Read the entry note first. Not a fable — an Anishinaabe ontology carried as story. Come in to wonder.
⚠️ Draft — under many eyes. Converted and readable; not yet finally vetted, and it will wear the word draft for a good while, on purpose. Living, not final.
MI‘KINĀ‘K.
MIKINAAK.
SNAPPING-TURTLE.
Narrated by either Wāsāgunäckạnk, or Midāsugaⁿj, or both (the roster’s own wording) — Series 4 (Nos. 62–78), 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) Ānīc, i‘kitō anicinābā mi‘kinā‘k ā‘tisō‘kān.
Aaniish, ikido anishinaabe mikinaak aadizookaan.
Well, the people say (that this is) a story of Snapping-Turtle.
Aaniish (well), ikido (say) anishinaabe (the people), mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle) aadizookaan (a story).
(2) Iᵉi witạc ạnicinābäg ōdänawi∙i∙tiwạg. Päjik ugimāwi, aᵉaᵘ a‘kiwäⁿzī. Midā‘tciwaᵉ udānisaᵉ, ga‘kina uckinīgiwaᵉ. Ninguting māminunäntạm aᵉa´ᵘ a‘kiwäⁿzī. “Ambäsạnō ga‘kina kawīdigäwạg ōgo´ᵘ nintānîsạg! mī∙i∙´ᵘ kä∙i∙ciminwātạmān.”
I’iw idash anishinaabeg oodenawi’idiwag. Bezhig ogimaawi, a’aw akiwenzii. Midaachiwag odaanisag, gakina oshkiniigiwag. Ningoding maaminonendam a’aw akiwenzii. “Ambesanoo gakina ga-wiidigewag ogow nindaanisag! mii iw ge-izhi-minwaadamaan.”
Now, in a (certain) place the people were living together in a town. A certain one was chief, an old man. Ten in number were his daughters, all maidens. Once the old man got to revolving matters over in his mind. “Would that all these daughters of mine might marry! and then I should be happy.”
I’iw idash (now then) anishinaabeg (the people) oodenawi’idiwag (lived together as a town). Bezhig ogimaawi (one was chief), a’aw akiwenzii (that old man). Midaachiwag (ten in number were) odaanisag (his daughters), gakina oshkiniigiwag (all were young — maidens). Ningoding (once) maaminonendam (he pondered over things) a’aw akiwenzii (that old man). “Ambesanoo (would that) gakina (all) ga-wiidigewag (they will marry) ogow nindaanisag (these daughters of mine)! mii iw (that is) ge-izhi-minwaadamaan (how I would be glad of it).”
(3) Ānīc mīdạc aᵉa´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘k päci‘k wâwīwit ini‘kwāwạn; kayä aᵉa´ᵘ wâbōs mī∙a∙ päji‘k wâwīwit īni‘kwäwạn; kayä aᵉa´ᵘ wâguc; kayä aᵉa’ᵘ ma∙ī∙ngạn, kayä picyᵘ, kayä aᵉa’ᵘ cāⁿgwäci, kayä wīn aᵉa´ᵘ nigi‘k; mīnawā utcig, kayä aᵉa´ᵘ kōkō‘ku‘u, kayä wīn pōtawatūmā; mī iᵘ midāswi.
Aaniish mii dash a’aw mikinaak bezhig waa-wiiwid iniw ikwewan; gaye a’aw waabooz mii a∙ bezhig waa-wiiwid iniw ikwewan; gaye a’aw waagosh; gaye a’aw ma’iingan, gaye bizhiw, gaye a’aw zhaangweshi, gaye wiin a’aw nigig; miinawaa ojiig, gaye a’aw gookooko’oo, gaye wiin boodawadoomaa; mii iw midaaswi.
Now, there was Snapping-Turtle who desired to take one of the women to wife; so too Hare wished one of the women for a wife, likewise Fox, and Wolf, and Lynx, and Mink, and Otter; also Fisher, and Horned Owl, and also Owl; so that was ten.
Aaniish mii dash (now then) a’aw mikinaak (that Snapping-Turtle) bezhig waa-wiiwid (wanted one as wife) iniw ikwewan (of those women); gaye a’aw waabooz (and that Hare) bezhig waa-wiiwid iniw ikwewan (likewise wanted one of the women as wife); gaye a’aw waagosh (and Fox); gaye a’aw ma’iingan (and Wolf), gaye bizhiw (and Lynx), gaye a’aw zhaangweshi (and Mink), gaye wiin a’aw nigig (and Otter too); miinawaa ojiig (also Fisher), gaye a’aw gookooko’oo (and Horned Owl), gaye wiin boodawadoomaa (and Owl as well); mii iw midaaswi (so that was ten).
(4) Mīsa iᵉi´ᵘ ki‘tciwigiwām ạnō‘kit aᵘ a‘kiwäⁿzī. Kā‘kīcitcigātäg iᵉi´ᵘ wīgiwām, mī∙i∙māⁿ ka‘kina äcipīndigäwāt. “Mīsa´ iᵘ äciki‘tciminwäntạmān cigwa ka‘kina kīwītigäwāt ōgo´ᵘ nintānisạg,” i‘kito aᵘ a‘kiwäⁿzī.
Mii sa i’iw gichi-wiigiwaam anookid aw akiwenzii. Gaa-giizhichigaadeg i’iw wiigiwaam, mii imaa gakina ezhi-biindigewaad. “Mii sa iw ezhi-gichi-minwendamaan zhigwa gakina gii-wiidigewaad ogow nindaanisag,” ikido aw akiwenzii.
Thereupon a large wigwam did the old man have made. When the wigwam was finished, then all went inside. “This is what I greatly like, that now all these daughters of mine are married,” said the old man.
Mii sa i’iw (thereupon) gichi-wiigiwaam (a great wigwam) anookid (he ordered made) aw akiwenzii (that old man). Gaa-giizhichigaadeg (when it was finished) i’iw wiigiwaam (that wigwam), mii imaa (then there) gakina (all) ezhi-biindigewaad (they went inside). “Mii sa iw (this is) ezhi-gichi-minwendamaan (how greatly I am pleased) zhigwa (now) gakina gii-wiidigewaad (that they all are married) ogow nindaanisag (these daughters of mine),” ikido (said) aw akiwenzii (the old man).
