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.
MẠZININIⁿS.
MAZINIINENS.
LITTLE-IMAGE.
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) Wâbạnunk wändạbit mạnidō niwītibātcimā, aᵉa‘ᵘ mạzininiⁿs mī∙i∙´ᵘ äjini‘kāsut. Wīn mạzininīⁿs kāwīn wī‘kā wīsinisī. Iwidạc omāⁿ a‘kīng kī‘pīcāgubạnän mī∙i∙´ᵘ wātibātutạmōwag udai∙ī∙ntōwạn. Cigwasa kī‘pimādcā wīwâbạndạnk ō a‘ki. Tägwicink o∙ō∙wa‘ki cigwa ugīwâbạndān zāga∙i∙gạn; owâbạmā iᵉi‘ᵘ abinōdcīyaᵉ ma‘kạdä‘känit, picicig ạbinōdciyaᵉ. Uda‘kawā∙a∙ᵉ tci∙ạ∙nigu‘pīnit. Kāwīn dạc nāngîm ickwā‘tāsiwaᵉ; ānīc ạnōdcigu icictcigäwaᵉ; kạgwätcigạnitiwaᵉ. Cigwasa nāwa‘kwänig ạnigu‘pīwaᵉ kīwänit. Ka‘kina kānimādcānit äcimādcāt ijāt imā kā‘tana‘kamạgisinit; owâbạndān ā‘pidci cōⁿcā‘kwạtinig. Mīdạc imāⁿ äcimōni‘kät imäⁿ kā‘tana‘kạmigạtinig äcinīngwa∙u∙tisut.
Waabanong wendabid manidoo niwii-dibaajimaa, a’aw maziniinens mii iw ezhinikaazod. Wiin maziniinens gaawiin wiikaa wiisinisii. Iwidash omaa akiing gii-bi-izhaagoban mii iw waa-dibaadodamowaan odayi’iindowan. Zhigwa sa gii-bi-maajaa wii-waabandang o’ow aki. Dagwishing o’ow aki zhigwa ogii-waabandaan zaaga’igan; owaabamaa iniw abinoojiiyag makadekenid, bizhishig abinoojiiyag. Odakawa’an ji-ani-gopiinid. Gaawiin dash naangim ishkwaataasiiwag; aaniish anooj igo izhichigewag; gagwejiganidiwag. Zhigwa sa naawakwenig ani-gopiiwag giiwenid. Gakina gaa-ni-maajaanid ezhi-maajaad izhaad imaa gaa-danakamigizinid; owaabandaan aapiji zhoonzhaakwadinig. Mii dash imaa ezhi-mooniked imaa gaa-danakamigadinig ezhi-ningwa’odizod.**
About the manitou that looks from the east I intend to tell, of Little-Image, for such was he called. Now, Little-Image never ate. And concerning the things he did when he came here upon earth is what I am now going to relate. Now, hither he started out of desire to see this earth. When he arrived at this earth, he then saw a lake; he beheld some children that were fasting, a vast number of children. He waited for them to go up from the lake. Not till after a long while did they make an end of their fasting; all sorts of things were they doing; they were running foot-races one with another. When it was noon, then went they up from the lake bound for home. When they had all departed, then went he over to the place where they had been playing; he saw that the ice was very smooth. And when he dug a hole at the place where they had been playing, he then covered himself up.
Waabanong wendabid manidoo (the manitou who sits/looks from the east) niwii-dibaajimaa (I intend to tell of), a’aw maziniinens (that Little-Image) mii iw ezhinikaazod (for so he was called). Wiin maziniinens gaawiin wiikaa wiisinisii (Little-Image himself never ate). Iwidash omaa akiing gii-bi-izhaagoban (and here to this earth he once came) mii iw waa-dibaadodamowaan odayi’iindowan (and that is what I am going to relate, the things he did — segmentation flagged). Zhigwa sa gii-bi-maajaa (now then he set out hither) wii-waabandang o’ow aki (wishing to see this earth). Dagwishing o’ow aki (when he arrived at this earth) zhigwa ogii-waabandaan zaaga’igan (then he saw a lake); owaabamaa iniw abinoojiiyag (he beheld those children) makadekenid (who were fasting — stem flagged), bizhishig abinoojiiyag (a great many children). Odakawa’an (he waited for them) ji-ani-gopiinid (to go up — flagged). Gaawiin dash naangim* (and not soon — flagged) ishkwaataasiiwag (did they end their fasting); aaniish anooj igo izhichigewag (now, all sorts of things they did); gagwejiganidiwag (they ran races against one another — stem flagged). Zhigwa sa naawakwenig (now, when it was noon) ani-gopiiwag giiwenid (with all speed up they went heading home — flagged). Gakina gaa-ni-maajaanid (after they had all gone off) ezhi-maajaad izhaad imaa gaa-danakamigizinid (then off he went to where they had been playing); owaabandaan aapiji zhoonzhaakwadinig* (he saw the ice was very smooth — stem flagged). Mii dash imaa ezhi-mooniked (and so there he dug a hole) imaa gaa-danakamigadinig (at the place where they had been playing) ezhi-ningwa’odizod (then he covered himself up).
(2) Cigwa wänāgucininig pībā‘piwaᵉ mạdwämāta‘kamigisiwaᵉ. Cigwa kägā pimida‘ku‘kānā. Ningutingigu äcita‘ku‘kānit mạdwägīgitōwạn: “Awīya nīnda‘ku‘kāna.” Äcimūna∙u∙nt, mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ äcimi‘kwāgunä∙u∙nt. Äcipạsigwīt, kägätsa päciginiᵘ kistcī∙i∙ninīwiwạn, ā‘pidcigu ozāgī∙i∙gōn. Mīgu iᵉi´ᵘ äjījkwā‘tānit mägwā gạgwätci kaciwänit. “Nīdcī,” udinān; “ānīn wīnā kīma‘kadä‘käwāt ugō´ᵘ abinōtciyạg?”
