Nanabushu and the Little Fishers
Ningoding idash ani-pabimosed, ogii-mikawaa’ ojiigensa’ e-yaanid.
Mii dash e-naad: “Aaniindi gigawaa?” “Babaanandawenjige.” Mii iw dash gaa-izhi-poopookojiibinaad, ogii-miijinaa’. Mii dash gii-ani-maajaad. Apii dash degoshing ojiig ogii-mikawaa’ oniijaanesa’ nibonid. Mii dash ezhi-noopinanaad Nenaboozhoon. Apii dash edimind Nenaboozhoo, ani-nagamo Nenaboozhoo: “Ojiigensag inaa gaa-poopookojiibinagwaa. Ojiigensag inaa gaa-poopookojiibinagwaa. Ojiigensag iinaa gaa-poopookojiibinagwaa. Ojiigensag iinaa gaa-poopookojiibinagwaa. Ojiigan idash oganoonigoon: “Giin maawiin, gigii-nisaag ni-niijaanisag!” “Gaawiin!” ikido Nenaboozhoo. Apii dash edimind, mitigoong gii-apagizo. (1) Ojiig idash ogii-miigaadaan i’iw mitig. Mii dash geget Nenaboozhoo wiisagendang odiyaang. |
And once, when travelling along, he came upon some young Fishers.
And this he said to them : " Where is your mother?" "She is off somewhere hunting for game." And when he had broken them in two at the wrist, he eased upon them. And then on his way he went. And when home was come the Fisher, she found that her children were dead. Thereupon she pursued Nanabushu. And when Nanabushu was overtaken, he was going along singing a song : "Little fishers are the ones that I have broken in two at the wrists. Little fishers are the ones that I have broken in two at the wrists. Little fishers are the ones that I have broken in two at the wrists. Little fishers are the ones that I have broken in two at the wrists." By the Fisher was he addressed: "Then it was you, you slew my children !" "No!" said Nanabushu. And when he was overtaken, he turned instantly into a log. (1) And the Fisher fought the log, ever so much did she tear the log with her teeth. Thereupon truly did Nanabushu suffer pain in his bottom. |