ninga-izhaa.” (“I alone will go there.”)
(6) “Kāwīn, ka∙i∙ciwītcīwīnigu,” udigōn īni’ᵘ unucäyạn.
“Gaawiin, ga-izhi-wiijiiwinigo,” odigoon iniw onozheyan.
“No, I will go with you,” he was told by his step-mother.
“Gaawiin, ga-izhi-wiijiiwinigo,” (“no, I will go with you,”) odigoon iniw onozheyan (he was told by his step-mother).
(7) Kägä‘t ugīwâbạmān nạmạdabinit ini´ᵘ pinäwạn, mīsa imāⁿ kīpāckiswāt. Käcitinä änicigīwäpa‘tōt aᵉawininī; utạnigạnonān ini‘yōsan: “Mī∙i∙’ᵘ cigwa tci∙a∙nimādcāyạnk, kinạgata‘u∙gōmin.” Mīnangwana iⁿ nicki∙ā∙t īni∙ō∙san. Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ äjipōsiwāt äjimādcīkwaciwäwāt. Mīgu iwiti a‘pi tägwicinuwāt iⁿ ki‘tciminisābi‘k, mīgu iᵉi´ᵘ ānind pimādcānit iᵉi´ᵘ anicinābä. Änicigābạba‘tōwāt; käcitinä omōjiginānāwān ini‘ᵘ wâwạnōn, kayāckwāwạnōn. Āja ka‘kina mādcāwa anicināba anikīwänit. Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ ugạnōnigōn ōsạn:
Geget ogii-waabamaan namadabinid iniw binewan, mii sa imaa gii-baashkizwaad. Gezhitine ani-zhi-giiwebatood a’aw inini; oda-ani-ganoonan iniw osan: “Mii i’iw zhigwa ji-ani-maajaayang, gi-nagada’ogoomin.” Miinangwana i’iw nishki’aad iniw osan. Mii dash i’iw ezhi-booziwaad ezhi-maajii-gwaazhiwewaad. Mii go iwidi apii dagwishinowaad i’iw gichi-minisaabik, mii go i’iw anind bimaajaanid i’iw anishinaabe. Ani-zhi-gaababatoowaad; gezhitine omoozhiginaanaawaan iniw waawanoon, gayaashkwaawanoon. Azha gakina maajaawa anishinaabe ani-giiwenid. Mii dash i’iw oganoonigoon osan:
Sure enough, he saw the ruffed grouse seated (there), whereupon there he shot it. Straightway back home went the man running. Immediately he spoke to his father, saying: “It is now time that we were starting on our way, (for) we are left behind (by the other canoes).” Now, as a matter of fact, he had angered his father. And when they got into (their canoe), they then went paddling away. Accordingly, when at yonder big rocky island they were come, already then were some of the people coming away. When they went ashore, away they ran; at once they went to gathering the eggs, gull-eggs. Already had all the people started on their homeward way. Accordingly he was addressed by his father saying:
Geget ogii-waabamaan namadabinid iniw binewan (sure enough he saw the ruffed grouse sitting), mii sa imaa gii-baashkizwaad (and there he shot it). Gezhitine ani-zhi-giiwebatood a’aw inini (straightway home the man ran); oda-ani-ganoonan iniw osan (he spoke to his father): “Mii i’iw zhigwa ji-ani-maajaayang, gi-nagada’ogoomin.” (“now it is time we set out, we are being left behind.”) Miinangwana i’iw nishki’aad iniw osan (as it happened he had angered his father). Mii dash i’iw ezhi-booziwaad ezhi-maajii-gwaazhiwewaad (then they got in and paddled off). Mii go iwidi apii dagwishinowaad i’iw gichi-minisaabik (and when they reached the big rocky island) mii go i’iw anind bimaajaanid i’iw anishinaabe (already some of the people were leaving). Ani-zhi-gaababatoowaad (they ran ashore); gezhitine omoozhiginaanaawaan iniw waawanoon, gayaashkwaawanoon (quickly they gathered the eggs, gull-eggs). Azha gakina maajaawa anishinaabe ani-giiwenid (already all the people had set off home). Mii dash i’iw oganoonigoon osan (then his father spoke to him):
(8) “Tạga, ā‘pitci wänicicingin ini‘ᵘ wâwạnōn kā∙o∙‘kusitōyānin, awimạmōn.”
“Daga, aapiji wenizhishingin iniw waawanoon gaa-okosidooyaanin, awi-mamoon.”
saying: “Now, there are some very nice eggs that I have gathered in a pile, them do you go fetch.”
“Daga, aapiji wenizhishingin iniw waawanoon (“now, the very nice eggs) gaa-okosidooyaanin (that I have piled up), awi-mamoon.” (go fetch them.”) — o’ozhitoo- ‘pile up / make ready’ flagged
(9) Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ utānapwāmigūn īni∙ō∙sạn; änīcikunga‘kī∙u∙t. Mīnawā äcinātạgāmiwäpa∙ạ∙minit. “Mānū, ningwisis! nāsi‘kạn ini´ wâwạnūn.”
Mii dash i’iw odaanawaa’amigoon iniw osan; ani-zhi-gondaki’od. Miinawaa ezhi-naadagaamiwepa’aminid. “Maanoo, ningwizis! naazikan iniw waawanoon.”
Whereupon he was unwilling to go when asked by his father; then away from the shore he pushed the canoe (with his paddle). Back again to the shore did (his father) shove (the canoe). “Please, O my little son! do go get the eggs.”
Mii dash i’iw odaanawaa’amigoon iniw osan (whereupon he refused when his father asked); ani-zhi-gondaki’od (then he pushed the canoe off from shore — stem flagged). Miinawaa ezhi-naadagaamiwepa’aminid (again his father shoved it back toward shore). “Maanoo, ningwizis! naazikan iniw waawanoon.” (“please, my son! go to the eggs.”)
(10) Äcikwāckunit a∙i∙nini, mādcība‘tō. Kä∙i∙citinä udawimạmōnạn īni´ᵘ wâwạnūn. Änisāgābikiba‘tōt ugīwâbạmān ōsạn āja micawạgām. Ānīc äjipīpāgimāt: “Ānīn wīn wändcinạgata∙o∙yạn?” Mēdạc iᵉi´ᵘ udạbwīni äjigwā‘kwābạbwīyānigut. “Kī´nwänj kīwâwīwinin.”
Ezhi-gwaashkonid a’aw inini, maajiibatoo. Gezhitine oda-awi-mamoonan iniw waawanoon. Ani-zaagaabikibatood ogii-waabamaan osan azha mishawagaam. Aaniish ezhi-biibaagimaad: “Aaniin wiin wenji-nagada’oyan?” Mii dash i’iw odabwiin ezhi-gwaakwaababwiiyaanigod. “Giinwenzh gii-waawiiwinin.”
When out leaped the man, he started on a run. Immediately went he to gathering up the eggs. When he ran out into open view (of the lake), he saw that his father was already far out on the water. Then he called aloud to him: “Why are you leaving me behind?” Whereupon then with the paddle was water splashed at him (by his father). “For a long while have I been calling you by name.”
Ezhi-gwaashkonid a’aw inini, maajiibatoo (when the man leaped out, he ran). Gezhitine oda-awi-mamoonan iniw waawanoon (quickly he went to gather the eggs). Ani-zaagaabikibatood (when he ran out into open view) ogii-waabamaan osan azha mishawagaam (he saw his father already far out on the water). Aaniish ezhi-biibaagimaad (then he called aloud to him): “Aaniin wiin wenji-nagada’oyan?” (“why are you leaving me behind?”) Mii dash i’iw odabwiin ezhi-gwaakwaababwiiyaanigod (whereupon with the paddle water was splashed back at him). “Giinwenzh gii-waawiiwinin.” (“for a long while I have been calling your name.”)
(11) Äᵉ, mīsā‘pạnä, kīnạgata‘u∙nt. Intāwā äjimādci‘tāt ạsinīᵉ äcikīwi‘tayapi‘kicimāt. Mīsagunā iᵘ wāwīgiwāmit mīdāsugun kā∙a∙yāt imāⁿ minisābi‘kunk, kāwin kägō omītcisīn. Ānīc kāwīn ninkutci pima‘kạmigāsinini. Kigīcabitạc ā‘pitci mīca‘kwatini. Äjikiwitāckạnk ningutingigu ogīwâbamān awīya tcä‘kicininit. Ajināⁿzi‘kawāt, kuniginīn miciginäbigōn. Kägä‘t minditōwạn. Mēdạc iᵉi’ᵘ äjikạnōnāt: “Nīmicō, tạga āja∙ō∙cin!”
Ee, mii sa pane, gii-nagada’ond. Indawaa ezhi-maajiitaad asiniin ezhi-giiwita-ayaabiki-zhimaad. Mii sa gonaa iw waa-wiigiwaamid midaaso-gon gaa-ayaad imaa minisaabikong, gaawiin gegoo omiijisiin. Aaniish gaawiin ningoji bimakamigaasinini. Gizhiseb idash aapiji mizhaakwadini. Ezhi-giiwitaashkang ningoding igo ogii-waabamaan awiya jiigishininid. Ezhi-naazikawaad, goniginiin mishiginebigoon. Geget minditoowan. Mii dash i’iw ezhi-ganoonaad: “Nimishoo, daga aazhawa’oozhin!”
Well, now was (his father) gone, he was left behind. Therefore he set to work piling up the stones (and) laying them in a circle; that was going to be his wigwam. While he was ten days at the rocky island, nothing did he have to eat. Now, nowhere was the shore line in view. And in the morning very clear was the sky. While going round the (island), he suddenly saw some creature upon the shore. On going up to it, behold, it was a big Serpent. Truly big it was. Accordingly then he spoke to it, saying: “O my grandfather! do take me across the water!”
Ee, mii sa pane, gii-nagada’ond (well, now he was left behind). Indawaa ezhi-maajiitaad asiniin (so he set to work with the stones) ezhi-giiwita-ayaabiki-zhimaad (laying them in a circle); mii sa gonaa iw waa-wiigiwaamid (that was to be his wigwam). midaaso-gon gaa-ayaad imaa minisaabikong (ten days he was at the rocky island), gaawiin gegoo omiijisiin (nothing did he have to eat). Aaniish gaawiin ningoji bimakamigaasinini (nowhere was the shore in sight). Gizhiseb idash aapiji mizhaakwadini (and in the morning the sky was very clear). Ezhi-giiwitaashkang (while going round the island) ningoding igo ogii-waabamaan awiya jiigishininid (suddenly he saw someone lying at the shore). Ezhi-naazikawaad, goniginiin mishiginebigoon (when he went up to it — behold, a great Serpent!). Geget minditoowan (truly it was big). Mii dash i’iw ezhi-ganoonaad (then he spoke to it): “Nimishoo, daga aazhawa’oozhin!” (“my grandfather, do take me across the water!”)
(12) “Āᵘ, nōcis! Nạntāwâpạm ạsin cāyāgawābi‘kisit tcinisipiwäpinạtigu.”
“Aw, noozhis! Nandawaabam asin zhaayaagawaabikizid ji-nisi-biwebinadigo.”
“All right, my grandson! Look for a round-like stone with some length, so that you may be able to handle it in case of need.”