Zhigwa wenagoshinig bii-baapiwag madwe-maadakamigiziwag. Zhigwa geget bimidakokaanaa. Ningoding igo ezhi-dakokaanid madwe-giigidowan: “Awiya nindakokaanaa.” Ezhi-moona’ond, mii iw ezhi-mikwegone’ond. Ezhi-bazigwiid, geget sa bezhig iniw gichi-ininiwiwan, aapiji go ozaagi’igoon. Mii go izhi ezhi-ishkwaataanid megwaa gagweji-gaazhiwenid. “Niijii,” odinaan; “aaniin wiinaa gii-makadekewaad ogow abinoojiiyag?”
When it was evening, (he heard them) as they came laughing (and) as they began playing. Presently they almost tramped him under foot. When once they stepped upon him, he heard one say: “Upon somebody have I stepped.” Then he was uncovered, and it was in the snow that he was found. When he rose to his feet, there, in truth, (he beheld) a full-grown man among them, and by him he was much liked. Accordingly then (the man) ceased playing, while the others continued racing. “My friend,” he said to him, “why have these children blackened (themselves)?”
Zhigwa wenagoshinig (now when it grew evening) bii-baapiwag (they came laughing) madwe-maadakamigiziwag (they were heard beginning to play). Zhigwa geget bimidakokaanaa (now truly they nearly trod over him — stem flagged). Ningoding igo ezhi-dakokaanid (once when one stepped on him) madwe-giigidowan (one was heard to speak): “Awiya nindakokaanaa.” (“on somebody have I stepped.”) Ezhi-moona’ond (then he was dug/uncovered — passive; stem flagged), mii iw ezhi-mikwegone’ond (and so it was in the snow he was found — stem flagged). Ezhi-bazigwiid (when he rose up), geget sa bezhig (truly indeed one) kistci∙i∙niniwiwan (a full-grown man — flagged), aapiji go ozaagi’igoon (and by him he was much liked). Mii go izhi ezhi-ishkwaataanid (and so then that one ceased) megwaa gagweji-gaazhiwenit (while the rest were racing — stem flagged). “Niijii,” odinaan (“my friend,” he said to him); “aaniin wiinaa gii-makadekewaad ogow abinoojiiyag?” (“why then have these children blackened themselves? — stem flagged”)
(3) “Kā, nīdcī, nīwī‘kagwänạgạtciba∙i∙timin, o∙o∙ kīwâbạmiyāng kagwätciganitiyānk. Kiwâbạmāk ogō´ᵘ ạbinōtcīyạg mīgu bā‘pic mini‘k äckunạnigōyānk. Ninda‘tāgämin; kīcpin pa‘kināgōyānk ninīwạna∙o∙gōmin,—nạgạnint kīcpîn. Ma‘kwagidạc ningagwạtcikạnānānig. Mäwicagu nōsinābạnīg kī‘kidạmwāwạg, kayä īgi´ᵘ ningänānig. Mīdạc ä‘tạgu iᵘ mini‘k wayābạmạtwā ạbinōdcīyạg äckunạnitwā. Wâbạngidac mī∙i∙‘ᵘ mīnawā ugagạgwätcikạniguwān. Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ kā∙u∙ndciwâbạmạtwā ma‘kadä‘käwād īgi´ᵘ ạbinōtcīyạg; kī∙ī∙gucimōwạg īgi‘ᵘ ạbinōdcīyạg ānawipawādamāsuwāt kä∙u∙ndcipimādisiwāt. Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ mini‘k änātcimu‘tōnān.”
“Gaa, niijii, niwii-gagwe-nagachi-ba’idimin, o’ow gi-waabamiyaang gagwejiganidiyaang. Gi-waabamaag ogow abinoojiiyag mii go baabiizh minik eshkonanigooyaang*. Ninda-daagemin; giishpin bakinaagooyaang niniiwana’oogomin,—naganind giishpin. Makwag idash nin-gagwe-jiganaanaanig. Mewizha go noosinaabaniig gii-gidamwaawag, gaye igiw ningenaanig. Mii dash eta go iw minik waabamadwaa abinoojiiyag eshkonanidwaa*. Waabang idash mii iw miinawaa ogagwejiganigowaan. Mii iw gaa-onji-waabamadwaa makadekewaad igiw abinoojiiyag; gii-igoozhimowag igiw abinoojiiyag anawi-bawaadamaazowaad gaa-onji-bimaadiziwaad. Mii iw minik enaajimodonaan.”
“Why, my friend, we are in training together to know how to run, this number of us whom you see running foot-races with one another. You now behold these children, and that is all that is left of us. We are in a contest; if we are beaten, then we are slain,— that is, the one beaten in the race (is slain). Now with the bears are we racing. And long ago our fathers of old were eaten up, so too our mothers. Therefore this number of children whom you see is all that is left of them. And to-morrow they will be entered into another race. That is why you see the children painted black; in a fast are the children, that by so doing they may dream of what shall give them life. This is all that I have to tell you.”
“Gaa, niijii (“why, my friend), niwii-gagwe-nagachi-ba’idimin (we are training to be able to outrun in the race — fused stem flagged), o’ow gi-waabamiyaang gagwejiganidiyaang (this number of us you see racing one another). Gi-waabamaag ogow abinoojiiyag (you see these children) mii go baabiizh minik eshkonanigooyaang* (and that is all that is left of us — stem flagged). Ninda-daagemin (we are in a contest); giishpin bakinaagooyaang niniiwana’oogomin (if we are beaten, we are slain),—naganind giishpin (the one beaten, if so). Makwag idash nin-gagwe-jiganaanaanig (and with the bears we are racing). Mewizha go noosinaabaniig gii-gidamwaawag (long ago our late fathers were eaten up), gaye igiw ningenaanig (and our mothers too). Mii dash eta go iw minik (and so that is all that is left) waabamadwaa abinoojiiyag eshkonanidwaa* (of the children you see — stem flagged). Waabang idash mii iw miinawaa ogagwejiganigowaan (and tomorrow again they will be raced). Mii iw gaa-onji-waabamadwaa makadekewaad igiw abinoojiiyag (that is why you see the children fasting/blackened); gii-igoozhimowag igiw abinoojiiyag (the children are made to fast — stem flagged) anawi-bawaadamaazowaad gaa-onji-bimaadiziwaad (that they may dream of what shall give them life — stem flagged). Mii iw minik enaajimodonaan.” (“that is all I have to tell you.”)