(5) Äjigīgitut päjik inini: “Mīsa cigwa tcimādci‘tāyạnk tci∙ạ∙ntawäntcigäyạnk.”
Ezhi-giigidod bezhig inini: “Mii sa zhigwa ji-maajiitaayang ji-andawenjigeyang.”
Then spoke a certain man, saying: “It is now time that we start on a hunt to seek for game.”
Ezhi-giigidod (then spoke) bezhig inini (a certain man): “Mii sa zhigwa (it is now time) ji-maajiitaayang (for us to begin — inclusive we) ji-andawenjigeyang (for us to go seeking game).”
(6) Mīnōtc na kayä wīn nạnā‘kwä‘tạng mi‘kinā‘k. Kägä‘t utānawänimigō iᵉi´ᵘ wītcikiwäyaᵉ. “Kạnạbạtc mī aᵘ nīgān kämạtäntāgusit mini‘k wātigäⁿyạnk,” inā´.
Minooj na gaye wiin nanaakwetang mikinaak. Geget odaanawenimigoo i’iw wiijikiwenyag. “Ganabaj mii aw niigaan ge-majendaagozid minik wedigeyang,” inaa.
(Despite his displeasure with all those words,) yet Snapping-Turtle gave assenting response.¹ Verily, he was despised by his companions. “Perhaps he will take the lead in the matter of being good for nothing among the number of us here who are married,” was said of him.
Minooj na gaye wiin (despite it all, he too) nanaakwetang (gave answering assent) mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle). Geget (verily) odaanawenimigoo (he was held in low regard — aano- ‘in vain’ inside the inverse) i’iw wiijikiwenyag (by his companions). “Ganabaj (perhaps) mii aw niigaan (he will be the one to lead) ge-majendaagozid (in being thought good for nothing) minik wedigeyang (among as many of us as are married),” inaa (was said of him).
Jones’s footnote (marker at “assenting response,” prints across the feet of pp. 736–737): During the course of a speech it is common for individuals, singly or together, to give utterances with the voice. As a rule, it indicates agreement to the sentiments expressed; often it is given out of etiquette, as in this case by Snapping-Turtle. — W.J. kämạtäntāgusit — print mạt- where mạtc- (maji-) is expected (cf. mạtcänimā §23); suspected dropped c, converted majendaagozid, flagged.
(7) Cigwa pipōnini, cigwa mādci‘tāwạg kīyusäwāt. Kāwäsa mi‘kinā‘k ugạckitōsīn tcigīyusät. Ānīc ā‘pidci ạtcina ānint untäntōwạg mī āca kīni‘tāgäwāt. Kägä‘t uwânạtci‘tōnāwa kämīdciwāt. Mīsa ä‘ta mi‘kinā‘k kāwīn wī‘kā kägō wạni‘tōsig.
Zhigwa biboonini, zhigwa maajiitaawag giiyosewaad. Gaawesa mikinaak ogashkitoosiin ji-giiyosed. Aaniish aapiji ajina aanind ondendowag mii azha gii-nitaagewaad. Geget owaanajitoonaawaa ge-miijiwaad. Mii sa eta mikinaak gaawiin wiikaa gegoo waniitoosig.
Soon it began to be winter, in a while they began to hunt for game. Not at all was Snapping-Turtle able to walk. Now, but a very little while were some of them gone, when already they had made a killing. In truth, they had a store of food to eat. It was Snapping-Turtle only that never killed a thing.
Zhigwa biboonini (soon it was coming on winter), zhigwa maajiitaawag (then they began) giiyosewaad (their hunting). Gaawesa (not at all) mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle) ogashkitoosiin (was able) ji-giiyosed (to go hunting). Aaniish aapiji ajina (only a very little while) aanind (some of them) ondendowag (were gone) mii azha (when already) gii-nitaagewaad (they had made kills). Geget (truly) owaanajitoonaawaa (they stored away) ge-miijiwaad (what they would eat). Mii sa eta (it was only) mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle) gaawiin wiikaa gegoo (never anything) waniitoosig (who got nothing at all — negative conjunct).
(8) Ningutingigu awänibạn wâbōs kätagwicink, mīsa iᵘ kā∙i∙citibi‘kändit. Sägisiwạg wäwītcikiwäyiwāt. “Māgicā kīnibu,” inäntạmōg. Wäyābạninig skwạtc mīnawā änōnāgucininig, kīgitōwạg īniniwạg: “Wâbạnk intawā nạntunäwā‘kank.” Änitibi‘kạtinig tạgwicinōg; aᵘ wâbōs tạgwicin kayä wīn, mīsa cigwa kīminwäntạmuwāt. Äjikạnōnint: “Ānīn, wâbōs! kā∙i∙cictcigäyạn kītibi‘käntiyạn?”
Ningoding igo aweniban waabooz ge-dagwishing, mii sa iw gaa-izhi-dibikendid. Zegiziwag wewiijikiweyiwaad. “Maagizhaa gii-nibo,” inendamoog. Weyaabaninig ishkwaaj miinawaa enoonaagoshininig, giigidowag ininiwag: “Waabang indawaa nandonewaakang.” Eni-tibikadinig dagwishinoog; aw waabooz dagwishin gaye wiin, mii sa zhigwa gii-minwendamowaad. Ezhi-ganoonind: “Aaniin, waabooz! gaa-izhichigeyan gii-dibikendiyan?”
And once Hare was the only one not to return, for he had gone to be away over night. Alarmed became those that were his companions. “Perhaps he may have died,” they thought. On the morrow, when the evening was drawing on, up spoke the men, saying: “To-morrow, therefore, we should look for him.” When the night was drawing on, they came home; Hare came back also, whereupon then they were glad. Then was he addressed: “What, O Hare! were you doing, that you should stay out over night?”