“Aw, noozhis! (“all right, my grandson!) Nandawaabam asin zhaayaagawaabikizid (look for a round-ish, longish stone) ji-nisi-biwebinadigo.” (so you can handle/throw it when needed.”) — zhaayaagawaabikizi- ‘round-and-long stone’ and the handling verb both flagged
(13) Cigwasa omi‘kawān. Äjiwâbạnda∙ā∙t, “Äᵘ, ōnạgōsîn imā niⁿkwäganānk.” Kägä‘t äci∙ō∙nagōsit imā ukwäkạnāning. “Nōcis, mī icapa‘ki‘tä∙u∙cin ‘aᵉa´ᵘ gitạsinīm änigu‘k.” Äjipạgi‘täwāt, ā‘tā, ki‘tcitatā‘tabīnit, änigu‘k mādcānit. Ayābi‘tāwạgām ogạnōnigōn. “Nōcis, wīndamawicin pīyāna‘kwato‘käg. Ā‘pitci ningusāg īgi’ᵘ ạnimi‘kīg; mī∙i∙’ᵘ ijipạgi‘tä∙u∙cin.”
Zhigwa sa omikawaan. Ezhi-waabanda’aad, “Aw, oonagoozhin imaa ninkwegananaang.” Geget ezhi-oonagoozhid imaa okwegananing. “Noozhis, mii izhi-bakite’oozhin a’aw gidasiniim enigok.” Ezhi-bagite’waad, aataa, gichi-dadaadabiinid, enigok maajaanid. Ayaabita-wagaam oganoonigoon. “Noozhis, windamawishin bi-aanakwadokaag. Aapiji ningozaag igiw animikiig; mii i’iw izhi-bakite’oozhin.”
In a while he found one. On showing it to (the Serpent), “All right! Mount upon my neck.” Truly then got he upon its neck. “My grandson, now strike me a hard blow with your stone.” When he struck (the Serpent), ah, the speed (with which) it moved when it travelled through the water, with full speed it went. Part way out upon the water, he was addressed by it saying: “My grandson, let me know when a cloud is coming up. Very much am I in fear of the Thunderers; then do you hit me.”
Zhigwa sa omikawaan (in a while he found one). Ezhi-waabanda’aad (on showing it to the Serpent), “Aw, oonagoozhin imaa ninkwegananaang.” (“all right, mount upon my neck.”) Geget ezhi-oonagoozhid imaa okwegananing (truly he got up onto its neck). “Noozhis, mii izhi-bakite’oozhin a’aw gidasiniim enigok.” (“my grandson, now strike me hard with your stone.”) Ezhi-bagite’waad, aataa (when he struck it — ah!), gichi-dadaadabiinid (how fast it sped), enigok maajaanid (with full speed it went). Ayaabita-wagaam oganoonigoon (part way out it spoke to him): “Noozhis, windamawishin bi-aanakwadokaag (“my grandson, tell me when a cloud comes up). Aapiji ningozaag igiw animikiig (greatly do I fear the Thunderers); mii i’iw izhi-bakite’oozhin.” (then strike me.”)
(14) Äjipạgi‘tä∙u∙wāt. Kwä‘tciku‘ku tcimicạgāmäbisowāt owâbạndān ‘aᵉawinini piyāna‘kwạtōwạninig. “Kāmāwīn nindawītạmawāsī,” inändạm. Mīndcimigu päcwâbạndạmuwāt i∙i∙ya‘ki cigwa´ onōtawāᵉ ‘iᵉi´ᵘ animi‘kī. Cigwa ạnāgwāsäwạn, äjigwāckunit aᵉawinini. Pitcīnạgigu kā‘kwāckunit āca nawạtinimān ūmicōmisạn. Inābit icpiming kī∙ạ∙nibạbīskibīwạn; äciki‘tcimawit. Intawa utawipāpagunan iⁿ wīgwās; ä‘kubīgạtinig äji∙a∙‘tōd; äjinạnāmạdạpit. Wī‘kā äwi∙i∙ci∙i∙nābit, ābidink dac pạngi‘kānig miskwi kī∙a∙‘täni. Mīnawā äwi∙i∙ci∙u∙nạbit, kạbäya∙ī∙dạc namatạbi. Mīsa äwīcī∙i∙nābit mīnāwā, kāwīn dạc kägō kīpangi‘kāsinini. Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ undcita ābiding ä‘ta kīpạngi‘kānik. Intāwā äcimamōt, äcikackackwämaginang. Intawā äji∙u∙ci‘tōt imāⁿsa wīnibāt.
Ezhi-bagite’waad. Gwetchi go go ji-mishagaamebizowaad owaabandaan a’aw inini bi-aanakwadowaninig. “Gaa maawiin nind-andawiidamawaasii,” inendam. Minjimi go beshwaabandamowaad i’iw aki zhigwa onoodawaan iniw animikiin. Zhigwa anaakwadiwan, ezhi-gwaashkonid a’aw inini. Bijiinaag igo gaa-gwaashkonid azha nawadinimaan omishoomisan. Inaabid ishpiming gii-ani-babiiskibiiwan; ezhi-gichi-mawid. Indawaa oda-awi-baabaagonan iw wiigwaas; ekobiigadinig ezhi-atood; ezhi-nanaamadabid. Wiikaa ewi-izhi-inaabid, aabiding dash bangii gaanig miskwi gii-atenig. Miinawaa ewi-izhi-onaabid, gabeyaa’ii dash namadabi. Mii sa ewizhi-inaabid miinawaa, gaawiin dash gegoo gii-bangiigaasinini. Mii sa i’iw onjida aabiding eta gii-bangiigaanig. Indawaa ezhi-mamood, ezhi-gashkashkwemaginang. Indawaa ezhi-oozhitood imaa sa wii-nibaad.
Then he hit (the Serpent). Just as they were arriving at the shore, the man saw a cloud coming up. “I doubt if I shall need to tell it,” he thought. And just as they were drawing into easy view of the land, then he heard the Thunderers. When it slowly drew up to shore, then off leaped the man. The moment that he jumped, then already was his grandfather seized. On looking up (into the air), there went (the Serpent) wriggling; then he began to cry. Accordingly went he and pulled off some birch-bark; by the edge of the water he placed it; then he sat down. When later he went to look, there was a drop of blood. Again he went and sat down, and a long while he sat. And then he went to look again, but not a single drop fell. And so for a purpose but a single drop had fallen. Accordingly, when he picked it up, he then wrapped it in the bark. Then he prepared a place where he intended to sleep.
Ezhi-bagite’waad (then he struck it). Gwetchi go go ji-mishagaamebizowaad (just as they were reaching shore) owaabandaan a’aw inini bi-aanakwadowaninig (the man saw a cloud coming up). “Gaa maawiin nind-andawiidamawaasii,” inendam (“I doubt I’ll need to tell it,” he thought). Minjimi go beshwaabandamowaad i’iw aki (just as the land came into easy view) zhigwa onoodawaan iniw animikiin (he heard the Thunderers). Zhigwa anaakwadiwan, ezhi-gwaashkonid a’aw inini (as it drew slowly to shore, the man leaped off). Bijiinaag igo gaa-gwaashkonid azha nawadinimaan omishoomisan (the moment he jumped, his grandfather was already seized). Inaabid ishpiming gii-ani-babiiskibiiwan (looking up, there it went wriggling); ezhi-gichi-mawid (then he began to cry hard). Indawaa oda-awi-baabaagonan iw wiigwaas (so he went and pulled off some birch-bark); ekobiigadinig ezhi-atood (at the water’s edge he placed it); ezhi-nanaamadabid (then he sat down). Wiikaa ewi-izhi-inaabid (when later he went to look), aabiding dash bangii gaanig miskwi gii-atenig (there was one little drop of blood). Miinawaa ewi-izhi-onaabid, gabeyaa’ii dash namadabi (again he looked, and a long while he sat). Mii sa ewizhi-inaabid miinawaa, gaawiin dash gegoo gii-bangiigaasinini (then he looked once more, but not a drop fell). Mii sa i’iw onjida aabiding eta gii-bangiigaanig (so on purpose only one drop had fallen). Indawaa ezhi-mamood, ezhi-gashkashkwemaginang (so he picked it up and wrapped it in the bark). Indawaa ezhi-oozhitood imaa sa wii-nibaad (then he made a place there to sleep).
(15) Cigwasa tibi‘kạtini. Äni‘kwäcink äci∙a∙‘tōt iyōwīgwāsîm. Wayābạnining äciwâbạndạng; äcipā‘kinạnk iyōwīgwāsîm, kuniginīn kinäbikōnsạn kīwāwiyāgicinōn. Midāsugun kā∙a∙yāt, mī∙i∙’ᵘ tibickō äniginini‘pạn ini´ miciginäbigōn. Ugạnōnigōn: “Mīgwetc. Ạnicā guca näbwā‘kwāwạmbạnän näyāp nindōntcipîmātis. Ạmbäsa, ayāngwâmisin wītạgwicinạn iwiti äcāyạn äntaiyạn. Kistcinībiwa kīgạtaniwâbạmāg īngi´ᵘ mạtcimạnidōg. Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ mini‘k kägạnōninān. Nīmādcā, nōjis. Bōjo!”
Zhigwa sa dibikadini. Ani-akwezhing ezhi-atood iw owiigwaasim. Wayaabaninig ezhi-waabandang; ezhi-baakinang iw owiigwaasim, goniginiin ginebikoonsan gii-waawiyaagishinoon. Midaaso-gon gaa-ayaad, mii i’iw dibishkoo enigininiban iniw mishiginebigoon. Oganoonigoon: “Miigwech. Aanizhaa gosha nebwaakaawambanen neyaab nind-oonji-bimaadiz. Ambesa, ayaangwaamizin wii-dagwishinan iwidi ezhaayan endaayan. Gichi-niibiwa giga-da-niwaabamaag igiw maji-manidoog. Mii sa i’iw minik ge-ganooninaan. Nii-maajaa, noozhis. Boozhoo!”
In a while it was night. Where he rested his head he placed the birch-bark. In the morning he then looked at it; on opening the birch-bark, behold, there was a little Snake lying coiled up. When he was there ten days, then it was as large as the big Serpent formerly was. He was addressed by it saying: “(I) thank (you). It is due solely to your wisdom that I am back to life again. Come, now, have a care in arriving at your home, whither you are bound. Very great is the number of manitous that you will see along the way. Such is all that I have to tell you. I now go hence, my grandson. Farewell!”
Zhigwa sa dibikadini (in a while it was night). Ani-akwezhing ezhi-atood iw owiigwaasim (at his head-rest he placed the birch-bark). Wayaabaninig ezhi-waabandang (in the morning he looked at it); ezhi-baakinang iw owiigwaasim (on opening the birch-bark), goniginiin ginebikoonsan gii-waawiyaagishinoon (behold, a little Snake lay coiled up). Midaaso-gon gaa-ayaad (when ten days had passed), mii i’iw dibishkoo enigininiban iniw mishiginebigoon (it was as big as the great Serpent had been). Oganoonigoon (it spoke to him): “Miigwech. (“thank you. ) Aanizhaa gosha nebwaakaawambanen neyaab nind-oonji-bimaadiz (it is solely through your wisdom that I live again). Ambesa, ayaangwaamizin wii-dagwishinan iwidi ezhaayan endaayan (take care in reaching the home you are bound for). Gichi-niibiwa giga-da-niwaabamaag igiw maji-manidoog (very many evil manitous will you see). Mii sa i’iw minik ge-ganooninaan (that is all I have to tell you). Nii-maajaa, noozhis. Boozhoo!” (I go now, my grandson. Farewell!”)
(16) Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ cigwa kī∙ạ∙nimādcāt ‘aᵉa´ᵘ inini. Ā‘pitci täbi‘kạtinig owâbạndān wīgiwāmäns. Äjita‘pābit owâbạmān mindimōyäyạn cingicininit. Ā‘pitcigu ki‘kāwạn äjigạnōnigut: “Nōjis, pīndigän!” Kägä‘t äjipīndigät. Kā‘pīndigät, ogạnōnigōn: “Nōjis, kīga∙a∙camin.”