(4) Ānīc mī cigwa wunāgucininig. “Ambäsạnōnā, nīdcī, ändāyānk icātā!”
Aaniish mii zhigwa wenagoshinig. “Ambesanoonaa, niijii, endaayaang izhaadaa!”
So it was now getting on towards evening. “Come, my friend, to where we live let us go!”
Aaniish mii zhigwa wenagoshinig (now it was getting on toward evening). “Ambesanoonaa, niijii (“come now, my friend), endaayaang izhaadaa!” (“to where we live let us go!”)
(5) Kägä‘t ku‘pīwạg. Cigwa pīndigäwạg ändānit. Cigwa ka‘kina tạgwicinuᵉ ạbinōtcīyaᵉ. Ạmbä, kägätsa īnigāwạgäntạm aᵉa∙i∙nini, aᵘ gā∙u∙ticiwät. Cigwasa mādci‘tāwạn īni´ᵘ wīdci‘kiwäyạn kīzizä‘kwänit. Kā‘kīzizä‘kwänit, “Ạmbä, nīdcī! kayä gīn wīsinîn,” udigōn.
Geget go-obiiwag. Zhigwa biindigewag endaanid. Zhigwa gakina dagwishinoog abinoojiiyag. Ambe, geget sa inigaawagendam a’aw inini, a’aw gaa-onji-odichiwed. Zhigwa sa maajiitaawan iniw wiijiikiweyan giizizekwenid. Gaa-giizizekwenid, “Ambe, niijii! gaye giin wiisinin,” odigoon.
Verily, up from the lake they went. Presently they entered into where (the man and the) others dwelt. In a while all the children arrived. Oh, truly sorry (for them) felt the man, he that came as visitor. Soon then did his friend begin to cook. After the man had finished cooking, “Come, my friend! do you also eat,” he was told.
Geget go-obiiwag (truly up from the lake they went — stem flagged). Zhigwa biindigewag endaanid (then they entered where the others dwelt). Zhigwa gakina dagwishinoog abinoojiiyag (then all the children arrived). Ambe, geget sa inigaawagendam a’aw inini (oh, truly sorry felt the man), a’aw gaa-onji-odichiwed (he who had come as visitor — stem flagged). Zhigwa sa maajiitaawan iniw wiijiikiweyan giizizekwenid (then his friend began to cook). Gaa-giizizekwenid (after he had finished cooking), “Ambe, niijii! gaye giin wiisinin,” (“come, my friend! you too eat,”) odigoon (he was told).
(6) “Tayā, nīdcī! kāwīn niwīsinisī. Mīgwạnā iᵘ indawā iciwīsinin.”
“Dayaa, niijii! gaawiin niwiisinisii. Migwana iw indawaa izhi-wiisinin.”
“Oh, no, my friend! I do not eat. But nevertheless you had better go ahead and eat.”
“Dayaa, niijii! (“oh no, my friend!) gaawiin niwiisinisii (I do not eat). Migwana iw indawaa izhi-wiisinin.” (“but you had better go ahead and eat.” — migwana particle flagged)
(7) Kägä‘t äciwīsinit a∙i∙nini. Cigwasa kawicimowạn. Ānīcînā kāwīn wī‘kā nibāsī kayä wīsinisī. Mīsa cigwa unạbit, ningutingigu inändạm: “Ạmbäsạnō, ‘Ningitcinạganā,’ tawī∙i∙nābạndạm aᵉa´ᵘ nītcikiwäⁿzī.”
Geget ezhi-wiisinid a’aw inini. Zhigwa sa gawishimowan. Anishinaa gaawiin wiikaa nibaasii gaye wiisinisii. Mii sa zhigwa onabid, ningoding igo inendam: “Ambesanoo, ‘Nin-gichi-naganaa,’ daa-wi-inaabandam a’aw niijiikiwenzii.”
Truly then did the man eat. In a while (the man) lay down to sleep. But of course he never slept or ate. Accordingly, while sitting there, of a sudden he willed: “Behold, ‘I left him far behind (in the race),’ let my friend dream!”
Geget ezhi-wiisinid a’aw inini (truly the man ate). Zhigwa sa gawishimowan (then he lay down to sleep). Anishinaa gaawiin wiikaa nibaasii gaye wiisinisii (but of course he [Little-Image] never sleeps or eats — anishinaa particle flagged). Mii sa zhigwa onabid (and so as he sat there), ningoding igo inendam (of a sudden he thought/willed): “Ambesanoo, ‘Nin-gichi-naganaa,’ (“come now, ‘I have far outrun him,’) daa-wi-inaabandam asa’aw niijiikiwenzii.” (“let this my friend dream!” — daa-wi- modal + stem flagged)
Jones’s printed footnote 1 (foot of Ojibwe p.488), marker set on the English p.489 at “But of course he¹ never slept or ate”: “Little-Image.” Restored verbatim 2026-09-02 by the English gate; Jones’s text, nothing added.
(8) Cigwasa kigīcäb kuckusiwạn wītcikiwäyạn oganōnān: “Nīdcī, kāna kägō kitinābạndạzī?”
Zhigwa sa gigizheb goshkoziwan wiijiikiweyan oganoonaan: “Niijii, gaa-na gego gi-inaabandazi?”
When in the morning his friend rose from bed, he spoke to him, saying: “My friend, did you not dream of anything?”
Zhigwa sa gigizheb goshkoziwan wiijiikiweyan (when in the morning his friend woke) oganoonaan (he spoke to him): “Niijii, gaa-na gego gi-inaabandazi?” (“my friend, did you not dream of anything?”)
(9) “Tāyā, nīdcī, ki‘tciwâsạmī nạganāg kägwä‘tcigạnạg nindinābandạm.”
“Daayaa, niijii, gichi-waasa mii naganaag gagwejiganag nindinaabandam.”
“Why, my friend, ‘a great distance behind did I leave him with whom I ran,’ was the dream I had.”
“Daayaa, niijii (“why, my friend), gichi-waasa mii naganaag gagwejiganag (a great way off did I leave the one I raced — stem flagged) nindinaabandam.” (so I dreamed.”)
(10) “Äᵉ, kägä‘t nīdcī, kīganạgạnā wâkagwätcikanạt.”