Ningoding igo (and once) aweniban (gone was — preterite -ban on the absent one) waabooz (Hare) ge-dagwishing (who should have arrived), mii sa iw (for it was that) gaa-izhi-dibikendid (he stayed out over night). Zegiziwag (alarmed became) wewiijikiweyiwaad (they who were his companions). “Maagizhaa gii-nibo (perhaps he has died),” inendamoog (they thought). Weyaabaninig (on the morrow) ishkwaaj miinawaa enoonaagoshininig (when at last evening was again drawing on), giigidowag ininiwag (up spoke the men): “Waabang indawaa (to-morrow, therefore) nandonewaakang (let us look for him).” Eni-tibikadinig (as night drew on) dagwishinoog (they came home); aw waabooz (that Hare) dagwishin gaye wiin (arrived also), mii sa zhigwa (and then) gii-minwendamowaad (they were glad). Ezhi-ganoonind (then was he addressed): “Aaniin, waabooz! (what, O Hare!) gaa-izhichigeyan (what were you doing) gii-dibikendiyan (that you stayed out over night)?”
(9) “Kā, wāsa´ ningī∙i∙cā, mī∙i∙´ᵘ kīyō‘kawi∙ạ∙gwa īgi´ᵘ mōⁿsōg. Mīdāswi tasu‘kawäwạg.”
“Gaa, waasa ningii-izhaa, mii iw gii-okawi’agwaa igiw moonzoog. Midaaswi dasookawewag.”
“Why, a long way off was I gone, for I was on trail of the moose. Ten was their number by the trail they made.”
“Gaa (why), waasa (a long way off) ningii-izhaa (I went), mii iw (for it was that) gii-okawi’agwaa (I found the trail of them) igiw moonzoog (those moose). Midaaswi (ten) dasookawewag (was their number by their tracks).”
(10) Kägä‘t minwäntạmōg.
Geget minwendamoog.
Verily, they were pleased.
Geget (verily) minwendamoog (they were pleased).
(11) “Wâbạnk kamādcāmin, mīsạgạ iᵘ kä∙i∙cimidātcīyank.”
“Waabang ga-maajaamin, mii sa go iw ge-izhi-midaachiiyang.”
“To-morrow we will set out, for there are just ten of us.”
“Waabang (to-morrow) ga-maajaamin (we will set out), mii sa go iw (for it is just that) ge-izhi-midaachiiyang (we number ten — inclusive we).”
(12) Kägä‘t mi‘kinā‘k cīngi‘tạm; ānīc minōtc kayä wīn mi‘kinā‘k nạnā‘kwä‘tạm. Ā‘pitci kigicäp mādcāwạg, ạgāwā ạnitibi‘twa; mōⁿcạg nạgạnā mi‘kinā‘k; ạnicāgu‘ku ạnibī∙ā∙. Ningutingigu sāgạtciwäwạg, mīdạc imāⁿ ạnwäpiwāt. Äjikīgitut wâbōs: “Mī∙i∙witi kīpimigitcigạtināg kīyō‘kawi∙ạ∙gwa īgi´ᵘ mōⁿsōg.”
Geget mikinaak zhiingitam; aaniish minooj gaye wiin mikinaak nanaakwetam. Aapiji gigizheb maajaawag, agaawaa ani-dibitwaa; moonzhag naganaa mikinaak; anishaa go iko ani-bii’aa. Ningoding igo zaagajiwewag, mii dash imaa anwebiwaad. Ezhi-giigidod waabooz: “Mii iwidi gii-bimi-gichigadinaag gii-okawi’agwaa igiw moonzoog.”
To be sure, Snapping-Turtle was not pleased with it; yet, in spite of (his dislike), Snapping-Turtle responded assent. Very early in the morning they set out, hardly could he keep up; all the while he was left behind; now and then he was waited for. And once they came out upon the summit of a hill, and so there they rested. Then spoke Hare, saying: “It was yonder where the hills rise one upon another that I got on trail of those moose.”
Geget (to be sure) mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle) zhiingitam (disliked the sound of it); aaniish minooj (yet despite that) gaye wiin (he too) mikinaak nanaakwetam (gave answering assent). Aapiji gigizheb (very early in the morning) maajaawag (they set out), agaawaa (hardly) ani-dibitwaa (could he be kept up with — flagged); moonzhag (all the while) naganaa (he was left behind); anishaa go iko (just now and then) ani-bii’aa (he was waited for along the way). Ningoding igo (and once) zaagajiwewag (they came out on a hilltop), mii dash imaa (and so there) anwebiwaad (they rested). Ezhi-giigidod waabooz (then spoke Hare): “Mii iwidi (it was yonder) gii-bimi-gichigadinaag (where big hills run one upon another) gii-okawi’agwaa (that I got on the trail of them) igiw moonzoog (those moose).”
(13) Aᵘ mi‘kinā‘k mīnạngwạnagu iᵘ nickimint. Aᵘ mi‘kinā‘k wīnigu mägwā‘tạm iᵉi´ᵘ kībimigitcigatināg i‘kitōwint. “Nīn kāwī∙i∙gōyān,” ināndạm aᵉa’ᵘ mi‘kinā‘k; mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ kitcigisit imāⁿ upi‘kwanānk. Äjikīgitut aᵘ mī‘kinā‘k: “Īⁱ∙ⁱ∙ⁱ∙, mīsa´ iwitci kạnạbạtc kipimipạsi‘kutunäwạtināg.”
Aw mikinaak mii nangwana go iw nishkimind. Aw mikinaak wiin igo megwaatam i’iw gii-bimi-gichigadinaag ikidowind. “Niin gaa-wii’igooyaan,” inendam a’aw mikinaak; mii dash i’iw gichigizid imaa obikwanaang. Ezhi-giigidod aw mikinaak: “Īⁱ∙ⁱ∙ⁱ∙, mii sa iwidi ganabaj gi-bimi-basikodoonewadinaag.”