Mii dash i’iw zhigwa gii-ani-maajaad a’aw inini. Aapiji dibikadinig owaabandaan wiigiwaamens. Ezhi-dapaabid owaabamaan mindimooyeyan zhingishininid. Aapiji go gikaawan ezhi-ganoonigod: “Noozhis, biindigen!” Geget ezhi-biindiged. Gaa-biindiged, oganoonigoon: “Noozhis, giga-ashamin.”
Accordingly then on his way went the man. Late in the night he saw a small wigwam. On peeping in, he saw an old woman who was lying down. And very old was she by whom he was addressed: “My grandson, come in!” Truly then in he went. After he had entered, he was addressed by her saying: “My grandson, I am going to feed you.”
Mii dash i’iw zhigwa gii-ani-maajaad a’aw inini (then the man went on his way). Aapiji dibikadinig owaabandaan wiigiwaamens (late in the night he saw a small wigwam). Ezhi-dapaabid owaabamaan mindimooyeyan zhingishininid (peeping in, he saw an old woman lying down). Aapiji go gikaawan ezhi-ganoonigod (very old was she who spoke to him): “Noozhis, biindigen!” (“my grandson, come in!”) Geget ezhi-biindiged (truly he went in). Gaa-biindiged, oganoonigoon (after he entered, she said): “Noozhis, giga-ashamin.” (“my grandson, I will feed you.”)
(17) Owâbạmān a‘ki‘kōnsạn ā‘pitci agāⁿcīwạn. Nibi äji∙a∙tōnit imā a‘ki‘kōnsing. Ạntunigäwạn umackimutāng päji‘k mạnōmin; äcipō‘tā‘kwänit. Mīnawā mīn opōdā‘kwänini. Mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ äji∙ạ∙sānit imā ạckutänk. Nāgạtcigu äci∙u∙sunit.
Owaabamaan akikoonsan aapiji agaanzhiiwan. Nibi ezhi-atoonid imaa akikoonsing. Andonigewan omashkimodaang bezhig manoomin; ezhi-boodaakwenid. Miinawaa miin oboodaakwenini. Mii dash i’iw ezhi-asanid imaa ishkodeng. Nagaj igo ezhi-onzonid.
He beheld a tiny kettle that was very small. Some water then put she into the little kettle. She sought in her bag for a (grain of) rice; then she put it into the kettle to boil. Also a blueberry put she into the kettle to boil. And then she placed the kettle upon the fire. And in a little while (the food) then began to boil.
Owaabamaan akikoonsan aapiji agaanzhiiwan (he saw a kettle very small indeed). Nibi ezhi-atoonid imaa akikoonsing (water she put into the little kettle). Andonigewan omashkimodaang bezhig manoomin (she sought in her bag one grain of rice); ezhi-boodaakwenid (she put it in to boil). Miinawaa miin oboodaakwenini (also a blueberry she put in to boil). Mii dash i’iw ezhi-asanid imaa ishkodeng (then she set the kettle on the fire). Nagaj igo ezhi-onzonid (and after a while it began to boil).
(18) Inändạm ‘a‘awinini: “Anina´ kä∙i∙citäwīsininiwānän? Na∙ä∙gātạm!”
Inendam a’aw inini: “Aaniish ge-izhi-debwiisiniwaanen? Naa egaadan!”
Thought the man: “How am I going to have enough to eat? There is (so) little!”
Inendam a’aw inini (thought the man): “Aaniish ge-izhi-debwiisiniwaanen? (“how am I to eat enough? ) Naa egaadan!” (why, it is so little!”) — egaadan / na∙ä∙gātam (‘it is small/scant’), flagged
(19) Mīdạc ‘iᵉi´ᵘ äjikạnōnigut ini´ᵘ mindimōyäyạn: “Kāwīn, nōjis, kidāgitạmwāsī ‘iᵉiᵘ ninda‘kik.” Ānīc mī cigwa ạgwācimānit īni´ᵘ utạki‘kōn. Cigwa ta‘kāsinini; ämi‘kwānäns äjipīndcisitōnit. Cigwa ubimīnigōn. “‘Ā, nōjis, kạgwägitamu ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ninda‘kik.”
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-ganoonigod iniw mindimooyeyan: “Gaawiin, noozhis, gidaa-gidamwaasii i’iw nind-akik.” Aaniish mii zhigwa agwaajimaanid iniw od-akikoon. Zhigwa dakaasinini; emikwaanens ezhi-biinjisidoonid. Zhigwa obiiminigoon. “Aa, noozhis, gagwe-gidamoo a’aw nind-akik.”
Thereupon he was addressed by the old woman saying: “No, my grandson, you will not eat (all that is contained in) this kettle of mine.” So then presently she lifted her kettle off (the fire). In time it became cool; then a little spoon she placed within it. Then he was given (the kettle). “Now, then, my grandson, try to eat up (all that is in) this kettle of mine.”
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-ganoonigod iniw mindimooyeyan (then the old woman said to him): “Gaawiin, noozhis, gidaa-gidamwaasii i’iw nind-akik.” (“no, my grandson, you will not eat up all of this kettle of mine.”) Aaniish mii zhigwa agwaajimaanid iniw od-akikoon (so she lifted her kettle off the fire). Zhigwa dakaasinini (in time it cooled); emikwaanens ezhi-biinjisidoonid (a little spoon she set within it). Zhigwa obiiminigoon (then she gave it to him). “Aa, noozhis, gagwe-gidamoo a’aw nind-akik.” (“now, my grandson, try to eat up this kettle of mine.”)
(20) Mīdac kägä‘t äjigwâba∙ạ∙nk; kā‘kwāba∙ạ∙nk mīgu∙i∙´ᵘ näyāp kä‘pi∙a∙‘kōckinänit īni´ᵘ a‘ki‘kōnsạn. Cigwasa ā‘pidci täbisinī. Mīsagu a‘pạnä kā‘kōckinänit īni´ᵘ a‘ki´kōnsạn. Ā‘pidcigu tayäwīsinit äjikạnōnāt: “Indawā mī∙i∙´ᵘ, nō‘kō. Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ tägitạmwāsiwạg aᵘ kida‘ki‘k.”
Mii dash geget ezhi-gwaaba’ang; gaa-gwaaba’ang mii go i’iw neyaab gaa-bi-a-gooshkinenid iniw akikoonsan. Zhigwa sa aapiji debisinii. Mii go apane gaa-gooshkinenid iniw akikoonsan. Aapiji go dayewiisinid ezhi-ganoonaad: “Indawaa mii i’iw, nookoo. Mii sa i’iw daa-gidamwaasiwag aw gid-akik.”
Thereupon truly he dipped out (the food); when he had dipped it out, there was still as much in the little kettle as there was before. In a while was he very much satisfied with food. And there was all the while the same amount (of food) in the little kettle. And when he was thoroughly sated with food, he then spoke to her, saying: “Now, that is enough, my grandmother. The truth is, I cannot eat up all (that is in) your kettle.”
Mii dash geget ezhi-gwaaba’ang (then truly he dipped out the food); gaa-gwaaba’ang mii go i’iw neyaab gaa-bi-a-gooshkinenid iniw akikoonsan (when he had dipped, the little kettle was as full again as before). Zhigwa sa aapiji debisinii (in a while he was very full). Mii go apane gaa-gooshkinenid iniw akikoonsan (and all the while the kettle stayed just as full). Aapiji go dayewiisinid ezhi-ganoonaad (thoroughly sated, he spoke to her): “Indawaa mii i’iw, nookoo. (“that is enough, my grandmother. ) Mii sa i’iw daa-gidamwaasiwag aw gid-akik.” (I cannot eat up all your kettle.”)
(21) “Nōjis, kāwīn wī‘ka awīya ugidạmwāsīn īni´ᵘ ninda‘ki‘kōn. Nōjis nạckä kạnạwâbạmicin!” Äcimādạndcigänit, tibickō mīgu i’ᵘ äci∙a∙yānit; mīgu iᵉi’ᵘ näyāp kī‘pimōckinät a‘ki‘kōns. Cigwadạc ogạnōnigōn: “Mī täwīsiniyān.” Mīnawā äjigwāba∙ạ∙nk aᵘ mindimōyä, mīgu iᵉi´ᵘ äjitägāckāpi‘kawāt. “Mīsa iᵘ kīkitạmwak aᵘ ninda‘ki‘k. Mī, nōjis, icinibān.”
“Noozhis, gaawiin wiikaa awiya ogidamwaasiin iniw nind-akikoon. Noozhis nashke ganawaabamishin!” Ezhi-medandjigenid, dibishkoo mii go i’iw ezhi-ayaanid; mii go i’iw neyaab gii-bimooshkined akikoons. Zhigwa dash oganoonigoon: “Mii debwiisiniyaan.” Miinawaa ezhi-gwaaba’ang aw mindimooye, mii go i’iw ezhi-degeshkaabikawaad. “Mii sa iw gii-gidamwaag aw nind-akik. Mii, noozhis, izhi-nibaan.”
“My grandson, never has anybody eaten up all (that was in) that kettle of mine. My grandson, just you look at me!” Then she began eating, whereupon there was as much as before; accordingly with as much as before did the little kettle fill. And then he was told: “Now have I eaten enough.” And out the old woman dipped (the food), whereupon she then scraped it clean. “Therefore have I eaten all (that was in) my kettle. Now, my grandson, go to sleep.”
“Noozhis, gaawiin wiikaa awiya ogidamwaasiin iniw nind-akikoon (“my grandson, never has anyone eaten up that kettle of mine). Noozhis nashke ganawaabamishin!” (my grandson, look at me!”) Ezhi-medandjigenid (she began eating), dibishkoo mii go i’iw ezhi-ayaanid (and it stayed just the same); mii go i’iw neyaab gii-bimooshkined akikoons (the little kettle filled as before). Zhigwa dash oganoonigoon (then she said): “Mii debwiisiniyaan.” (“now I have eaten enough.”) Miinawaa ezhi-gwaaba’ang aw mindimooye (again the old woman dipped it out), mii go i’iw ezhi-degeshkaabikawaad (and scraped it clean). “Mii sa iw gii-gidamwaag aw nind-akik (“so I have eaten up all my kettle). Mii, noozhis, izhi-nibaan.” (now, my grandson, go to sleep.”)
(22) Kigīcäp cigwa mīnawa tcībā‘kwäwạn äjigạnōnigut: “Wägunän käminwäntamạn, nīngagīcisān.”
Gigizheb zhigwa miinawaa jiibaakwewan ezhi-ganoonigod: “Wegonen ge-minwendaman, ninga-giizisaan.”
When in the morning she cooked some more food, then was he addressed by her saying: “Whatsoever you may like, I will cook it (for you).”
Gigizheb zhigwa miinawaa jiibaakwewan ezhi-ganoonigod (in the morning, about to cook again, she said to him): “Wegonen ge-minwendaman, ninga-giizisaan.” (“whatever you like, I will cook it.”)
(23) Ānīc kīⁿgōyan mī∙ä∙‘tagu īni´ᵘ wānāt aᵉawinini. Äcikanōnāt ō‘kumisạn: “Kīnigu käwīnacạmiyạn.” Mindimōyä ändạswäwanagatinig wīsiniwin ōpōdā‘kwä∙ạ∙mini. Kägä‘t mīnusä‘kwäwạn. Kā‘kīzisä‘kwänit äcimīnigut. “Āᵘ, nōjis, mīmādac iᵉi´ᵘ tcigidạmwạt ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ninda‘ki‘k.”