“E, geget niijii, gii-ga-naganaa waa-gagwejiganad.”
“Yea, truly, my friend, you shall leave behind him with whom you intend to run.”
“E, geget niijii (“yea, truly, my friend), gii-ga-naganaa waa-gagwejiganad.” (you shall outrun the one you mean to race.” — preverb chain flagged)
(11) Cigwa kā∙i∙ckwāwīsinit pītwäwäcinōn; kipīpīndigäwạn ma‘kwạn, pigạnōnimāwạn wītci‘kiwäyạn: “Mīsa cigwa tcigạgagwätcikanitiyạngibạn. Nisimitạna pimātcīc īgi´ᵘ ạbinōtcīyạg.” Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ änīcịsāga∙a∙minit.
Zhigwa gaa-izhi-ishkwaa-wiisinid biidweweshinoon; gii-bii-biindigewan makwan, biganoonimaawan wiijiikiweyan: “Mii sa zhigwa ji-gagwejiganidiyangiban. Nisimidana bima-jish igiw abinoojiiyag.” Mii iw ezhi-ni-zaaga’aminid.
As soon as they had finished eating, they heard the sound of some one coming along; it was a Bear that came entering in. As it came, it spoke to his friend, saying: “It is now time for us to run the race with each other. Thirty of the children do you bring.” And then on out of doors it went.
Zhigwa gaa-izhi-ishkwaa-wiisinid (as soon as they had finished eating) biidweweshinoon (the sound of someone coming was heard); gii-bii-biindigewan makwan (a bear came entering in), biganoonimaawan wiijiikiweyan (it spoke to his friend): “Mii sa zhigwa ji-gagwejiganidiyangiban (“it is now time we two race — preterite-conditional flagged). Nisimidana bima-jish igiw abinoojiiyag.” (thirty of the children bring along — stem flagged) Mii iw ezhi-ni-zaaga’aminid (and so out of doors it went).
(12) “Auwisa, mīsa cigwa tci∙ạ∙nimādcāyạnk, nīdcī. Awiyās wābạntamawicinān!” udinān īni‘ᵘ ininiwạn. Kägä‘t änicimādcāwāt. Änitạgwicinuwāt, āca kā‘tạgwicininigwän kānānibitäbinitigu. Cigwa´ pisạgini‘känā.
“Aawisa*, mii sa zhigwa ji-ani-maajaayang, niijii. Awiyaas waabandamawishinaan!” odinaan iniw ininiwan. Geget ezhi-ni-maajaawaad. Eni-dagwishinowaad, aazha gaa-dagwishininigwen gaa-naanibidebinidigo. Zhigwa bizaaginikenaa.
“Well, it is now time for us to be going, my friend. Come (and) watch us!” he said to the man. In truth, then on their way they went. As they arrived, already must the others have come, for there they were seated in a row. Presently he was approached (and greeted) with a shake of the hand.
“Aawisa*, mii sa zhigwa ji-ani-maajaayang, niijii (“well, it is now time we two go off, my friend). Awiyaas waabandamawishinaan!” (come watch for us! — stem flagged) odinaan iniw ininiwan (he said to the man). Geget ezhi-ni-maajaawaad (truly off they went). Eni-dagwishinowaad (as they arrived), aazha gaa-dagwishininigwen (already the others must have come) gaa-naanibidebinidigo (for there they sat in a row — stem flagged). Zhigwa bizaaginikenaa (presently he was greeted with a handshake — stem flagged).
(13) “Mīsạ cigwa tcigạgwätcikạnitiyạnk.” Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ kā∙i∙jikạnōnint ạnicinābä: “Wägunäc iᵉi´ᵘ nindā∙u∙ndcinạgạnā änändạmạn? Kīn tibātcimun wā∙u∙ndcinạgạciyạn.”
“Mii sa zhigwa ji-gagwejiganidiyang.” Mii dash iw gaa-izhi-ganoonind anishinaabe: “Wegonen iw ninda-onji-naganaa enendaman? Giin dibaajimon waa-onji-nagazhiyan.”
“It is now time that we were racing one with another.” And this was what the man was told: “By what power do you think that you will leave me behind? Tell me by what means you will outrun me.”
“Mii sa zhigwa ji-gagwejiganidiyang.” (“it is now time we race one another.”) Mii dash iw gaa-izhi-ganoonind anishinaabe (and this is what the man was told): “Wegonen iw ninda-onji-naganaa enendaman? (“by what do you think you will outrun me?) Giin dibaajimon waa-onji-nagazhiyan.” (you tell by what you will outrun me.” — stem flagged)
(14) Kibwạnazīwayānạn unābi‘kawān ma‘kwan. Kīgito ma‘kwa: “Näcwāsugunīyān nimbawānābạn inābi‘kawāgan.” Mīnawā äjikạnōnint a∙i∙nini: “Kinîdac?”
Gibwanaziwayanan onaabikawan makwan. Giigido makwa: “Nishwaasogoniiyaan nimbawaanaaban inaabikawaagan.” Miinawaa ezhi-ganoonind a’aw inini: “Giin idash?”
The skin of a bull-bat the Bear had hanging from his neck. Up spoke the Bear, saying: “While fasting for eight days, I dreamed of this necklace.” Again then was the man addressed: “And what is your (power)?”
Gibwanaziwayanan onaabikawan makwan (the bear had a bull-bat’s skin hanging from his neck — bird-name + stem flagged). Giigido makwa (the bear spoke): “Nishwaasogoniiyaan nimbawaanaaban inaabikawaagan.” (“fasting eight days, I dreamed of this necklace.”) Miinawaa ezhi-ganoonind a’aw inini (again the man was addressed): “Giin idash?” (“and you?”)
Jones’s footnote ¹ (Ojibwe p490 foot), attaching to the bear’s dream of the necklace (nimbawānābạn): “That he had a propitious dream was evidence that he had received power. A dream is power.” Layer 1 settled at the page 2026-09-21 (grayscale JP2 12× with a same-line control and the PDF at 8×, both renderings agreeing): Kibwạnaziwayanan → Kibwạnazīwayānạn (p.490 l.9); unābi‘kawan → unābi‘kawān (p.490 l.9); äjikanonint → äjikạnōnint (p.490 l.11).