Snapping-Turtle then, by reason of these words, was made angry. Snapping-Turtle disliked to hear it said that it was rough and hilly. “I am the one that is meant,” thought Snapping-Turtle; for he was rough there on his back.¹ Then spoke Snapping-Turtle, saying: “Well, it was over there perhaps on the cracked-mouth mountain.”²
Aw mikinaak (that Snapping-Turtle) mii nangwana go iw (so it turned out by that) nishkimind (he was angered). Aw mikinaak wiin igo (Snapping-Turtle for his part) megwaatam (disliked hearing — flagged) i’iw gii-bimi-gichigadinaag ikidowind (the saying of ‘where big hills run along’). “Niin gaa-wii’igooyaan (it is I who am meant),” inendam (thought) a’aw mikinaak; mii dash i’iw (for it was that) gichigizid (he was rough — flagged) imaa obikwanaang (there on his back). Ezhi-giigidod aw mikinaak (then spoke Snapping-Turtle): “Īⁱ∙ⁱ∙ⁱ∙ (— cry, carried as printed), mii sa iwidi ganabaj (well, it was over there perhaps) gi-bimi-basikodoonewadinaag (where you tracked along the cracked-mouth mountain).”
Jones’s footnotes: ¹ To select a physical characteristic and play upon it with insinuation, is common. ² Referring to the perpendicular fissure on the upper lip of the hare. — W.J. Printer’s error: mī‘kinā‘k (long ī) where the page otherwise prints mi‘kinā‘k — preserved as printed. iwitci — iwidi with tc liaison before k, carried; mägwā‘tạm and kitcigisit converted by character rules and flagged.
(14) Mīnawā kīgito wâbōs: “Iwäti ningī∙ō∙‘kawi∙ā∙g īgi´ᵘ mōⁿsōg kī∙o∙zīgickickincigwäwạtināg.”
Miinawaa giigido waabooz: “Iwedi ningii-okawi’aag igiw moonzoog gii-oziigishkishkiinzhigwewadinaag.”
Again spoke Hare, saying: “Over there I trailed the moose, where the mountain is wrinkle-eyed.”
Miinawaa giigido waabooz (again spoke Hare): “Iwedi (over there) ningii-okawi’aag (I trailed them) igiw moonzoog (those moose) gii-oziigishkishkiinzhigwewadinaag (where the mountain is wrinkle-eyed).”
(15) Mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ änīcimādcāwāt, cigwa udōdi‘tānāwa kägä‘t midāsu‘kawäwaᵉ iᵉi´ᵘ mōsōᵉ. Mādcāwạg māta∙ạ∙nāwāt. Päcu´ tägwicinōwāt cigwa ucimōwaᵉ iᵉi’ᵘ mōsōᵉ, nībitäyābạnigusiwaᵉ iᵉi’ᵘ mōsōᵉ.
Mii dash i’iw eni-izhi-maajaawaad, zhigwa ododitaanaawaa geget midaasookawewag i’iw moozoog. Maajaawag mada’anaawaad. Beshoo degwishinowaad zhigwa ozhimowag i’iw moozoog, niibideyaabanigoziwag i’iw moozoog.
Thereupon away they went, soon they came to where there were truly ten trails of the moose. They started off following in their trails. When close they were come, then away fled the moose, abreast in line moved the moose.
Mii dash i’iw (thereupon) eni-izhi-maajaawaad (away they went), zhigwa ododitaanaawaa (soon they came to it) geget (truly) midaasookawewag (ten were they by their trails) i’iw moozoog (those moose). Maajaawag (off they started) mada’anaawaad (following their trail). Beshoo degwishinowaad (when they were come close) zhigwa ozhimowag (then fled) i’iw moozoog (the moose), niibideyaabanigoziwag (abreast in a line they moved) i’iw moozoog (the moose).
(16) Aᵘ mi‘kinā‘k ā‘pidci mämāngickạminit uwipiminicawān. Ānīc ānint ki‘tcipäcu utạcinisāwān īgi’ᵘ ininiwạg. Tayā, mīnōtc na’ kayä wīn mi‘kinā‘k piminica∙i∙gä. Cigwa mi‘tigōn pimā‘kwicinōn. Ānīc mīsa´ äci∙ā∙tā‘kucink; intawā äcipōtawät a‘kawä tawā‘kizwāt īni´ᵘ mi‘tigōn. Mī∙i∙māⁿ pitcīnạg kātawā‘kisunit äni∙i∙cāt. Mīsā‘panä äcictcigät ningutci mi‘tigōn pimā‘kwicininit. Ki‘tciwī‘kāgu utōci‘kawān īni´ᵘ mōsōn. Abā‘pic sāgwạninig, ānīcnā pisānigu pāpāwisiniwạn īni´ᵘ mōⁿsōn. Cigwa ā‘pi‘ta nībinini; äniwä‘k cigwa ạnisāgigāmōwạn; cigwa mạnōmini‘käwān. Ninguting owâbamān nibī‘kāng pạbātạcī‘känit, mīdạc iᵘ mi‘kinā‘k äcipa‘kubīt; u‘kādinink äcinawatạmāt, unimināwa∙ō∙nān. Ānīc kīki‘tcimindido aᵘ mi‘kinā‘k. Micawạgām kā∙i∙ci∙i∙na∙ō∙nāt, äjimisābāwạnāt. Ä‘tiwä! kägä‘t minwäntạm aᵉa´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘k. Äci∙ạ∙gwācimāt. Kā∙i∙ckwā∙ạ∙gwācimāt kägā‘t kägāgu uni‘kigāmōtōnini iᵉi´ᵘ ōsowāni, ā‘pidci kägä‘t wīninōwạn. Omādcī‘kawān pạgutcīnāt.
Aw mikinaak aapiji memaangishkaminid owii-biminizhawaan. Aaniish aanind gichi-beshoo odazhi-nisaawaan igiw ininiwag. Tayaa, minooj na gaye wiin mikinaak biminizha’ige. Zhigwa mitigoon bimaakwishinoon. Aaniish mii sa ezhi-aataakoshing; indawaa ezhi-boodawed akawe dawaakizwaad iniw mitigoon. Mii imaa bijiinag gaa-dawaakizonid eni-izhaad. Mii sa apane ezhichiged ningoji mitigoon bimaakwishininid. Gichi-wiikaa go odoozhiikawaan iniw moozoon. Abaapish zaagwaninig, aaniish naa bizaani go babaa-wiisiniwan iniw moonzoon. Zhigwa aapita-niibinini; eniwek zhigwa ani-zaagigamoowan; zhigwa manoominikewaan. Ningoding owaabamaan nibiikaang babaa-dazhiikenid, mii dash iw mikinaak ezhi-bakobiid; okaadining ezhi-nawadamaad, oniminaawa’onaan. Aaniish gii-gichi-mindido aw mikinaak. Mishawagaam gaa-izhi-ina’onaad, ezhi-nisaabaawanaad. Etiwe! geget minwendam a’aw mikinaak. Ezhi-agwaashimaad. Gaa-ishkwaa-agwaashimaad geget gegaa go onikigaamoodoonini i’iw oozowaani, aapiji geget wiininoowan. Omaajiikawaan bagojiinaad.