Aaniish giigooyan mii eta go iniw waanaad a’aw inini. Ezhi-ganoonaad ookomisan: “Giin igo ge-wii-nashamiyan.” Mindimooye endaswewanagadinig wiisiniwin oboodaakwe’amini. Geget minozekwewan. Gaa-giizisekwenid ezhi-minigod. “Aw, noozhis, mii maa dash i’iw ji-gidamwad a’aw nind-akik.”
Now, some fish was all the man mentioned by name. Then he said to his grandmother: “It is with you to feed me as you will.” The old woman put into her kettle to boil every kind of food that was. Truly nice was the cooking. When she was done with the cooking, then was he given (the food). “Now, my grandson, perhaps this time you will eat all (that is in) this kettle of mine.”
Aaniish giigooyan mii eta go iniw waanaad a’aw inini (now fish was all the man named). Ezhi-ganoonaad ookomisan (he said to his grandmother): “Giin igo ge-wii-nashamiyan.” (“it is for you to feed me as you will.”) Mindimooye endaswewanagadinig wiisiniwin oboodaakwe’amini (the old woman boiled every kind of food there was). Geget minozekwewan (truly good was her cooking). Gaa-giizisekwenid ezhi-minigod (when she finished cooking, she gave it to him). “Aw, noozhis, mii maa dash i’iw ji-gidamwad a’aw nind-akik.” (“now, my grandson, perhaps this time you will eat up this kettle of mine.”)
(24) Mīsa tibickō, kāwīn ogitạmwāsīn. Intawāsa mī∙i∙’ᵘ äcimīnāt. “Nō‘kō, kāwäsā ningitạmwāsī ‘aᵉa´ᵘ kida‘ki‘k. Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ cigwa´ ạnimādcāyān.”
Mii sa dibishkoo, gaawiin ogidamwaasiin. Indawaa sa mii i’iw ezhi-miinaad. “Nookoo, gaawesaa ningidamwaasii a’aw gid-akik. Mii sa i’iw zhigwa ani-maajaayaan.”
It was as before, he did not eat it up. Therefore then he gave it (back) to her. “Grandmother, I am not able to eat up (all that is in) your kettle. It is now time that I was setting out upon my way.”
Mii sa dibishkoo, gaawiin ogidamwaasiin (it was as before, he did not eat it all). Indawaa sa mii i’iw ezhi-miinaad (so he gave it back to her). “Nookoo, gaawesaa ningidamwaasii a’aw gid-akik. (“grandmother, I cannot eat up your kettle. ) Mii sa i’iw zhigwa ani-maajaayaan.” (now it is time I set out.”)
(25) “Nōjis, ạyāngwāmisin! Kägä‘t sạnạgạt imā äcāyan. Mạdcimạnitōg kīgawâbạmāg imā äcāyạn.” Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ ạnimādcā aᵉawinini. Ā‘pitci täbi‘kạtinig owâbạndān wīgiwām; äjita‘pābit owâbạmān mindimōyäyaᵉ, nīciwa. “Nōjis, pīndigän!” kī∙i∙kitōwaᵉ. “Wägunäcînā kä∙ạ∙cạmạng ‘aᵉa’ᵘ kōjisinān? Tạga, pimitä acamādā kōjisinān!” Äcimạmōnit unāgạn; cigwa äcikwä‘kitānit ạntunigäwạn. Mīnạngwạna iᵘ minīwitcīngwạnänit, mītạc iᵘ unāgạning tạmạgwạnạminit. “‘Aᵘ, wīsinin.”
“Noozhis, ayaangwaamizin! Geget zanagad imaa ezhaayan. Maji-manidoog giga-waabamaag imaa ezhaayan.” Mii sa i’iw ani-maajaa a’aw inini. Aapiji dibikadinig owaabandaan wiigiwaam; ezhi-dapaabid owaabamaan mindimooyeyan, niizhiwa. “Noozhis, biindigen!” gii-ikidowan. “Wegonezhi naa ge-ashamang a’aw goozhisinaan? Daga, bimide ashamaadaa goozhisinaan!” Ezhi-mamoonid onaagan; zhigwa ezhi-gwekitaanid andonigewan. Miinangwana iw miniwijiingwanenid, mii dash iw onaaganing damagwanaminid. “Aw, wiisinin.”
“My grandchild, be on your guard! Truly difficult is the way whither you are bound. Evil manitous will you see whither you are going.” Thereupon then on his way started the man. When it was late in the night, he saw a wigwam; on peeping in, he saw some old women, two they were. “My grandson, come in!” they said. “What shall we give our grandson to eat? Come, some grease let us feed our grandchild!” Then one took a bowl; then, turning about, she sought for something. It happened that she was afflicted with pus in the knee, whereupon out into her bowl she squeezed it. “Now, then, do you eat!”
“Noozhis, ayaangwaamizin! (“my grandchild, be on your guard!) Geget zanagad imaa ezhaayan (truly hard is the way you go). Maji-manidoog giga-waabamaag imaa ezhaayan.” (evil manitous you will see along the way.”) Mii sa i’iw ani-maajaa a’aw inini (then the man set out). Aapiji dibikadinig owaabandaan wiigiwaam (late in the night he saw a wigwam); ezhi-dapaabid owaabamaan mindimooyeyan, niizhiwa (peeping in, he saw old women, two of them). “Noozhis, biindigen!” gii-ikidowan (“my grandson, come in!” they said). “Wegonezhi naa ge-ashamang a’aw goozhisinaan? Daga, bimide ashamaadaa goozhisinaan!” (“what shall we feed our grandchild? come, let us feed him some grease!”) Ezhi-mamoonid onaagan (one took a bowl); zhigwa ezhi-gwekitaanid andonigewan (then, turning, she sought for something). Miinangwana iw miniwijiingwanenid (it happened she had pus in the knee), mii dash iw onaaganing damagwanaminid (and into the bowl she squeezed it). “Aw, wiisinin.” (“now, eat!”)
(26) Kägä‘t äci∙u∙dā‘pinạnk unāgạn, mīdạc īni‘ᵘ cāngwäciwạn äci∙ā∙bạtci∙ā∙t mādcinit, äcigitānit. “Oᵉō, nō‘ku, kitōnāgạn!”
Geget ezhi-odaapinang onaagan, mii dash iniw zhaangweshiwan ezhi-aabaji’aad maajinid, ezhi-gidaanid. “Oo, nookoo, gidoonaagan!”
To be sure, then picked he up the bowl, whereupon he got the mink to eat it, (and the mink) ate it all. “Here, my grandmother, is your bowl!”
Geget ezhi-odaapinang onaagan (sure enough he picked up the bowl), mii dash iniw zhaangweshiwan ezhi-aabaji’aad maajinid (and he set his mink to it to take it), ezhi-gidaanid (and it ate it all up). “Oo, nookoo, gidoonaagan!” (“here, grandmother, is your bowl!”)
cāngwäci / zhaangweshi ‘mink’; here it is the mink-pouch (the woodchuck-pouch footnote elsewhere). The man has TWO mystic pets — woodchuck (aka‘kutcīc) and mink (cāngwäci); Jones’s footnotes name the woodchuck, his English body wavers between ‘mink’ and ‘woodchuck’ — preserved, see flags. English foot ² (p389, verbatim, page-verified 2026-09-02): “Mystic pouch of the skin of a mink.” Attaches to “his mink” in “So to his woodchuck¹ and his mink² that he had he spoke.” Layer 1 settled at the page 2026-09-20 (grayscale JP2 12× with a same-line control and the PDF at 8×): äci∙u∙dā‘pinank → äci∙u∙dā‘pinạnk (p.388 l.12); unāgan, → unāgạn, (p.388 l.12); mīdac → mīdạc (p.388 l.12); cāngwäciwan → cāngwäciwạn (p.388 l.12); äci∙ā∙batci∙ā∙t → äci∙ā∙bạtci∙ā∙t (p.388 l.12 / p.388 l.13); kitōnāgan!” → kitōnāgạn!” (p.388 l.13).
(27) Kägä‘t minwäntạm mindimōyä. “Mīsa ‘iᵉi´ᵘ tcinibut aᵉawinini,” inändạm. “Mi´i∙we, nōjis, ijinibān.”
Geget minwendam mindimooye. “Mii sa i’iw ji-nibod a’aw inini,” inendam. “Mii iwe, noozhis, izhi-nibaan.”
Truly pleased was the old woman. “Therefore now will the man die,” she thought. “Now, my grandchild, do you go to sleep.”
Geget minwendam mindimooye (truly pleased was the old woman). “Mii sa i’iw ji-nibod a’aw inini,” inendam (“so now the man will die,” she thought). “Mii iwe, noozhis, izhi-nibaan.” (“now, my grandchild, go to sleep.”)
(28) Kägä‘t äcigawicimut aᵉawinini. Ningutingigu cacīngicink aᵉawinini kīpīdōtäwạn cigwa ōmāⁿ obitusānigōn uminīwitcingwanānini. Ānīc udaka‘tcīcimạn kayä īni‘ ucāngwäcīmạn udayāwān äjigạnōnāt: “‘A∙ā∙’ᵘ, mīgāni‘k!”
Geget ezhi-gawishimod a’aw inini. Ningoding igo zhazhingishing a’aw inini gii-biidootewan zhigwa omaa obidoosaanigoon ominiwijiingwanaanini. Aaniish od-akakojiishiman gaye iniw ozhaangweshiman odayaawaan ezhi-ganoonaad: “A’aw, miigaanik!”
Truly then down to sleep lay the man. And by and by, while the man was lying down, there crawled hither (one of the women) under whom he was held down by the pressure of her foul knee. So to his woodchuck and his mink that he had he spoke, saying: “Come, fight her!”
Geget ezhi-gawishimod a’aw inini (truly the man lay down to sleep). Ningoding igo zhazhingishing a’aw inini (by and by, as the man lay there) gii-biidootewan (one came crawling near) zhigwa omaa obidoosaanigoon ominiwijiingwanaanini (and pressed him down with her foul, pus-filled knee). Aaniish od-akakojiishiman gaye iniw ozhaangweshiman odayaawaan (now, his woodchuck and his mink that he had) ezhi-ganoonaad (he spoke to them): “A’aw, miigaanik!” (“come, fight her!”)
aka‘kutcīc / aka’kojiish ‘woodchuck’; here both pets named — woodchuck + mink. The pets are mystic-pouch animals (cf. p388/p390 foot ‘Mystic pouch of the skin of a woodchuck’).
(29) Äcigwāckunu‘tawāwāt īni´ᵘ mindimōyäyạn, mạdwägīgitōwạn: “Nōjis! ningī‘kạmigō‘k kitaiyạg!”
Ezhi-gwaashkonotawaawaad iniw mindimooyeyan, madwe-giigidowan: “Noozhis! ningiigamigook gidayag!”
When they leaped upon the old woman, then he heard her say: “O my grandson! I am being chewed up by your pets!”
Ezhi-gwaashkonotawaawaad iniw mindimooyeyan (when they leaped upon the old woman), madwe-giigidowan (she was heard saying): “Noozhis! ningiigamigook gidayag!” (“my grandson! I am being chewed by your pets!”)
(30) Mīsagu iᵘ kī∙ạ∙ninisāwāt īni‘ᵘ mindimoyäyạn. Kā∙i∙ckwānisāwāt, mīnawā päci‘k kī∙ạ∙ni∙u∙di‘tināwāt īni´ᵘ mindimōyäyạn. Mīsagu iᵉi´ᵘ mīndcinīj kīnisāwāt. Mīsa cigwa kīwāna‘kīt a∙i∙nini; pisānigu kā∙i∙cinibāt. Kwäckusit, äcạntunigät; kägä‘t unicicinini wīsiniwin mä‘kạnk; iwäsa mādcinit iᵉi’ᵘ mindimōyäyaᵉ. Mīsagu iᵘ cigwa mādci‘tād tcībā‘kwäd; kā‘kīcī‘tād wīsini.