(15) “Pizānisạgu, ‘Ninagạnā,’ ningīnābạndạm tibi‘kung.”
“Bizaani sa go, ‘Ninaganaa,’ ningii-inaabandam dibikong.”
“Just simply, ‘I left him behind,’ was what I dreamed last night.”
“Bizaani sa go (“just simply), ‘Ninaganaa,’ (‘I outran him,’) ningii-inaabandam dibikong.” (I dreamed last night.”)
Jones’s printed footnote 1 (foot of Ojibwe p.490), marker set on the English p.491 at “was what I dreamed¹ last night”: “That he had a propitious dream was evidence that he had received power. A dream is power.” Restored verbatim 2026-09-02 by the English gate; Jones’s text, nothing added.
(16) “‘Āᵉaᵘ, mādcādātci∙ä∙nigu‘k!”
“Aw, maajaadaa ji-enigok!”
“Come, let us be off as fast as possible!”
“Aw, maajaadaa ji-enigok!” (“come, let us be off as fast as we can!” — demonstrative/interjection flagged)
(17) Mi‘tig iwiti pạda‘kidäni, udōdi‘tānāwa tätibickō. Cigwa inändạm a∙i∙nini, mī∙a∙wä kā∙u∙diciwät: “Ambäsa, ugạbīnagạnān.” Kägä‘t pinạgaciwawạn wīdcikiwäyạn. Kägä‘t minwändạm a∙i∙nini kā‘pitạgwicininit. Ānīc upạgạmāgạn udaiyān aᵉa´ᵘ kägwätcikạciwät; mīsa iᵉi‘ᵘ äcinīwạnawāt īni‘ᵘ kägwätcigạnāt kayä igiwäti nisimitạna ma‘kwaᵉ.
Mitig iwidi badakideni, odooditaanaawaa dadibishkoo. Zhigwa inendam a’aw inini, mii a’aw gaa-onji-odichiwed: “Ambesa, oga-bii-naganaan.” Geget bii-nagazhiwewan wiijiikiweyan. Geget minwendam a’aw inini gaa-bi-dagwishininid. Aaniish obagamaagan odayaan a’aw gagwejigaazhiwed; mii sa iw ezhi-niiwanawaad iniw gagwejiganaad gaye igiwedi nisimidana makwag.
A post at yonder place was standing, they passed it both together. Presently willed the man, the one that came as visitor: “Behold, he will outrun (the Bear).” Sure enough, here came his friend leading in the race. Truly happy was the man when they came (to where he was). Now, a war-club did he who was racing have; whereupon he clubbed (the bear) that he had raced with, and also the other thirty bears.
Mitig iwidi badakideni (a post stood yonder), odooditaanaawaa dadibishkoo (they reached it both together). Zhigwa inendam a’aw inini, mii a’aw gaa-onji-odichiwed (then willed the man, the one come as visitor — stem flagged): “Ambesa, oga-bii-naganaan.” (“behold, he will outrun him.”) Geget bii-nagazhiwewan wiijiikiweyan (sure enough his friend came leading the race — stem flagged). Geget minwendam a’aw inini gaa-bi-dagwishininid (truly happy was the man when they came). Aaniish obagamaagan odayaan a’aw gagwejigaazhiwed (now, the racer had a war-club); mii sa iw ezhi-niiwanawaad iniw gagwejiganaad (and so he clubbed dead the one he had raced) gaye igiwedi nisimidana makwag (and those other thirty bears too).
Jones’s footnote ² (English p491 foot), attaching to “A post at yonder place was standing” (Mi‘tig iwiti pada‘kidäni): “To mark the starting-place.”
Jones’s footnote ² (English p491 foot), attaching to “A post at yonder place was standing” (Mi‘tig iwiti pada‘kidäni): “To mark the starting-place.”
(18) Kägä‘t minwändạmōg ạbinōtcīyạg. Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ äcikīwätābīwāt ma‘kwaᵉ, upīndigạnāwa ändāwāt. Mīsa cigwa mādci‘täwāt tcībā‘kwäwāt. Kägä‘t minuwīsiniwạg. Wänāgucininig pimitä uduci‘tōnāwān; ā, kägä‘t nībiwa! Kägä‘t minwäntạmōg. Cigwa tibi‘kạtini, mīsa wī‘kwatci∙ā∙t wītci‘kiwäyạn, wī∙a∙camāt; mīsa kāwīn wīsinisiwạn. Indawadạc uwīndamāgōn: “Kāwīn wī‘kā niwīsinisī kayä ninibāsī. Mīgu iᵉi´ᵘ, nīdcī, inändạn: kāwīn wī‘kā kigạnạgạnigōsī.”
Geget minwendamoog abinoojiiyag. Mii dash iw ezhi-giiwetaabiiwaad makwag, obindiganaawaa endaawaad. Mii sa zhigwa maajiitaawaad jiibaakwewaad. Geget mino-wiisiniwag. Wenagoshinig bimide odoozhitoonaawaan; aa, geget niibiwa! Geget minwendamoog. Zhigwa dibikadini, mii sa wii-gwajayaa’aad wiijiikiweyan, wii-ashamaad; mii sa gaawiin wiisinisiwan. Indawaa dash owindamaagoon: “Gaawiin wiikaa niwiisinisii gaye ninibaasii. Mii go izhi, niijii, inendan: gaawiin wiikaa giga-naganigoosii.”
In truth, happy were the children. Accordingly then they dragged home the bears, they carried them into where they lived. Thereupon they set to work cooking. To be sure, they had good food to eat. In the evening they made some grease; oh, truly a good deal (it was)! Verily, they were pleased. Presently it grew dark, whereupon (the man) tried to prevail upon his friend, for he wanted to feed him; but the other would not eat. So thereupon (the man) was told: “Never do I eat, and I do not sleep. Therefore this, my friend, do you keep in mind: never shall you be beaten (in a race).”