Snapping-Turtle was very much bent on pursuing after one that made a very big track. Now, some of the men killed (their moose) within a short distance. Well, in spite of difficulties, Snapping-Turtle gave chase. Presently there was a log lying across (his path). Now, it was so that he could not get over; therefore, he tarried to kindle a fire, that he might burn a passage through the log. Then, as soon as the log was burned in two, then on his way he went. And that was what he always did, wherever a log lay across (his) way. For a very long while he manœuvred¹ how to get at that moose. By the time it was getting spring, then of course quietly roundabout wandered the moose feeding. In a while halfway gone was the summer; rather fat then was (the moose) getting; it was then feeding on rice. Once he saw the moose moving about in the water, whereupon then Snapping-Turtle went down into the water; when quickly on the leg he bit it, he pulled it out into the water. Now, very big had become Snapping-Turtle. When far out in the water he had taken it, he then drowned it. Aha! truly pleased was Snapping-Turtle. Then he drew it out of the water. When he had drawn it out of the water, truly almost out of view was its tail, so very fat it truly was. He set to work to disembowel it.
Aw mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle) aapiji (very much) memaangishkaminid (the one making big tracks) owii-biminizhawaan (he wanted to pursue). Aaniish aanind (now, some) gichi-beshoo (within a very short distance) odazhi-nisaawaan (there killed theirs) igiw ininiwag (those men). Tayaa (well!), minooj na gaye wiin (in spite of it all, he too) mikinaak biminizha’ige (Snapping-Turtle gave chase). Zhigwa mitigoon bimaakwishinoon (presently a log lay across the way). Aaniish mii sa ezhi-aataakoshing (now, he was blocked — flagged); indawaa ezhi-boodawed (therefore he kindled a fire) akawe dawaakizwaad (first to burn a gap through) iniw mitigoon (that log). Mii imaa bijiinag (only when) gaa-dawaakizonid (the log had burned through) eni-izhaad (did he go on his way). Mii sa apane ezhichiged (and that is what he always did) ningoji mitigoon bimaakwishininid (wherever a log lay across). Gichi-wiikaa go (for a very long while) odoozhiikawaan (he worked at — manœuvred for) iniw moozoon (that moose). Abaapish zaagwaninig (by the time spring was coming on), aaniish naa bizaani go (then of course quietly) babaa-wiisiniwan (roundabout it wandered feeding) iniw moonzoon (that moose). Zhigwa aapita-niibinini (in a while it was mid-summer); eniwek zhigwa ani-zaagigamoowan (rather, it was now moving out into open water — Jones: ‘rather fat then was (the moose) getting’; flagged); zhigwa manoominikewaan (it was then at the rice). Ningoding (once) owaabamaan (he saw it) nibiikaang (in the water) babaa-dazhiikenid (busying about), mii dash iw (whereupon) mikinaak ezhi-bakobiid (Snapping-Turtle went down into the water); okaadining (on its leg) ezhi-nawadamaad (he seized it with his teeth), oniminaawa’onaan (he bore it out to deep water). Aaniish gii-gichi-mindido (now, very big had become) aw mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle). Mishawagaam (far out on the water) gaa-izhi-ina’onaad (when he had taken it), ezhi-nisaabaawanaad (he then drowned it — print m-; see footnote). Etiwe! (aha!) geget minwendam (truly pleased was) a’aw mikinaak. Ezhi-agwaashimaad (then he drew it ashore). Gaa-ishkwaa-agwaashimaad (when he had drawn it out) geget gegaa go (truly almost) onikigaamoodoonini (out of view sank — flagged, unparsed) i’iw oozowaani (its tail), aapiji geget wiininoowan (so very fat it truly was). Omaajiikawaan (he set to work on it) bagojiinaad (disemboweling it).
Jones’s footnote (marker at “manœuvred,” prints across the feet of pp. 740–741): Except in extreme hot weather, when driven to the water by mosquitoes, a moose is an exceedingly cautious animal; to get close, one has to manœuvre patiently. — W.J. äjimisābāwạnāt — print m- where nisaabaawan- (‘drown s.o.’) is expected; suspected printer’s m-for-n (the 73 family), converted nisaabaawanaad, preserved as printed in the Jones line, flagged.
(17) Ānīc mī iwiti äcakī∙u∙nītcānisi‘pạn mi‘inā‘k; mīdạc mi‘kwänimāt unītcānisạn kayä īni’ᵘ wīwạn mīsa cigwa wâwänäntạnk wā∙i∙cictcigät. “Kāwīn kạnạgä ningutci nintawäpināsī aᵉa´ᵘ mōⁿs,” inändạm. Mī cigwa kīmādci‘tāt īni´ᵘ mōsōn wīpāswāt. Ā‘pidci wäwäni icictcigä pāswāt. Ka‘kina kāpāswāt mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ pạckwägin. Mīdạc imāⁿ äcititipä∙ī∙ginạng iᵉi´ᵘ wīyās. Kā‘kīci‘tōd äcipa‘kubī∙ạ∙nk. Ạ‘kawä, ucägwānk uwīnîn uda‘tōn, kayä utcitcā‘kāng uda‘tōn iᵉi´ᵘ wīnin wāpītawāt īni´ᵘ unītcānisạn.