Mii sa go iw gii-ani-nisaawaad iniw mindimooyeyan. Gaa-ishkwaa-nisaawaad, miinawaa bezhig gii-ani-oditinaawaad iniw mindimooyeyan. Mii sa go i’iw miinjiniizh gii-nisaawaad. Mii sa zhigwa giiwanakiid a’aw inini; bizaani go gaa-izhi-nibaad. Gwaashkozid, ezhi-andoniged; geget onizhishinini wiisiniwin mekang; iwe sa maajinid iniw mindimooyeyan. Mii sa go iw zhigwa maajiitaad jiibaakwed; gaa-giizhiitaad wiisini.
It was then that they killed the old woman. After they had killed her, then the other old woman they seized. Whereupon both they slew. So then it was that the man was safe; and in peace then he slept. When he woke, he searched about; truly nice was the food that he found; it was what the old women ate. And then it was that he set to work cooking a meal; when he had (things) prepared, he ate.
Mii sa go iw gii-ani-nisaawaad iniw mindimooyeyan (then they killed the old woman). Gaa-ishkwaa-nisaawaad (after they killed her), miinawaa bezhig gii-ani-oditinaawaad iniw mindimooyeyan (they seized the other old woman too). Mii sa go i’iw miinjiniizh gii-nisaawaad (so both they slew). Mii sa zhigwa giiwanakiid a’aw inini (then the man was safe); bizaani go gaa-izhi-nibaad (and in peace he slept). Gwaashkozid, ezhi-andoniged (when he woke, he searched about); geget onizhishinini wiisiniwin mekang (truly nice was the food he found); iwe sa maajinid iniw mindimooyeyan (that which the old women ate). Mii sa go iw zhigwa maajiitaad jiibaakwed (then he set to work cooking); gaa-giizhiitaad wiisini (when ready, he ate).
(31) Mīsa cigwa ạnimādcād. Nayāwa‘kwänig owâbạndān wīgiwām; äcita‘pābit, mīsa gäyābi nījiwaᵉ mindimōyäyaᵉ nạmạdabinit. “Nōjis, pīndigän.” Oganōnigōᵉ: “Pīndigän!” Kā∙u∙nạbit mīgōsạn sasāgāpi‘kisininiwạn utōskwaninink. Wäwäni ki∙ā∙cạmigō. Cigwa a‘ki‘kwan äcōnạgōnānit; pimidä opōdā‘kwä∙ạ∙mini. Äcikạnōnigut: “Nōjis, tibātcimun wīsāga∙ạ∙mạn.” Ānīc kagipingwäwaᵉ. Cigwasa äci∙ạ∙cạmigut. Kā∙i∙ckwāwīsinit mī∙i∙ᵘ cigwa a∙ī∙da∙i∙ckwānt kīpimī∙i∙nāwigạnäpinit.
Mii sa zhigwa ani-maajaad. Naawakwenig owaabandaan wiigiwaam; ezhi-dapaabid, mii sa geyaabi niizhiwan mindimooyeyan namadabinid. “Noozhis, biindigen.” Oganoonigoon: “Biindigen!” Gaa-onabid migoosan zasaagaabikizininiwan odooskwaninink. Weweni gii-ashamigoo. Zhigwa akikwan ezhi-oonagonaanid; bimide oboodaakwe’amini. Ezhi-ganoonigod: “Noozhis, dibaajimon wii-zaaga’aman.” Aaniish gagiibingwewan. Zhigwa sa ezhi-ashamigod. Gaa-ishkwaa-wiisinid mii iw zhigwa a-ida-ishkwaand gii-bimi-inaawiganebinid.
So then it was that he started on his way. When it was noon, he saw a wigwam; on peeping in, just as before, (he saw) two old women that were sitting down. “My grandson, come in!” He was addressed by them saying: “Come in!” When he sat down, (he saw) some awls sticking out from each elbow. Well was he fed by them. Presently they hung up a kettle; some grease they put in to boil. Then he was addressed by them saying: “My grandson, make known by word when you wish to go out of doors.” Now, they were blind. Presently he was fed. After he had finished eating, then it was that on both sides of the door they took their places.
Mii sa zhigwa ani-maajaad (so then he set out). Naawakwenig owaabandaan wiigiwaam (at noon he saw a wigwam); ezhi-dapaabid, mii sa geyaabi niizhiwan mindimooyeyan namadabinid (peeping in, again two old women sitting). “Noozhis, biindigen.” Oganoonigoon: “Biindigen!” (“my grandson, come in!” they said.) Gaa-onabid migoosan zasaagaabikizininiwan odooskwaninink (when he sat, awls were sticking out from each of their elbows). Weweni gii-ashamigoo (well was he fed). Zhigwa akikwan ezhi-oonagonaanid (presently they hung up a kettle); bimide oboodaakwe’amini (grease they put in to boil). Ezhi-ganoonigod (then they said): “Noozhis, dibaajimon wii-zaaga’aman.” (“my grandson, say when you wish to go outside.”) Aaniish gagiibingwewan (now, they were blind). Zhigwa sa ezhi-ashamigod (presently he was fed). Gaa-ishkwaa-wiisinid (after he ate) mii iw zhigwa a-ida-ishkwaand gii-bimi-inaawiganebinid (they took their places on both sides of the door).
(32) “Mīmāwīni∙i∙´ᵘ wâ∙u∙ndciniciwāt īni‘ᵘ odōskwaniwān,” inändạm. Cigwa mi‘tig utaiyān, u‘kunās äjinīmā‘kwa∙ạ∙nk. “Nō‘kō, cigwa nintạnisāga∙ạ∙m.” Äni∙i∙jitō‘kawāt u‘kunās.
“Mii maawiin i’iw waa-onji-nisiwaad iniw odooskwaniwaan,” inendam. Zhigwa mitig odayaan, ogonaas ezhi-niimaakwa’ang. “Nookoo, zhigwa nind-ani-zaaga’am.” Ani-izhi-dookawaad ogonaas.
“That, no doubt, is the means that they will take to kill me, with their elbows,” he thought. Presently he took a stick, then he hung his blanket upon it. “My grandmother, now I am going out of doors.” Then he touched them gently with his blanket.
“Mii maawiin i’iw waa-onji-nisiwaad iniw odooskwaniwaan,” inendam (“no doubt that is how they mean to kill me, with their elbows,” he thought). Zhigwa mitig odayaan (presently he took a stick), ogonaas ezhi-niimaakwa’ang (and hung his blanket on it). “Nookoo, zhigwa nind-ani-zaaga’am.” (“grandmother, now I am going outside.”) Ani-izhi-dookawaad ogonaas (then he touched them gently with his blanket).
(33) Utōskwana∙i∙gäwan īni‘ᵘ mindimōyäyan, mīnāsāb äntōtạminit īni´ᵘ päcig mindimōyäyạn. “Nintāngwä! nintānami‘kwawā!” “Kayä nīn, nindāngwä! nintānumī‘kwawā!” “Nyā, nindāngwä, kīnic!” “Kayä nīn nindāngwä, kīnic!” Mīsa iᵉi’ᵘ tābita kinisitiwāt īgi‘ᵘ mindimōyäg.
Odooskwana’igewan iniw mindimooyeyan, mii naasaab endoodaminid iniw bezhig mindimooyeyan. “Nindaangwe! nind-aanamikwawaa!” “Gaye niin, nindaangwe! nind-aanamikwawaa!” “Nyaa, nindaangwe, ginizh!” “Gaye niin nindaangwe, ginizh!” Mii sa i’iw daabita gii-nisidiwaad igiw mindimooyeg.
One old woman then began to use her elbows, and the same thing did the other old woman. “O my friend! I am trying to hit him.” “So am I, O my friend! I am trying to hit him.” “O my friend! you are killing me!” “And me, my friend, you are killing me!” Thereupon both of the old women killed each other.
Odooskwana’igewan iniw mindimooyeyan (one old woman set to with her elbows), mii naasaab endoodaminid iniw bezhig mindimooyeyan (and the other did the very same). “Nindaangwe! nind-aanamikwawaa!” (“my friend! I’m trying to hit him!”) “Gaye niin, nindaangwe! nind-aanamikwawaa!” (“so am I, my friend!”) “Nyaa, nindaangwe, ginizh!” (“oh, my friend, you’re killing me!”) “Gaye niin nindaangwe, ginizh!” (“and me too, my friend, you’re killing me!”) Mii sa i’iw daabita gii-nisidiwaad igiw mindimooyeg (and so the two old women killed each other).
(34) Mīsa iᵘ pidcīnạg äcizāga∙ạ∙nk aᵉawinini. Animādcā. Ningutingugu owâbamā udinīganaᵉ panägu tä‘kama‘kamig. “Kāwīn ninkutci kītā∙i∙ciwīmāskawāsīg,” ugī∙i∙gōn īni´ᵘ omicōmisạn. “Ānīcnā kä∙i∙citcigäyān? ‘A∙a∙´ᵘ, nimicō, ambäsa´, wīcibāyāni‘kän!” udinān īni´ᵘ utạga‘kutcīcimạn. Äciki‘tcipạgwīt. “Aᵘ, mī gwaya‘k ināni‘kän!”
Mii sa iw bijiinaag ezhi-zaaga’ang a’aw inini. Ani-maajaa. Ningoding igo owaabamaa odinigaanan banego dakamakamig. “Gaawiin ningoji gii-daa-izhi-wii-maashkawaasiig,” ogii-igoon iniw omishoomisan. “Aaniish naa ge-izhi-jigeyaan? A’aw, nimishoo, ambesa, wii-zhibaayaaniken!” odinaan iniw od-akakojiishiman. Ezhi-gichi-bagwid. “Aw, mii gwayak inaaniken!”
And then presently out went the man. On his way he went. And by and by he saw some shoulder-blades (hanging) across the way before him. “In no direction can you go to pass around them,” he had been told by his grandfather. “So what am I now to do? Now, my grandfather, come, make a passageway under the ground!” he said to his woodchuck. Then he took it out from the bosom of his garment. “Now, then, straight ahead do you dig the way!”
Mii sa iw bijiinaag ezhi-zaaga’ang a’aw inini (and then at last the man went out). Ani-maajaa (on his way he went). Ningoding igo owaabamaa odinigaanan banego dakamakamig (by and by he saw shoulder-blades right across the way). “Gaawiin ningoji gii-daa-izhi-wii-maashkawaasiig,” ogii-igoon iniw omishoomisan (“in no direction can you go round them,” his grandfather had told him). “Aaniish naa ge-izhi-jigeyaan? (“so what am I to do?) A’aw, nimishoo, ambesa, wii-zhibaayaaniken!” (now, my grandfather, come, make a passage under the ground!”) odinaan iniw od-akakojiishiman (he said to his woodchuck). Ezhi-gichi-bagwid (then he took it out from his bosom). “Aw, mii gwayak inaaniken!” (“now, dig the way straight ahead!”)
(35) Kägä‘t äjimādāni‘ka‘t aᵘ ka‘kutcīc mīgu ‘iᵉi’ᵘ änitanisit. Kägä‘t kiciyāni‘käwan. Kumāgu a‘pī pägamāni‘känit, ugạnōnān: “Mī∙i∙´ᵘ cigwa icipa‘pāni‘kän!” Kägä‘t äcipa‘pāni‘känit; pitcīnạgigu päpāni‘känit äcitạngīckawānit i∙i∙ᵘ untinīganaᵉ, pạnägu, “Sāⁿ!” kā∙i∙nwäwäcininit utinīganaᵉ.