Geget minwendamoog abinoojiiyag (truly happy were the children). Mii dash iw ezhi-giiwetaabiiwaad makwag (and so they dragged the bears home — stem flagged), obindiganaawaa endaawaad (they carried them into where they lived). Mii sa zhigwa maajiitaawaad jiibaakwewaad (then they set to cooking). Geget mino-wiisiniwag (truly they ate well). Wenagoshinig bimide odoozhitoonaawaan (in the evening they made grease); aa, geget niibiwa! (oh, truly much!) Geget minwendamoog (truly they were pleased). Zhigwa dibikadini (then it grew dark), mii sa wii-gwajayaa’aad wiijiikiweyan (and so he tried to prevail on his friend — stem flagged), wii-ashamaad (wanting to feed him); mii sa gaawiin wiisinisiwan (but he would not eat). Indawaa dash owindamaagoon (so then he was told): “Gaawiin wiikaa niwiisinisii gaye ninibaasii (“never do I eat or sleep). Mii go izhi, niijii, inendan (so this, my friend, keep in mind): gaawiin wiikaa giga-naganigoosii.” (never shall you be outrun.”)
(19) Cigwadạc tibi‘kadini, mīsa iti‘ᵘ äjinibānit īni´ᵘ wītcikiwäⁿyạn. Äyābi‘tātibikạtinig inändạm: “‘Tciwāsa ninạgạnāsạn kägwätcigạnạg,’ tawī∙i∙nābạndạm!”
Zhigwa dash dibikadini, mii sa iw ezhi-nibanid iniw wiijiikiweyan. Eyaabita-dibikadinig inendam: “‘Ji-waasa ninaganaasan gagwejiganag,’ daa-wi-inaabandam!”
And now it was night, whereupon to sleep went his companion. When it came midnight, he thought: “‘A great way behind do I leave him with whom I race,’ let him dream!”
Zhigwa dash dibikadini (and now it was night), mii sa iw ezhi-nibanid iniw wiijiikiweyan (and so his friend went to sleep). Eyaabita-dibikadinig inendam (when midnight came he thought): “‘Ji-waasa ninaganaasan gagwejiganag,’ (‘a great way off I will leave the one I race,’) daa-wi-inaabandam!” (let him dream! — modal flagged)
(20) Kigīcäb kuckusi. Kā∙i∙ckwāwīsinit pīdwäwäcinōn; pipīndigäwạn, ugạnōnigōn: “Mī∙i∙´ᵘ cigwa tcikạgwätcigạnitiyạng. ‘Āᵘ, ābi‘ta ạbinōtcīyạg pimādcīc,” udigōn.
Gigizheb goshkozi. Gaa-izhi-ishkwaa-wiisinid biidweweshinoon; bi-biindigewan, oganoonigoon: “Mii iw zhigwa ji-gagwejiganidiyang. ‘Aaw, aabita abinoojiiyag bima-jish,’ odigoon.
In the morning (the man) awoke. After he had eaten, he heard the sound of somebody coming; in came (a bear). By it he was addressed, saying: “It is now time that we were racing with each other. Now, half the number of your children do you bring along,” he was told.
Gigizheb goshkozi (in the morning he awoke). Gaa-izhi-ishkwaa-wiisinid biidweweshinoon (after he ate, the sound of someone coming was heard); bi-biindigewan (in came a bear), oganoonigoon (he was addressed): “Mii iw zhigwa ji-gagwejiganidiyang (“it is now time we race). ‘Aaw, aabita abinoojiiyag bima-jish,’ (“now, half the children bring along,” — stem flagged) odigoon (he was told).
(21) Kägä‘t mādcāwag, mạda∙ạ∙nāt ayāwāᵉ iyabinōtcīyaᵉ. Cigwa tạgwicinōg. Äjikanōnigut īni´ᵘ ma‘kwạn: “Mīsa cigwa tcigạgwätcigạnitiyạng. Wägunäc nindā∙u∙ndcinạgạnā änäntạmạn? Kîn tibātcimun kä∙u∙ndcinạgạciyạn; äcinīcugunīyān mī∙i∙´ᵘ cawänimi‘pạn ‘aᵉa‘ᵘ ninābi‘kawāgan,” kiniwayānạn unābi‘kawānini. “‘Āⁿ, kin nitạm tibātcimum kä∙undcinagaciyan.”
Geget maajaawag, mada’anaad ayaawaa iniw abinoojiiyag. Zhigwa dagwishinoog. Ezhi-ganoonigod iniw makwan: “Mii sa zhigwa ji-gagwejiganidiyang. Wegonen ninda-onji-naganaa enendaman? Giin dibaajimon waa-onji-nagazhiyan; ezhi-niizhogoniiyaan mii iw zhawenimipan a’aw ninaabikawaagan,” giniweyaanan onaabikawaanini. “Aaw, giin nitam dibaajimon waa-onji-nagazhiyan.”
Truly they started away, (the man) following after in the track of the bear, on their way to where the children were. Presently they arrived. Then he was addressed by the Bear saying: “It is now time for us to race with each other. On what do you rely to beat me? You declare through what power you will outrun me; for in a fast of twelve days was I blest by this necklace of mine,” for the skin of a bird-eagle did he have about his neck. “Now, do you in turn declare by what power you will outrun me.”
Geget maajaawag, mada’anaad ayaawaa iniw abinoojiiyag (truly they set out, the man following the bear’s track to where the children were — stem flagged). Zhigwa dagwishinoog (then they arrived). Ezhi-ganoonigod iniw makwan (he was addressed by the bear): “Mii sa zhigwa ji-gagwejiganidiyang (“it is now time we race). Wegonen ninda-onji-naganaa enendaman? (by what do you think you will outrun me?) Giin dibaajimon waa-onji-nagazhiyan (you declare by what you will outrun me); ezhi-niizhogoniiyaan mii iw zhawenimipan a’aw ninaabikawaagan,” (in a twelve-day fast this necklace of mine blest me,” — count + stem flagged) giniweyaanan onaabikawaanini (a bird-eagle’s skin was about his neck — bird-name flagged). “Aaw, giin nitam dibaajimon waa-onji-nagazhiyan.” (“now, you in turn declare by what you will outrun me.”)