Aaniish mii iwidi azha gii-oniijaanisiban mikinaak; mii dash mikwenimaad oniijaanisan gaye iniw wiiwan mii sa zhigwa wawenendang waa-izhichiged. “Gaawiin ganage ningoji nindawebinaasii a’aw moonz,” inendam. Mii zhigwa gii-maajiitaad iniw moozoon wii-baaswaad. Aapiji weweni izhichige baaswaad. Gakina gaa-baaswaad mii dash i’iw bashkwegin. Mii dash imaa ezhi-didibe’iginang i’iw wiiyaas. Gaa-giizhitood ezhi-bakobii’ang. Akawe, ozhegwaang owiinin odatoon, gaye ojijaakaang odatoon i’iw wiinin waa-biidawaad iniw oniijaanisan.
Now, at yonder place (where he lived), Snapping-Turtle had already become father to a child; and so, when he became mindful of his child and his wife, he then planned to see what he would do. “Not a particle of this moose am I going to leave anywhere,” he thought. Accordingly then he set to work singeing the hair of the moose. Ever so carefully he worked when he singed its hair. After he had singed off all the hair, then there was (the) buckskin. And it was (in the skin) that he rolled up the meat. After he had finished (the bundle), he then put it into the water. Before starting, on his penis he put some of his fat, and in his groins he put the fat that he was to fetch home to his child.
Aaniish mii iwidi (now, at yonder place) azha gii-oniijaanisiban (already he had become father to a child) mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle); mii dash mikwenimaad (and when he became mindful of) oniijaanisan (his child) gaye iniw wiiwan (and his wife) mii sa zhigwa wawenendang (he then planned carefully) waa-izhichiged (what he would do). “Gaawiin ganage ningoji (not a particle of it anywhere) nindawebinaasii (am I going to leave behind) a’aw moonz (this moose),” inendam (he thought). Mii zhigwa gii-maajiitaad (accordingly he set to work on) iniw moozoon (that moose) wii-baaswaad (to dry — singe — him over the fire). Aapiji weweni izhichige (ever so carefully he worked) baaswaad (as he singed it). Gakina gaa-baaswaad (after he had singed it all) mii dash i’iw bashkwegin (then there was the buckskin). Mii dash imaa (and it was in it) ezhi-didibe’iginang (that he rolled up) i’iw wiiyaas (the meat). Gaa-giizhitood (after he had finished) ezhi-bakobii’ang (he put it into the water). Akawe (before starting), ozhegwaang (on his penis — flagged) owiinin odatoon (he put some of his fat), gaye ojijaakaang (and in his groins — flagged) odatoon (he put) i’iw wiinin (the fat) waa-biidawaad (that he would fetch home to) iniw oniijaanisan (his child).
(18) Mīnawā mādcā, a‘kawä sībi nạntawâbạndạnk. Kägä‘t owābạndān sībi; unāsi‘kān. Tibickō udōdābān. Mīsa’ äcinīsābōtōd iᵉi’ᵘ uwīyāsîm, ānīc mī∙i∙wä imāⁿ sībīnk ändāwāt īni’ᵘ wīwạm. Cigwa mādcā mi‘kinā‘k, pisānigu pạbimāpōtäni tibickō iᵉi´ᵘ utōtābān.
Miinawaa maajaa, akawe ziibi nandawaabandang. Geget owaabandaan ziibi; onaazikaan. Dibishkoo ododaabaan. Mii sa ezhi-niisaaboodood i’iw owiiyaasim, aaniish mii iwe imaa ziibiing endaawaad iniw wiiwan. Zhigwa maajaa mikinaak, bizaani go babimaaboodeni dibishkoo i’iw ododaabaan.
Again he started, first for a river he looked. Of a truth, he saw a river; he went to it. Like a toboggan (was his burden of meat). Thereupon down the stream he set that meat of his adrift, for it was down the river that he and his wife lived. Then off started Snapping-Turtle, and easily floated that which was like a toboggan.
Miinawaa maajaa (again he started), akawe (first) ziibi nandawaabandang (looking for a river). Geget (of a truth) owaabandaan ziibi (he saw a river); onaazikaan (he went to it). Dibishkoo ododaabaan (like a toboggan was his load). Mii sa ezhi-niisaaboodood (thereupon he floated it off downstream) i’iw owiiyaasim (that meat of his), aaniish mii iwe imaa ziibiing (for it was there down the river) endaawaad (that they lived) iniw wiiwan (he and his wife). Zhigwa maajaa mikinaak (then off started Snapping-Turtle), bizaani go (and easily) babimaaboodeni (along it floated) dibishkoo i’iw ododaabaan (that toboggan-like bundle of his).
(19) Ānīc ā‘pidci kạckändạn aᵉa´ᵘ i‘kwä. Kigicäb nāsibī aᵘ i‘kwä, a‘pitci nạntawâbi kwīnōmāt īni´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘kwạn. Cigwadạc aᵘ mi‘kinā‘k mīyä‘ta iᵉi’ᵘ wīnạg pāsayāgibitōt, cigwa owâbạmān wīwạn ä‘kubīgạtinig nạmạtạbinit. Mīdạc imāⁿ päcu änīnābugut mī ä‘ta iᵘ wīnạg sayāgibīnig. Cigwadạc owâbạndān a∙i∙‘kwä. Ānīc uta‘kunān īni´ᵘ unītcānisạn. Ogạnōnān īni´ᵘ unītcānisạn: “Nạckä! kōs wīnạg kābimāpōtänig.” Mīgu iᵉi´ᵘ äyōt wäntcinisi‘tawinawāt iᵉi´ᵘ winạgāni īni´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘kwạn. Ā‘pidci minwäntạm a∙i∙‘kwä.
Aaniish aapiji gashkendam a’aw ikwe. Gigizheb naazibii aw ikwe, apichi nandawaabi gwiinomaad iniw mikinaakwan. Zhigwa dash aw mikinaak mii eta i’iw wiinag ba-sayaagibiidood, zhigwa owaabamaan wiiwan ekobiigadinig namadabinid. Mii dash imaa beshoo eni-naabogod mii eta iw wiinag sayaagibiinig. Zhigwa dash owaabandaan aw ikwe. Aaniish odakonaan iniw oniijaanisan. Oganoonaan iniw oniijaanisan: “Nashke! koos wiinag gaa-bimaaboodenig.” Mii go i’iw eyood wenji-nisitawinawaad i’iw wiinagaani iniw mikinaakwan. Aapiji minwendam aw ikwe.