Geget ezhi-maadaanikad aw akakojiish mii go i’iw eni-danisid. Geget gizhiyaanikewan. Gomaa go apii bagamaanikenid, oganoonaan: “Mii i’iw zhigwa izhi-baapaaniken!” Geget ezhi-baapaanikenid; bijiinaag igo bebaanikenid ezhi-dangishkawaanid iniw odinigaanan, banego, “Saan!” gaa-inwewezhininid odinigaanan.
Truly then did the woodchuck start digging the hole, and right there (behind) was he present. Truly fast did (the woodchuck) dig. When a certain distance it had dug, he spoke to it, saying: “Now, then, dig up towards the surface!” Truly then it dug up towards the surface; as soon as it came up to the surface, it then touched the shoulder-blades; and then everywhere, “Saⁿ!” was the clank of the shoulder-blades striking (together).
Geget ezhi-maadaanikad aw akakojiish (truly the woodchuck began digging the hole), mii go i’iw eni-danisid (and right there behind it he stayed). Geget gizhiyaanikewan (truly fast it dug). Gomaa go apii bagamaanikenid (when it had dug a certain distance), oganoonaan (he said to it): “Mii i’iw zhigwa izhi-baapaaniken!” (“now dig up toward the surface!”) Geget ezhi-baapaanikenid (truly it dug upward); bijiinaag igo bebaanikenid ezhi-dangishkawaanid iniw odinigaanan (as soon as it broke surface it struck the shoulder-blades), banego, “Saan!” gaa-inwewezhininid odinigaanan (and everywhere, “Saⁿ!” clanked the shoulder-blades).
(36) Āgạtcigu kistci∙a∙nimuca pagamipa∙i∙tiwa, mīgiwa; umiginiguwa. Kigīgitōwạn unicinābän: “Wägutugwän nā migitumuwāgwän īgi´ᵘ!”
Agaaji go gichi-animoshag bagamiba’idiwa, miigiwa; omiiginigowaa. Gii-giigidowan anishinaaben: “Wegodogwen naa megidamowaagwen igiw!”
Afterwards some huge dogs came running up, they were barking; by them were (he and his pets) barked at. Up spoke some people, saying: “Wonder what may it be that they are barking at!”
Agaaji go gichi-animoshag bagamiba’idiwa (afterwards huge dogs came running up), miigiwa (they were barking); omiiginigowaa (they were barked at). Gii-giigidowan anishinaaben (some people spoke): “Wegodogwen naa megidamowaagwen igiw!” (“whatever can it be those (dogs) are barking at?”)
(37) “‘A‘a´ᵘ, sāsāgīngwäpạgisun, nintagakutcīcīm!”
“A’aw, zasaagiingwebagizon, nind-akakojiishiim!”
“Now, then, pop out your face, my woodchuck!”
“A’aw, zasaagiingwebagizon, nind-akakojiishiim!” (“now, pop out your face, my woodchuck!”) — zasaagiingwebagizo- ‘thrust the face out suddenly’, flagged
(38) Kägä‘t äjinōndāgusīt tci∙ä∙nigu‘k aᵉa´ᵘ aga‘kutcīcī. Madwägigitōwan inininiwan: “Kägōwītug āwanini mägitạmuwāt.”
Geget ezhi-noondaagozid ji-enigok a’aw akakojiish. Madwe-giigidowan ininiwan: “Gegoo-widog aawanini megidamowaad.”
Truly then with a very loud voice did the woodchuck make itself known. Then (the boy) heard the voice of a man saying: “There surely must be something there which they are barking at.”
Geget ezhi-noondaagozid ji-enigok a’aw akakojiish (truly the woodchuck made itself heard very loud). Madwe-giigidowan ininiwan (the voice of a man was heard): “Gegoo-widog aawanini megidamowaad.” (“there surely must be something they are barking at.”)
(39) “Mī∙i∙´ᵘ ningutci känijimātcāyān kāwīn gägō nindā∙i∙nābạtci∙ā∙sī ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ka‘kutcīci.”
“Mii i’iw ningoji ge-ani-zhi-maajaayaan gaawiin gegoo nindaa-izhi-aabaji’aasii a’aw akakojiish.”
“Therefore will I start off somewhere, for of no use now can I make this woodchuck.”
“Mii i’iw ningoji ge-ani-zhi-maajaayaan (“so I will go off somewhere) gaawiin gegoo nindaa-izhi-aabaji’aasii a’aw akakojiish.” (for I can make no use of this woodchuck.”)
(40) Kägä‘t mädwä∙i∙cimādcānit. Cigwa äjigīgitōnit pä‘kic miginit īni´ᵘ animucạn: “Ayāsä ogwisạn nimiginimānān.” Pä∙i∙jiwackigāpāwinit, mīsa undcita’ änigu‘k äjinōndāgusit aᵘ ka‘kutcīcī. Äjipīyāwasigwäyābit pa∙ī∙jipīndā‘kunaminit upāskisigạnini. Ānīc äcinawạtạtạnk aᵉa´ᵘ aka‘kutcīci, gīgitōwạn īni´ᵘ ininiwạn: “Ānīn kä∙ī∙cināgusit Ayāsä ogwisan?” Aᵘ ga‘kutcīcī mīnawa äci∙o∙tā‘kunaminit iᵘ pāckisigạnini. Mīsa iᵉi’ᵘ änicimādcānit, mīgu gayä iᵘ animucạn kīmạdwämādcānit.
Geget madwe-izhi-maajaanid. Zhigwa ezhi-giigidonid bekizh miginid iniw animoshan: “Ayaase ogwisan nimiiginimaanaan.” Be-izhi-washkigaabaawinid, mii sa onjida enigok ezhi-noondaagozid aw akakojiish. Ezhi-bii-aawasigweyaabid be-izhi-biindaakonaminid obaashkiziganini. Aaniish ezhi-nawadanang a’aw akakojiish, giigidowan iniw ininiwan: “Aaniin ge-izhi-naagozid Ayaase ogwisan?” Aw akakojiish miinawaa ezhi-odaakonaminid iw baashkiziganini. Mii sa i’iw ani-zhi-maajaanid, mii go gaye iw animoshan gii-madwe-maajaanid.
Truly then (he heard) the sound of them going away. Presently (he heard) some one speak, while at the same time the dog was barking: “At the son of Filcher-of-Meat are we barking.” When roundabout the other turned, then purposely with a loud voice did the woodchuck make itself heard. As it peeped through the ground, (it saw) some one thrusting in a gun. So, when the woodchuck seized it, up spoke the man, saying: “How is the son of Filcher-of-Meat going to look?” Then back from off the woodchuck (the man) took his gun. Thereupon then departed the man, and the sound of the dog was also heard going away.
Geget madwe-izhi-maajaanid (truly the sound of them going off was heard). Zhigwa ezhi-giigidonid bekizh miginid iniw animoshan (presently one spoke while the dog kept barking): “Ayaase ogwisan nimiiginimaanaan.” (“it is at Filcher-of-Meat’s son we are barking.”) Be-izhi-washkigaabaawinid (when the other turned about), mii sa onjida enigok ezhi-noondaagozid aw akakojiish (on purpose the woodchuck made itself loud). Ezhi-bii-aawasigweyaabid be-izhi-biindaakonaminid obaashkiziganini (as it peeped through the ground, someone was thrusting in a gun). Aaniish ezhi-nawadanang a’aw akakojiish (when the woodchuck seized it), giigidowan iniw ininiwan (the man spoke): “Aaniin ge-izhi-naagozid Ayaase ogwisan?” (“how is Filcher-of-Meat’s son going to look?”) Aw akakojiish miinawaa ezhi-odaakonaminid iw baashkiziganini (the woodchuck let go of the gun again). Mii sa i’iw ani-zhi-maajaanid (then the man departed), mii go gaye iw animoshan gii-madwe-maajaanid (and the dog too was heard going off).
(41) “‘A‘a´ᵘ, mādāni‘kän! Päcu mī∙i∙mā undcipa‘pāni‘kän.” Kā‘pa‘pāni‘känit äjisāga∙a∙mowāt. “Mīsa iᵘ kīkạbi‘kạmạnk mini‘k mạdcimạnidōg äyāwāt.” Änicimādcāwāt, näyāp mīnawā äcipindōmut ini‘ uda‘ka‘kutcīcimạn. Ā‘pitci päcu ändāwāt. Ānīc ki‘tci∙ō∙däna. Cigwa udäbābandānāwa ududänawiwā. Äjitạgwicinōwāt. Ayāsä nōndạm ugwisisạn tạgwicininit. Äjipīpāgit Ayāsä: “Anicinābätug! ningwisis mạdwätạgwicin. Awägwän ucki∙a∙ya∙ī äyāgwän ogạni∙ā∙‘pạgitōn i∙i∙māⁿ käbī∙i∙cita‘kukīt. Māgicā pigwasitäcinūtug. Kayädạc kitutāwāgạniwāg a‘pạgini‘k käbīcitagu‘kit aᵘ ningwisis.”
“A’aw, maadaaniken! Besho mii imaa onji-baapaaniken.” Gaa-baapaanikenid ezhi-zaaga’amowaad. “Mii sa iw gii-gaabikamang minik maji-manidoog eyaawaad.” Ani-zhi-maajaawaad, neyaab miinawaa ezhi-biindoomod iniw od-akakojiishiman. Aapiji besho endaawaad. Aaniish gichi-oodena. Zhigwa odebaabandaanaawaa odoodenawiwaa. Ezhi-dagwishinowaad. Ayaase noondam ogwisan dagwishininid. Ezhi-biibaagid Ayaase: “Anishinaabedog! ningwisis madwe-dagwishin. Awegwen oshki-ayi’ii eyaagwen ogani-aapagidoon i’iw imaa ge-bi-izhi-dakokid. Maagizhaa bigwazideshinodog. Gaye dash gidoodaawaaganiwag apaginik ge-bi-izhi-dakokid aw ningwisis.”
“Come, keep on digging the hole! Near (is) the place where you shall go up to the surface.” When (the woodchuck) had dug through to the surface, then out they came. “Therefore now have we passed where all the evil manitous are.” When on their way they continued, then back into the bosom of his garment he put that woodchuck of his. Very close was where they lived. Now, (it was) a great town. Presently they came in sight of their town. Then they arrived. Filcher-of-Meat heard that his son had arrived. Then with a loud voice called Filcher-of-Meat: “O ye people! the news is that my son has arrived. Whosoever has anything new shall throw it in the path where (my son) is to step. Perhaps his feet may be sore. And your treasured goods do you also fling in the path where my son is to step.”
“A’aw, maadaaniken! (“come, keep digging!) Besho mii imaa onji-baapaaniken.” (near here is where you go up.”) Gaa-baapaanikenid ezhi-zaaga’amowaad (when it dug through, out they came). “Mii sa iw gii-gaabikamang minik maji-manidoog eyaawaad.” (“so now we have passed all the evil manitous.”) Ani-zhi-maajaawaad (as they went on), neyaab miinawaa ezhi-biindoomod iniw od-akakojiishiman (he put his woodchuck back in his bosom). Aapiji besho endaawaad (very near was their home). Aaniish gichi-oodena (now, a great town). Zhigwa odebaabandaanaawaa odoodenawiwaa (presently they sighted their town). Ezhi-dagwishinowaad (then they arrived). Ayaase noondam ogwisan dagwishininid (Filcher-of-Meat heard his son had come). Ezhi-biibaagid Ayaase (Filcher-of-Meat called aloud): “Anishinaabedog! ningwisis madwe-dagwishin. (“O people! my son has arrived. ) Awegwen oshki-ayi’ii eyaagwen ogani-aapagidoon i’iw imaa ge-bi-izhi-dakokid (whoever has anything new, fling it where he is to step). Maagizhaa bigwazideshinodog (perhaps his feet may be sore). Gaye dash gidoodaawaaganiwag apaginik ge-bi-izhi-dakokid aw ningwisis.” (and your treasured goods too, fling them where my son is to step.”)