(22) “Pisani sạgu, ‘nīnagạnā,’ ningīnābạndạm tibi‘kunk.” ‘Aᵉa‘ᵘ panä mädcāwag. Cigwa mi‘tig pạta‘kidänig tägwicinōwāt, o∙o∙ tōtạm aᵉa‘ᵘ inini; näyāp pạngicin imā kā‘pi∙u∙ndcimādcāwat; ạtcinagu kī‘pạngicing, ạnwi ä‘pitcipitäg mī∙i∙‘ᵘ ä‘pīsi‘kāt. Mīdạc ạnipạngicink pạnä tcīngitcisäwạn. Ogạnōnān: “Kijī‘kān! Kigagwätciganitimin!” Tciwāsa unạgạnān. Kā‘pitạgwicininit, upạgạmāgan umamōn; äjinīwanawāt. Mīdạc iᵉi‘ᵘ nīwạnawāt iwäti ma‘kwaᵉ, ābi‘ta ändạcinit unīwanawāᵉ.
“Bizaani sa go, ‘ninaganaa,’ ningii-inaabandam dibikong.” A’aw bane maajaawag. Zhigwa mitig badakidenig dagwishinowaad, o’ow doodam a’aw inini; naayaab bangishin imaa gaa-bi-onji-maajaawaad; achina go gii-bangishing, anwi epichi-bideg mii iw epi-ziikaad. Mii dash ani-bangishing bane jiingichisewan. Oganoonaan: “Gizhiikaan! Gigagwejiganidimin!” Ji-waasa onaganaan. Gaa-bi-dagwishininid, obagamaagan omamoon; ezhi-niiwanawaad. Mii dash iw niiwanawaad iwedi makwag, aabita endashinid oniiwanawag.
“Just simply, ‘I left him behind,’ was what I dreamed last night.” Well, off they started. When they came to where the post was standing, this the man did; as before, he leaped for the place from whence they started; a little while was he leaping to it, as swift as a missile was how fast he went. And then, as he slowed up, here (came) the Bear on the leap. He spoke to it, saying: “Come faster! We are racing with each other!” Very far behind he left it. After (the bear) was come, (the man) took his club; then he smote it till it was dead. Thereupon he laid the other bears low with the club, as many as half their number he clubbed to death.
“Bizaani sa go, ‘ninaganaa,’ ningii-inaabandam dibikong.” (“just simply, ‘I outran him,’ I dreamed last night.”) A’aw bane maajaawag (well, off they started — bane particle flagged). Zhigwa mitig badakidenig dagwishinowaad (when they reached the standing post), o’ow doodam a’aw inini (this the man did); naayaab bangishin imaa gaa-bi-onji-maajaawaad (back he leaped to where they had started); achina go gii-bangishing (a little while he was leaping to it), anwi epichi-bideg mii iw epi-ziikaad (as swift as a missile he went — stem flagged). Mii dash ani-bangishing bane jiingichisewan (and then as he slowed, on came the bear leaping — stem flagged). Oganoonaan (he spoke to it): “Gizhiikaan! Gigagwejiganidimin!” (“come faster! we are racing!”) Ji-waasa onaganaan (far behind he left it). Gaa-bi-dagwishininid (after it had come), obagamaagan omamoon (he took up his club); ezhi-niiwanawaad (he clubbed it dead). Mii dash iw niiwanawaad iwedi makwag (and so he clubbed those bears), aabita endashinid oniiwanawag (half their number he clubbed to death).
(23) Mīdạc kägä‘t ạbinōdcīyạg kīwäwināwāt; kägä‘t mōtcigisiwạg. Kägāgwạnā kabätibi‘k magu‘käwạg. Cigwa piwâbạnini; kwatcisawin pamō‘ka∙a∙minig; cigwasa pināwa‘kwäni; mīsa kāwīn awiya tci∙u∙ndcitạgwicininit. Aᵉa‘ᵘ mạzininīⁿs kīgito: “Taga, nīdci, awi∙a∙ntawâbam!”
Mii dash geget abinoojiiyag giiwewinaawaad; geget moojigiziwag. Gegaa gwana gabe-dibik magokewag. Zhigwa bi-waabanini; gwajisawin bi-mooka’aminig; zhigwa sa bi-naawakweni; mii sa gaawiin awiya ji-onji-dagwishininid. A’aw maziniinens giigido: “Daga, niijii, awi-andawaabam!”
And then, in truth, were the children taken back home; truly happy they were. In fact, nearly all the night long were they busy preparing the bear-meat. In a while came the dawn; in course of time the sun rose; then it came noon; whereupon no one by that time had come. Little-Image spoke, saying: “Come, my friend, go look for them!”
Mii dash geget abinoojiiyag giiwewinaawaad (and so truly the children were taken home); geget moojigiziwag (truly happy they were). Gegaa gwana gabe-dibik magokewag (nearly all night they were busy with the meat — stem flagged). Zhigwa bi-waabanini (then dawn came); gwajisawin bi-mooka’aminig (in time the sun rose — stem flagged); zhigwa sa bi-naawakweni (then it came noon); mii sa gaawiin awiya ji-onji-dagwishininid (and yet no one had come). A’aw maziniinens giigido (Little-Image spoke): “Daga, niijii, awi-andawaabam!” (“come, my friend, go look for them!”)
(24) Äjimādcāt a∙i∙nini; änitạgwicink iwiti ändānit iᵉi´ᵘ ma‘kwaᵉ, awäniban, panä kā∙u∙cimunigwän. Äjikīwäba‘tōt a∙i∙nini. Cigwa tägwicink ogạnōnān ini´ᵘ mạzininīⁿsạn: “Mīsa´ kī∙u∙cimuwāt.”
Ezhi-maajaad a’aw inini; eni-dagwishing iwidi endaanid iniw makwag, awaniban, bane gaa-onji-gimoonigwen. Ezhi-giiwebatood a’aw inini. Zhigwa dagwishing oganoonaan iniw maziniinensan: “Mii sa gii-gimoowaad.”
Then departed the man; when he arrived at yonder place where dwelt the bears, none were there, for whither they had fled (no one knew). Then back home ran the man. When he arrived, he spoke to Little-Image, saying: “Therefore now have they fled.”