Now, exceedingly sad was the woman. In the morning to the water went the woman, with very deep anxiety did she watch for him. And when Snapping-Turtle was coming along with only his penis out of the water, he then saw his wife sitting down by the edge of the water. And so, when near by there he went floating, it was only his penis that was visible out of the water. And presently the woman saw it. Now, she had her child in her arms. She spoke to her child, saying: “Look! there is your father’s penis floating hitherward downstream.” It was by reason of the experience that she had had with the penis, that she came to recognize Snapping-Turtle. Very happy was the woman.
Aaniish aapiji gashkendam (now, exceedingly sad was) a’aw ikwe (the woman). Gigizheb (in the morning) naazibii aw ikwe (down to the water went the woman), apichi nandawaabi (with deep anxiety she kept watch) gwiinomaad (missing — anxiously looking for him — flagged) iniw mikinaakwan (that Snapping-Turtle). Zhigwa dash aw mikinaak (and when Snapping-Turtle) mii eta i’iw wiinag (with only his penis) ba-sayaagibiidood (came along holding it out of the water — flagged), zhigwa owaabamaan wiiwan (he then saw his wife) ekobiigadinig (at the water’s edge) namadabinid (sitting). Mii dash imaa beshoo (and so when near by) eni-naabogod (he went floating along) mii eta iw wiinag (it was only his penis) sayaagibiinig (that stuck out of the water). Zhigwa dash owaabandaan (and presently she saw it) aw ikwe (the woman). Aaniish odakonaan (now, she was holding in her arms) iniw oniijaanisan (her child). Oganoonaan iniw oniijaanisan (she spoke to her child): “Nashke! (look!) koos wiinag (your father’s penis) gaa-bimaaboodenig (floating hitherward downstream).” Mii go i’iw eyood (it was by what she had known — eyood, ‘what she used’: her experience) wenji-nisitawinawaad (that she recognized) i’iw wiinagaani (that penis) iniw mikinaakwan (as Snapping-Turtle’s). Aapiji minwendam aw ikwe (very happy was the woman).
(20) Mīdạc iᵉi’ᵘ äcimōckạmut ogạnōnān wīwạn — ānīc usạgābīginān iᵉi´ᵘ udōdābān — ugạnōnān wīwạn: “Wī‘kubitōn, nintōtābān!”
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-mooshkamod oganoonaan wiiwan — aaniish ozagaabiiginaan i’iw ododaabaan — oganoonaan wiiwan: “Wiikobidoon, nindoodaabaan!”
And when he came up to the surface of the water, he spoke to his wife — for he had hold of (the strap of) his toboggan — he spoke to his wife, saying: “Pull on my toboggan!”
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-mooshkamod (and when he came up to the surface) oganoonaan wiiwan (he spoke to his wife) — aaniish ozagaabiiginaan (for he held by a line) i’iw ododaabaan (his toboggan) — oganoonaan wiiwan (he spoke to his wife): “Wiikobidoon (pull on it), nindoodaabaan (my toboggan)!”
(21) Kägä‘t äciwī‘kubitōt a∙i∙‘kwä, kägä‘t ubwāwinān. A‘kawä, kubība‘tō a∙i∙‘kwä wīndamawāt īni´ᵘ ōsạn pwāwinạnk.
Geget ezhi-wiikobidood aw ikwe, geget obwaawinaan. Akawe, gopiibatoo aw ikwe wiindamawaad iniw oosan bwaawinang.
To be sure, then on it pulled the woman, (and) truly heavy she found it. First of all, up from the water ran the woman to inform her father that she was unable to manage it.
Geget ezhi-wiikobidood (to be sure, on it pulled) aw ikwe (the woman), geget obwaawinaan (truly she could not budge him). Akawe (first of all), gopiibatoo aw ikwe (up from the water ran the woman) wiindamawaad iniw oosan (to tell her father) bwaawinang (that she could not manage it).
(22) Mīgu iᵘ ka‘kina nāzibīwāt kayä iᵉi´ᵘ umisäyaᵉ mīdạc iᵉi´ᵘ māmawō‘kạmowāt ku‘pīwītōwāt udābān. Äji∙ā∙ba∙ạ∙mowāt kägä‘t nibiwa pimidä udaiyānāwā. Kägä‘t minwäntạmōg.
Mii go iw gakina naazibiiwaad gaye i’iw omiseyag mii dash i’iw maamawookamowaad gopiiwidoowaad odaabaan. Ezhi-aaba’amowaad geget niibiwa bimide odayaanaawaa. Geget minwendamoog.
Thereupon when all, including also her elder sisters, went to the water, they then together pulled the toboggan out of the water, and drew it on up from the shore. When they untied it, of a truth, much grease did they have. Truly pleased were they.
Mii go iw gakina (thereupon when all) naazibiiwaad (went down to the water) gaye i’iw omiseyag (including her elder sisters) mii dash i’iw maamawookamowaad (they then worked all together) gopiiwidoowaad odaabaan (carrying the toboggan up from the shore). Ezhi-aaba’amowaad (when they untied it) geget niibiwa bimide (truly much grease) odayaanaawaa (they had). Geget minwendamoog (truly pleased were they).
(23) Mīdạc aᵘ mi‘kinā‘k cigwa omạmōn pātạmawāt unītcānisạn. Ānīc ucägwānk udōntinān iᵘ pimidä, kayä iwiti utcitcā‘kāng udōntinān. Ānīc pạnä mạtcänimā aᵘ mi‘kinā‘k, mīsa cigwa nicki∙ā∙t wītcikiwäⁿyaᵉ. Kägä‘t a‘pạnä ni‘tāgäwaᵉ iᵉi´ᵘ mōsōᵉ, wīnidạc mi‘kinā‘k kāwīn ni‘tāgäsī. Miyä‘ta ābiding ni‘tāgāt īni´ᵘ mōsōn kinisāt.