(42) Kägä‘t ạnicinābäg ạnō‘kätcigạn wänicicinig äni∙i∙ci∙ā∙‘pạgitōwāt ayā‘pī käbīcita‘kukīnit nanāsawaya∙ī∙ iyutatāwāgạniwā. Mīsa nāsāp ‘iᵉi´ᵘ äcitcigäwāt ayā‘pī käbīcitạgu‘kīnit ani∙a∙‘pạgināwāt.
Geget anishinaabeg anokaajigan wenizhishinig ani-izhi-aapagidoowaad ayaapii ge-bi-izhi-dakokinid nanaasawayi’ii iyo-adaawaaganiwaa. Mii sa naasaab i’iw ezhi-jigewaad ayaapii ge-bi-izhi-dagokinid ani-apaginaawaad.
In truth, did the people then cast the goods that were nice along the path where he was to walk, (placing them in such a way that) at every other step (he walked upon one of) their treasured goods. And so they all did the same thing by placing one after another their purchased goods along the path where he was to step.
Geget anishinaabeg anokaajigan wenizhishinig ani-izhi-aapagidoowaad (truly the people flung their fine goods) ayaapii ge-bi-izhi-dakokinid (along where he was to step, at every other pace) nanaasawayi’ii iyo-adaawaaganiwaa (their treasured purchased goods). Mii sa naasaab i’iw ezhi-jigewaad (and they all did the same) ayaapii ge-bi-izhi-dagokinid ani-apaginaawaad (placing them one after another along his path).
(43) “‘Āᵘ, mī∙i∙´ᵘ käbī∙i∙cimādcāt ningwīsis!”
“Aw, mii i’iw ge-bi-izhi-maajaad ningwizis!”
“Now, therefore, let my son come on!”
“Aw, mii i’iw ge-bi-izhi-maajaad ningwizis!” (“now, let my son come on!”)
(44) Kägä‘t aᵉa∙i∙nini änijimādcāt. Kägä‘tsa kāwīn minwändaⁿzī a∙a∙inini nä‘tạmickạnk iᵘ ano‘kātcigạn. Ningutci uticiwäbickān. Mīnawā utawāgạnạn ningutci uticiwäbickawān äjikīgitut a∙inini: “Kägä‘t pī‘tcā kī∙a∙winagata∙u∙t aᵉa’ᵘ nōs. Nabāwicina nindāwipigusitäcin? Anicā nīn aᵉaᵘ nimāmā pa∙u∙ndcikīwäyān.” Animādcā nạci‘kä. Äjiwâbạmāt ogīn pingwācāgit cingicininit, ā‘pidci kāwīn gägō uckīciguni.
Geget a’aw inini ani-zhi-maajaad. Geget sa gaawiin minwendanzii a’aw inini netamishkang iw anokaajigan. Ningoji odichiwebishkaan. Miinawaa odadaawaaganan ningoji odichiwebishkawaan ezhi-giigidod a’aw inini: “Geget biichaa gii-awi-nagada’od a’aw noos. Naabawishina nindaa-wii-bigozideshin? Aanizhaa niin a’aw nimaamaa bi-onji-giiweyaan.” Ani-maajaa nashike. Ezhi-waabamaad ogiin bingwaazaagid zhingishininid, aapiji gaawiin gegoo oshkiizhigoni.
Sure enough, the man then started along. Truly displeased was the man with the first treasure that he stepped upon. To one side he kicked it. Another of the treasured goods aside he kicked. Then up spoke the man, saying: “Truly very far on the water did my father leave me. Pray, why should my feet become sore for having walked thus far? Only for the sake of my mother have I returned home.” On his way he continued alone. When he beheld his mother nude as she lay, (he saw that) she was entirely without any eyes.
Geget a’aw inini ani-zhi-maajaad (sure enough the man started along). Geget sa gaawiin minwendanzii a’aw inini netamishkang iw anokaajigan (truly displeased was he with the first treasure he stepped on). Ningoji odichiwebishkaan (he kicked it aside). Miinawaa odadaawaaganan ningoji odichiwebishkawaan (another treasured thing he kicked aside) ezhi-giigidod a’aw inini (and the man spoke): “Geget biichaa gii-awi-nagada’od a’aw noos (“truly far out on the water my father left me). Naabawishina nindaa-wii-bigozideshin? (why should my feet be sore from walking so far?) Aanizhaa niin a’aw nimaamaa bi-onji-giiweyaan.” (only for my mother’s sake have I come home.”) Ani-maajaa nashike (on he went alone). Ezhi-waabamaad ogiin bingwaazaagid zhingishininid (when he saw his mother lying bare), aapiji gaawiin gegoo oshkiizhigoni (she was utterly without eyes).
(45) Mī nangwạna iᵘ Ayāsä mạwinit wīwạn. Ningutc ogīwā‘pạginān; äcikạcki‘tōt ugī∙u∙pa‘ki‘tä∙o∙wān īni´ᵘ wīwạn.
Mii nangwana iw Ayaase mawinid wiiwan. Ningoji ogii-waapaginaan; ezhi-gashkitood ogii-o-bakite’owan iniw wiiwan.
It was so that the wife of Filcher-of-Meat was weeping. Into a certain place he had flung her; as hard as he could he had beaten his wife.
Mii nangwana iw Ayaase mawinid wiiwan (it was that Filcher-of-Meat’s wife was weeping). Ningoji ogii-waapaginaan (he had flung her into a certain place); ezhi-gashkitood ogii-o-bakite’owan iniw wiiwan (as hard as he could he had beaten his wife).
(46) Mīdạc i∙i∙ äjikanōnat a∙a∙u inini: “Nīngä, ānīn wīn iᵉi’ᵘ wändcicināgusiyan?”
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-ganoonaad a’aw inini: “Ninge, aaniin wiin i’iw wenji-zhinaagoziyan?”
Accordingly then to her spoke the man, saying: “O my mother! what is the matter, that you should look so?”
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-ganoonaad a’aw inini (then the man spoke to her): “Ninge, aaniin wiin i’iw wenji-zhinaagoziyan?” (“my mother, why is it that you look so?”)
(47) “Kā, kawīn kiwâbamisinōn. Ningīpāpāckāba∙u∙‘k aᵘ kōs.”
“Gaa, gaawiin giwaabamisinoon. Ningii-baabaashkaaba’ok aw goos.”
“Oh, I cannot see you. I have had my eyes punched through by your father.”
“Gaa, gaawiin giwaabamisinoon (“no, I cannot see you). Ningii-baabaashkaaba’ok aw goos.” (your father has punched my eyes through.”) — baabaashkaaba’- ‘punch out the eyes’, flagged
(48) “Wägunän dạc iᵉi’ᵘ kā∙u∙ndcitutawik?”
“Wegonen dash i’iw gaa-onji-doodawik?”
“Why did he do that to you?”
“Wegonen dash i’iw gaa-onji-doodawik?” (“why did he do that to you?”)
(49) “Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ mawiminān kā∙u∙ndcitōtawit.”
“Mii sa i’iw mawiminaan gaa-onji-doodawid.”
“That I had wept for you was why he did it to me.”
“Mii sa i’iw mawiminaan gaa-onji-doodawid.” (“it was because I wept for you that he did it to me.”)
(50) “Ningä, kīnayä‘tạgu kigīmaᵘ?”
“Ninge, giinetago gigiimaw?”
“My mother, were you the only one to weep?”
“Ninge, giinetago gigiimaw?” (“my mother, were you the only one to weep for me?”)
(51) “Kāwīn, mīsa gayä wīn aᵉa´ᵘ tīndīsi kāmawimi‘k; kayädac wâguc kigīmawimi‘k; kayä aᵉa´ᵘ papa‘kwānātcī kigīmawimi‘k. Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ mini‘k kāmawimi‘kwā.”
“Gaawiin, mii sa gaye wiin a’aw diindiisi gaa-mawimik; gaye dash waagosh gigiimawimik; gaye a’aw apakwaanaaji gigiimawimik. Mii sa i’iw minik gaa-mawimikwaa.”
“No, it was also the bluejay that wept for you; and the fox wept for you; and the bat wept for you. Such was the number of them that wept for you.”
“Gaawiin, mii sa gaye wiin a’aw diindiisi gaa-mawimik (“no, the bluejay also wept for you); gaye dash waagosh gigiimawimik (and the fox wept for you); gaye a’aw apakwaanaaji gigiimawimik (and the bat wept for you). Mii sa i’iw minik gaa-mawimikwaa.” (such is the number that wept for you.”)
(52) “Ningä, mīgu imā cacīngicinin a‘kawä nibi ningạnạntawâbạndān.” Kägä‘t äcimādcāt, nibi cigwasa upīdon. “Tạga, ningä, kīwī‘kīzībīginin.” Äjimādci‘tāt kīzībīgināt ugīn. Ā‘pidci kā‘pinābāwanāt, misa’ kāwīn ugạckitōsīnini uckīciguni. Mīdạc i∙i∙u päjig äjipōdātạnk i uckīciguni, mīdạc i∙i∙u kīwâbinit. Käyābi päji‘k uskīciguni ugīpōtātạmawān; mīsa iᵘ gīwâbinit. Kā∙i∙cināsi‘kank uda∙i∙ī∙mini kīpitcikunayä∙ā∙t iniyōgīn. Kā∙i∙cisagini‘känāt kā∙i∙cikīwäwināt. Pāndigạnāt, “Kägu´, nōs, mīnawā wī‘kā kägō tōtawā‘kän aᵘ nimāmā!”
“Ninge, mii go imaa zhazhingishinin akawe nibi ninga-nandawaabandaan.” Geget ezhi-maajaad, nibi zhigwa sa obiidoon. “Daga, ninge, giwii-giziibiiginin.” Ezhi-maajiitaad giziibiiginaad ogiin. Aapiji gaa-bii-naabaawanaad, mii sa gaawiin ogashkitoosiinini oshkiizhigoni. Mii dash i’iw bezhig ezhi-boodaatang i’iw oshkiizhigoni, mii dash i’iw gii-waabinid. Geyaabi bezhig oshkiizhigoni ogii-boodaatamawaan; mii sa iw gii-waabinid. Gaa-izhi-naazikang odayi’iimini gii-biichigonaye’aad iniw ogiin. Gaa-izhi-zaginikenaad gaa-izhi-giiwewinaad. Baandiganaad, “Gego, noos, miinawaa wiikaa gegoo doodawaaken aw nimaamaa!”
“My mother, in that very spot do you continue to lie till I first go seek for water.” Truly, when he departed, presently some water he fetched. “Now, my mother, I want to bathe you.” Then he set to work bathing his mother. After he had bathed her very clean, unable was she yet (to see) with her eyes. And so, when he breathed upon one of her eyes, she then could see. Upon her other eye he breathed; accordingly then she saw. When he had fetched her garments, he clothed his mother. After he had taken her by the arm, he then fetched her home. When he led her in, (he said,) “Don’t, my father, don’t you ever again do so to my mother!”