Ezhi-maajaad a’aw inini (then the man departed); eni-dagwishing iwidi endaanid iniw makwag (when he reached yonder where the bears dwelt), awaniban (none were there — flagged), bane gaa-onji-gimoonigwen (whither they had fled, no one knew — stem flagged). Ezhi-giiwebatood a’aw inini (then the man ran back home). Zhigwa dagwishing oganoonaan iniw maziniinensan (when he arrived he spoke to Little-Image): “Mii sa gii-gimoowaad.” (“so they have fled.”)
(25) “‘Ā‘a´ᵘ, nīdci, kipạgamāgạn udā‘pinạn! Nō‘pinanātānig.” Äjimādcāwāt, mōcạg pimipa‘tōwạg. Ningutingigu kī∙ạ∙nimāwanitiwaᵉ. “‘Aᵉaᵘ, nīdcī, nīwạnawātānig!” Äni∙a∙pī‘tci∙ạ∙timāwāt uniwanawāwān. Kägä‘t utạninīwanawāwān. Mīsa‘ ka‘kina kā∙i∙jinisāwāt, äjikīwäwāt. Ändāwāt kā‘tạgwicinuwāt, mạzininīⁿsan kīgīto: “Nīdci, mīsagwạnā iᵘ mini‘k pạnātamōnān. Mīsa kä∙i∙ciwäba‘k: win anicinābä ugạtamwān ini´ᵘ ma‘kwạn, kayä dạc ogạgusigōn ini´ᵘ ma‘kwạn. Nidci, mi giwäyān; wâbanunk ninticikīwä. Tạgwicinān ningagi‘tciminwäntạm ki‘pinātạmōnān.”
“Aw, niijii, gibagamaagan odaapinan! Noopinanaadaanig.” Ezhi-maajaawaad, moozhag bimibatoowag. Ningoding igo gii-ani-mawanidiwag. “Aaw, niijii, niiwanawaadaanig!” Eni-apii-ji-adimaawaad oniiwanawaawaan. Geget odaa-ni-niiwanawaawaan. Mii sa gakina gaa-izhi-nisaawaad, ezhi-giiwewaad. Endaawaad gaa-dagwishinowaad, maziniinensan giigido: “Niijii, mii sa gwana iw minik banaadamonaan. Mii sa ge-izhiwebak: wiin anishinaabe oga-damwaan iniw makwan, gaye dash oga-goozigoon iniw makwan. Niijii, mii giiweyaan; waabanong ninda-izhi-giiwe. Dagwishinaan nin-gagiji-minwendam gii-bi-naadamonaan.”
“Now, then, my friend, get your club! Let us follow after them!” Then off they started, all the while they kept on the run. By and by (they beheld them) going along in single file. “Now, then, my friend, let us smite them with the club!” Then as fast as they overtook them they clubbed them to death. In truth, many they smote along the way. And when they had slain them all, then back they came. After they had arrived at their home, Little-Image spoke, saying: “My friend, this is the measure of help that I have come to give you. This is the way it shall be: people shall even eat bears for food, and they shall also be feared by bears. My friend, therefore do I now return home; toward the east is the way I return home. On my arrival, greatly pleased shall I be for having helped you.”
“Aw, niijii, gibagamaagan odaapinan! (“now, my friend, take your club!) Noopinanaadaanig.” (let us follow after them.”) Ezhi-maajaawaad (off they went), moozhag bimibatoowag (all the while running). Ningoding igo gii-ani-mawanidiwag (by and by they came on them in single file — stem flagged). “Aaw, niijii, niiwanawaadaanig!” (“now, my friend, let us club them!”) Eni-apii-ji-adimaawaad oniiwanawaawaan (as fast as they overtook them they clubbed them — stem flagged). Geget odaa-ni-niiwanawaawaan (truly many they clubbed). Mii sa gakina gaa-izhi-nisaawaad (and so when they had slain them all), ezhi-giiwewaad (they came back). Endaawaad gaa-dagwishinowaad (when they arrived home), maziniinensan giigido (Little-Image spoke): “Niijii, mii sa gwana iw minik banaadamonaan (“my friend, this is the measure of help I have come to give you — stem flagged). Mii sa ge-izhiwebak (this is the way it shall be): wiin anishinaabe oga-damwaan iniw makwan (the person shall eat the bear for food), gaye dash oga-goozigoon iniw makwan (and the bear shall fear him too — stem flagged). Niijii, mii giiweyaan (my friend, now I go home); waabanong ninda-izhi-giiwe (to the east I return). Dagwishinaan nin-gagiji-minwendam gii-bi-naadamonaan.” (when I arrive I shall be very glad for having come to help you.”)
(26) Cigwadạc gīgitu a∙i∙nini: “Migwetc, nīdci. Kāginīgigu kīgami‘kwänimin, kayä aᵘ anicinābä pitcīnạg kä∙a∙nipimātisit ō a‘kīng; ạmạntcigu mini‘k kä∙a∙‘kīwanugwän kawâwīni‘k ‘aᵉa´ᵘ ạnicinābä.”
Zhigwa dash giigido a’aw inini: “Miigwech, niijii. Gaaginiig igo giga-mikwenimin, gaye a’aw anishinaabe bijinaag ge-ani-bimaadizid o’ow akiing; amanj igo minik ge-ani-akiwanigwen, ga-waawinik a’aw anishinaabe.”
And then up spoke the man, saying: “(I) thank (you), my friend. Forever shall I remember you, so (will) also the people who shall live in times to come; however long they may be on earth, of your name will the people speak.”
Zhigwa dash giigido a’aw inini (and then the man spoke): “Miigwech, niijii (“thank you, my friend). Gaaginiig igo giga-mikwenimin (forever shall I remember you), gaye a’aw anishinaabe bijinaag ge-ani-bimaadizid o’ow akiing (so too the people who shall live hereafter on this earth); amanj igo minik ge-ani-akiwanigwen (however long they may be on earth — stem flagged), ga-waawinik a’aw anishinaabe.” (your name the people shall speak.”)
(27) Mīsa iᵉi‘ᵘ pinäwitcīt kīạgōtä.
Mii sa iw binewi-jiid gii-agoode.
And so the buttocks of the ruffed grouse now hang aloft.
Mii sa iw (and so it is) binewi-jiid (the ruffed grouse’s rump) gii-agoode (now hangs aloft). (the carrier closing that leaves the story to the listener’s own wondering)