Mii dash aw mikinaak zhigwa omamoon baadamawaad oniijaanisan. Aaniish ozhegwaang odoondinaan iw bimide, gaye iwidi ojijaakaang odoondinaan. Aaniish apane majenimaa aw mikinaak, mii sa zhigwa nishki’aad wiijikiwenyag. Geget apane nitaagewag i’iw moozoon, wiin idash mikinaak gaawiin nitaagesii. Mii eta aabiding nitaaged iniw moozoon gii-nisaad.
Thereupon Snapping-Turtle took out what he had fetched for his child. Now, from his penis he obtained the grease, and also there from his groins he got it. Now, all the while was Snapping-Turtle despised, accordingly then he angered his companions. Of a truth, all the while were the others killing moose, but Snapping-Turtle himself was doing no killing. Only that one time when he killed the moose did he make a killing.
Mii dash aw mikinaak (thereupon Snapping-Turtle) zhigwa omamoon (took out) baadamawaad (what he had fetched for) oniijaanisan (his child). Aaniish ozhegwaang (now, from his penis — flagged) odoondinaan (he obtained) iw bimide (the grease), gaye iwidi ojijaakaang (and also there from his groins — flagged) odoondinaan (he got it). Aaniish apane (now, all the while) majenimaa (was thought ill of) aw mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle), mii sa zhigwa (accordingly then) nishki’aad (he angered) wiijikiwenyag (his companions). Geget apane (of a truth, all the while) nitaagewag (were making kills) i’iw moozoon (of those moose), wiin idash mikinaak (but Snapping-Turtle himself) gaawiin nitaagesii (made no kills). Mii eta aabiding (only the one time) nitaaged (did he make a kill) iniw moozoon gii-nisaad (when he killed that moose).
(24) Ninguting mādcā mi‘kinā‘k, pa‘kubīt iᵉi´ᵘ sāga∙i∙gạn; kägä‘t nībiwa wạnisāᵉ iᵉi’ᵘ kīⁿgōⁿyaᵉ. Kägä‘t minwäntạm aᵘ a‘kiwäⁿzī kayä mindimōyäⁿ minwändạmᵉ. Kīgitō mi‘kinā‘k: “Mīya‘pạnä mōcạg kīⁿgōⁿyạg nīwīnōtci∙ā∙g.” Mīsā‘pạnä mōcạg kīⁿkōⁿyạn unisān. Mi‘kinā‘k ā‘pidci nickinawāᵉ, mīwa iᵉi´ᵘ wītcikiwäⁿyaᵉ näckināgut. Käga‘pi ninguting unạnā‘kunān aᵉa´ᵘ mi‘kinā‘k wīnisint. Kägä‘t ninguting nōtcikīⁿgōⁿ∙i∙wät a‘kạmawā. Kā‘pī∙ạ∙gwā‘tāt mi‘kinā‘k mīdạc i∙i∙māⁿ wīnīwana∙u∙nt. Kāwäsa kacki∙ā∙sī tcinisint, mīgu iᵉi´ᵘ ạnā‘kwīt. Ka‘kina kā∙i∙cinisāt, mīsa pinäwitcīt kī∙ạ∙gōtä.
Ningoding maajaa mikinaak, bakobiid i’iw zaaga’igan; geget niibiwa wanisaan i’iw giigoonyan. Geget minwendam aw akiwenzii gaye mindimooyenh minwendam. Giigido mikinaak: “Mii ya apane moozhag giigoonyag niwii-nooji’aag.” Mii sa apane moozhag giigoonyan onisaan. Mikinaak aapiji nishkinawaag, mii wa i’iw wiijikiwenyag neshkinaagod. Gegapii ningoding onanaakonaan a’aw mikinaak wii-nisind. Geget ningoding noojigiigoonyiwed akamawaa. Gaa-bi-agwaataad mikinaak mii dash i’imaa wii-niiwana’ond. Gaawesa gashki’aasii ji-nisind, mii go i’iw anaakwiid. Gakina gaa-izhi-nisaad, mii sa binewi-jiid gii-agoode.
Once on a time away went Snapping-Turtle, into the water of a lake he went; truly many fish he killed. Truly pleased was the old man, and the old woman was pleased. Said Snapping-Turtle: “Now, all the time do I intend to keep on killing fish.” And so continually all the while he killed fish. Snapping-Turtle was very much disliked by the others, it was by his companions that he was disliked. At last Snapping-Turtle suddenly decided to fight them for wanting to kill him. Of a truth, when once he was getting fish, they lay in wait for him. After Snapping-Turtle was come out of the water, then was the time that they intended to smite him with a club. But they did not succeed in killing him, for he also fought. After he had slain them all, accordingly then the buttocks of the ruffed grouse were hanging aloft.
Ningoding maajaa mikinaak (once away went Snapping-Turtle), bakobiid i’iw zaaga’igan (into the water of a lake he went); geget niibiwa (truly many) wanisaan (he killed of them — flagged) i’iw giigoonyan (those fish). Geget minwendam aw akiwenzii (truly pleased was the old man) gaye mindimooyenh minwendam (and the old woman was pleased). Giigido mikinaak (said Snapping-Turtle): “Mii ya apane (now, all the time) moozhag giigoonyag (continually fish) niwii-nooji’aag (do I intend to keep catching).” Mii sa apane (and so continually) moozhag giigoonyan onisaan (all the while he killed fish). Mikinaak aapiji nishkinawaag (Snapping-Turtle greatly displeased them), mii wa i’iw wiijikiwenyag (it was his companions) neshkinaagod (by whom he was disliked). Gegapii ningoding (at last on a time) onanaakonaan (he resolved upon it) a’aw mikinaak (Snapping-Turtle) wii-nisind (— that he was to be killed). Geget ningoding (of a truth, once) noojigiigoonyiwed (while he was getting fish) akamawaa (he was lain in wait for). Gaa-bi-agwaataad mikinaak (after Snapping-Turtle had come out of the water) mii dash i’imaa (then was the time there) wii-niiwana’ond (that he was to be smitten with a club). Gaawesa gashki’aasii ji-nisind (but they could not kill him), mii go i’iw anaakwiid (for he fought back — flagged). Gakina gaa-izhi-nisaad (after he had slain them all), mii sa binewi-jiid (and so the ruffed grouse’s rump) gii-agoode (hung aloft) (the closing that leaves the story to the listener’s wondering).