“Ninge, mii go imaa zhazhingishinin akawe nibi ninga-nandawaabandaan.” (“my mother, just lie there till I first go seek water.”) Geget ezhi-maajaad, nibi zhigwa sa obiidoon (truly he went, and soon brought water). “Daga, ninge, giwii-giziibiiginin.” (“now, my mother, I want to wash you.”) Ezhi-maajiitaad giziibiiginaad ogiin (he set to bathing his mother). Aapiji gaa-bii-naabaawanaad, mii sa gaawiin ogashkitoosiinini oshkiizhigoni (after he washed her clean, still she could not see with her eyes). Mii dash i’iw bezhig ezhi-boodaatang i’iw oshkiizhigoni, mii dash i’iw gii-waabinid (when he breathed on one of her eyes, she could see). Geyaabi bezhig oshkiizhigoni ogii-boodaatamawaan; mii sa iw gii-waabinid (on the other eye he breathed too, and she saw). Gaa-izhi-naazikang odayi’iimini gii-biichigonaye’aad iniw ogiin (he fetched her garments and clothed his mother). Gaa-izhi-zaginikenaad gaa-izhi-giiwewinaad (he took her by the arm and led her home). Baandiganaad (leading her in he said), “Gego, noos, miinawaa wiikaa gegoo doodawaaken aw nimaamaa!” (“do not, my father, ever do such a thing to my mother again!”)
(53) Cigwadạc anitibi‘kạtini. Kägä‘t nickātisi. Cigwadạc kawicimu kätibi‘kạtinig. Cigwa pītābạbini äjinagamut:—
Zhigwa dash ani-dibikadini. Geget nishkaadizi. Zhigwa dash gawishimo gaa-dibikadinig. Zhigwa biidaabani ezhi-nagamod:—
In a while the night was coming on. Truly angry was the youth. And in time he went to bed, when it had become dark. In due time came the dawn, when he then began to sing:—
Zhigwa dash ani-dibikadini (in a while the night was coming). Geget nishkaadizi (truly angry was the youth). Zhigwa dash gawishimo gaa-dibikadinig (in time he lay down when it was dark). Zhigwa biidaabani ezhi-nagamod (when the dawn came he began to sing):—
(54) “Nōngum nibi tasa‘kidä,
Mīgu gayä iya‘ki tcisa‘kitäk.
Mīdac ä‘ta īgi´ⁿ kāmawimiwāt käbimādisiwāt.”
“Nōngum nibi tasa‘kidä,
Mīgu gayä iya‘ki tcisa‘kitäk.
Mīdac ä‘ta īgi´ⁿ kāmawimiwāt käbimādisiwāt.”
“This day shall water burn,
And the earth shall also catch on fire.
And then only they that wept for me shall live.”
“Nōngum nibi tasa‘kidä” (line 1: “this day shall the water burn”); “Mīgu gayä iya‘ki tcisa‘kitäk” (line 2: “and the earth too shall catch fire”); “Mīdac ä‘ta īgi´ⁿ kāmawimiwāt käbimādisiwāt” (line 3: “and only they who wept for me shall live” — SONG, carried verbatim in both layers, not converted, merge-excluded; the sung prophecy of the fire-judgment).
(55) Ina∙ạ∙m äci∙ạ∙mạtcimāt īniyōsạn.
Inaa’am ezhi-amajimaad iniw osan.
Thus he sang as he woke up his father (by the sound of his song).
Inaa’am ezhi-amajimaad iniw osan (thus he sang, waking his father with the song). — inaa’am ‘he sings thus’; amaji- ‘wake someone’, flagged
(56) Omạdwä gạnōnigōn ōsạn: “Kāwīn tā∙i∙ciwäbạsinōn. Ānīn a‘pī kāsa‘kitäg i∙i∙ᵘ nibi? Kāmawin kīmi‘kawisī, ningwisis. Kītinigāntān kīya´ᵘ.”
Omadwe-ganoonigoon osan: “Gaawiin daa-izhiwebasinoon. Aaniin apii gaa-zaakideg i’iw nibi? Gaawiin maawiin gimikawisii, ningwizis. Gidinigaandaan giiyaw.”
He heard the voice of his father speaking to him: “It will not happen. When has it been that water burned? You cannot possibly be in your right mind, my dear son. You are doing ill to yourself.”
Omadwe-ganoonigoon osan (he heard his father speaking to him): “Gaawiin daa-izhiwebasinoon (“it will not happen). Aaniin apii gaa-zaakideg i’iw nibi? (when has water ever burned?) Gaawiin maawiin gimikawisii, ningwizis (you cannot be in your right mind, my son). Gidinigaandaan giiyaw.” (you are doing yourself harm.”)
(57) Aci∙u∙nickāt aᵉawinini. Ubīgwa‘kōn nīcininiwạn, gakīnwā‘kwạnwīn; ā‘pitci sasägātcigātäniwạn kayä ini‘ umi‘tigwâbīn. Äjisāga∙ạ∙nk äjipīpāgit: “Anicinābätug! nōngum kaka‘kāntänimiyäg kinibom.” Äci∙i∙na∙ä∙t micawạgām. Kā‘pạngisininig upigwa‘k äjinawạtitänik iᵉi’ᵘ nipi.
Ezhi-onishkaad a’aw inini. Obigwakoon niizhininiwan, gakiinwaakwanwiin; aapiji zasegaajigaadeniwan gaye iniw omitigwaabiin. Ezhi-zaaga’ang ezhi-biibaagid: “Anishinaabedog! noongom gaa-ga’aandenimiyeg giniboom.” Ezhi-ina’aad mishawagaam. Gaa-bangisininig obigwak ezhi-nawatitenig i’iw nibi.
Then up rose the man (from his couch). Two arrows he had, they were spear-like; very handsomely adorned also was that bow of his. When he went outside, he then called aloud: “O ye people! now shall die (all) you who rejoiced in my misfortune.” Then he let fly an arrow far out upon the water. When his arrow fell, then the water caught on fire.
Ezhi-onishkaad a’aw inini (then the man rose). Obigwakoon niizhininiwan, gakiinwaakwanwiin (two arrows he had, spear-like ones); aapiji zasegaajigaadeniwan gaye iniw omitigwaabiin (and very handsomely adorned was his bow). Ezhi-zaaga’ang ezhi-biibaagid (going outside he called aloud): “Anishinaabedog! noongom gaa-ga’aandenimiyeg giniboom.” (“O people! now shall you who rejoiced in my misfortune die.”) Ezhi-ina’aad mishawagaam (he shot an arrow far out on the water). Gaa-bangisininig obigwak ezhi-nawatitenig i’iw nibi (when his arrow fell, the water caught fire).
(58) Sāgitcisäwạg ạnicinābäg, kāmiskwa‘kunänig iᵉi´ᵘ nipi. Kägä‘t sägisiwạg anicinābäg.
Zaagijisewag anishinaabeg, gaa-miskwaagonenig i’iw nibi. Geget zegiziwag anishinaabeg.
Out of doors rushed the people, for in a red blaze was the water. Truly frightened were the people.
Zaagijisewag anishinaabeg (out rushed the people), gaa-miskwaagonenig i’iw nibi (for the water was in a red blaze). Geget zegiziwag anishinaabeg (truly the people were afraid).
(59) Mīnawā päcig iyōpigwa‘k nō‘piming äcīna∙ä∙t. Kāpạngisininig i∙i∙wisa ūpīgwa‘k, mī nāsāp äcipiskạnänig. Ā‘tā´, kägä‘t kīciyākitäni! Owâbạndānāwa anicinābäg. Mīsa miziwä, cigwasa miziwä kinawạtitäni. Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ äcipīpāgit: “Kāmawimīyäg o∙o∙māⁿ ijāyu‘k! Kayä aᵉa´ᵘ nīmāmā tạbimātisi.”
Miinawaa bezhig iyo-bigwak noopiming ezhi-ina’aad. Gaa-bangisininig i’iwisa obigwak, mii naasaab ezhi-biskanenig. Aataa, geget gizhiyaakideni! Owaabandaanaawaa anishinaabeg. Mii sa miziwe, zhigwa sa miziwe gii-nawatitenig. Mii dash i’iw ezhi-biibaagid: “Gaa-mawimiyeg o’omaa izhaayok! Gaye a’aw nimaamaa daa-bimaadizi.”
His other arrow he let fly inland. When yonder arrow of his had fallen, then in the same way up blazed the fire. Ah, in truth, swiftly sped the fire! The people saw it. It was everywhere, and presently it went burning everywhere. Thereupon then he called aloud: “You who wept for me, come you hither! And my mother shall also live.”
Miinawaa bezhig iyo-bigwak noopiming ezhi-ina’aad (his other arrow he shot inland). Gaa-bangisininig i’iwisa obigwak, mii naasaab ezhi-biskanenig (when that arrow fell, the fire blazed up the same way). Aataa, geget gizhiyaakideni! (ah, truly swiftly the fire sped!) Owaabandaanaawaa anishinaabeg (the people saw it). Mii sa miziwe, zhigwa sa miziwe gii-nawatitenig (it was everywhere, presently burning everywhere). Mii dash i’iw ezhi-biibaagid (then he called aloud): “Gaa-mawimiyeg o’omaa izhaayok! (“you who wept for me, come here!) Gaye a’aw nimaamaa daa-bimaadizi.” (and my mother too shall live.”)
(60) Mīdạc o∙o∙ äcinībuwāt.
Mii dash o’ow ezhi-niboowaad.
And this was the way they died.
Mii dash o’ow ezhi-niboowaad (and this is the way they died).
(61) Cigwa ōsạn pīdcipa‘tōwạn. “Ningwisis, ānīn gätiyān? Mānu ningawipimātis!”
Zhigwa osan biiji-batoowan. “Ningwizis, aaniin ge-diyan? Maanoo ninga-wii-bimaadiz!”
In a while then came his father running. “My dear son, what will happen to me? Do let me live!”
Zhigwa osan biiji-batoowan (in a while his father came running). “Ningwizis, aaniin ge-diyan? (“my son, what will become of me?) Maanoo ninga-wii-bimaadiz!” (let me live, I pray!”)
(62) “Nōs, imā kī‘pimitawising, mīnāⁿ pīndigäyu‘k.”
“Noos, imaa gii-bimidawising, miinaa biindigeyok.”
“My father, over there in the vacant space (away from the fire), there you (and the rest) enter.”
“Noos, imaa gii-bimidawising, miinaa biindigeyok.” (“my father, there in the clear space, go in there.”) — bimidawising ‘where it lies open/clear (free of fire)’, flagged
(63) Kägä‘t äcipīndigäwāt. Āyāsä mānu tcitagupimātisit. Kägät cigwa ickwā‘kitäni imāⁿ nibawiwāt pīnäwitcīt ändacagōtäg.
Geget ezhi-biindigewaad. Ayaase maanoo ji-da-gobimaadizid. Geget zhigwa ishkwaakideni imaa nibawiwaad binewi-jiid endazh-agoodeg.
To be sure, then (there) they entered. Filcher-of-Meat, however, was permitted to live with the rest of them. In truth, then the spot where free from the fire they stood was where the buttocks of the ruffed grouse hung aloft.
Geget ezhi-biindigewaad (sure enough, they entered there). Ayaase maanoo ji-da-gobimaadizid (Filcher-of-Meat was let live along with the rest). Geget zhigwa ishkwaakideni imaa nibawiwaad (truly the fire ceased where they stood) binewi-jiid endazh-agoodeg ((and there is) the rump of the ruffed grouse, hanging aloft — the closing that leaves the wondering to the listener).