Nanabushu and the Soaring Eagle
Mii
sa wii-biboonishi megiziwaash.
And now Soaring-Eagle was planning to go into camp for the winter.
Zhigwa sa wii-maajitaa giigoonyan wii-nooji’aad, mii dash i’iw ezhi-waabamaad gii-dagwishininid iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
And in a while he intended to set about to get some fish, whereupon he then saw Nänabushu, who now arrived (at his place).
“Naabwiinaa maamawijigeyang ji-nooji’angwaa igiw giigoonyag?”
“Would it not be well for us to go together to get the fish?” (said Nänabushu).
“Aw, mii iw ezhi-minwendamaan omaa go bi-izhi-gozin.”
“Very well, and in that case I should be pleased if you would move your belongings over to this place.”
Geget, Nenaboozhoo bi-gabeshi.
Sure enough, hither came Nänabushu to camp.
Mii sa zhigwa maajitaawaad; giigoonyan niibiwa onisaawaan.
So thereupon they set to work; many fish they killed.
Giigoonya’ odajidagoonaawa’.
They hung the fish upon racks, with the heads down.
Aapiji’sh isa niibiwa onisaawaa.
Ever so many they killed.
Zhigwa gashkadinini i’iw zaaga’igan.
In time frozen became the lake.
Mii sa ezhi-gozinid Nenaboozhoowan; gakina omaajiinaa’ giigoonya’.
Thereupon Nänabushu moved camp; all the fish he took away with him.
Mii sa pane gaawiin gegoo oga-miijisiin megiziwaash.
And so not a single thing was left for Soaring-Eagle to eat.
“Aaniish ge-diyaang?”
“What will become of us?”
Aanawi go baatayiinowa iwe anishinaabe imaa sa endanizid.
Yet, for all that, many were the people at the place where he was.
Zhigwa gii-piboonini, mii sa zhigwa bakaded.
In time the winter came, whereupon he then lacked food.
Ningoding igo, onaagoshininig aapiji wii-wiisini; gaye iniw wiiwan gaye i’iw oniijaanisa’ niizhiwa’.
Now, one evening he craved exceedingly for some food to eat; so too (did) his wife, and his children, two in number.
Goshkwaawaadiziwa’.
They were living quietly (there).
Awiya biidweweshinoon ezhi-biindigenid.
They heard the footsteps of somebody approaching, who then came inside.
“Megiziwaash, gi-wiikomigoo”
“Soaring-Eagle, you are invited to a feast.”
Odoonaagan gaa-odaapinang, ezhi-maajaad.
Taking up his bowl, he then departed.
Miziwe aano-piindige iniw wiigiwaaman, indawaa ezhi-giiwed.
In every wigwam he entered, but to no purpose, for he did not find the place (of the feast); accordingly, when into all the wigwams he had entered in vain, he then went back home.
Ezhi-biindiged endaad, oganoonigoon iniw wiiwan:
On entering into the place where he dwelt, he was addressed by his wife saying:
“Aaniin dash i’iw gii-wiikomigoowin?”
“Where is the food you got when invited?”
“Gaawiin ningoji ni-mikanziin ji-wiikonding.”
“Nowhere did I find the place of the feast”
Mii sa apii ezhi-gichi-mawinid iniw wiiwan gaye oniijaanisa’ indawaa ezhi-gawishimowaad; weyaabaninig mii sa go gaawiin gegoo omiijisiinaawaa.
Thereupon then bitterly wept his wife and his children. Accordingly went they to bed; in the morning there was nothing for them to eat.
Zhigwa miinawaa dibikadini, mii dash geget wii-wiisiniwaad.
In time it was night again, whereupon truly did they yearn for food to eat.
Zhigwa, ani-dibikadini, baamaa go ba-dapaabinid awiya.
Now, it was beginning to grow dark, when of a sudden some one came up (and) peeped in.
“Megiziwaash gi-wiikomigoo.”
“Soaring-Eagle, you are invited to a feast.”
Gaa-oditinang odoonaagan, zaagijikwaashkoni, agaawaa go ogezakawaabamaan animibatoonid.
Seizing his bowl, out of doors he leaped, and scarcely did he catch sight of him who went running away.
Gichi-eyaapiisikaad omaajinizhawaan.
As fast as he could go he pursued after him.
Goniginiin, odani-gabikamii iniw wiigiwaaman; ziibi giishkaabikaanig ani-biindigesewan; mii go i’iw eni-danizid.
Lo, the other sped past the wigwams; into the falls of a river the other ran, whereupon in he rushed.
Eni-piindigewaad, mooshkinebiwa’ waakondinid.
As they went on in, (he found) the place filled up with guests.
Gichi-paapi’aa.
He was made much fun of.
Namegosan waakondinid, gichi-niibiwa go ashamaa.
(It was to eat) trout that the invitation was given, and with a great deal of it (Soaring-Eagle) was fed.
Geyaabi go ishkosewan iniw jiibaakwaanan.
There yet remained some more of the food that had been cooked.
Zhigwa ganoonaa megiziwaash:
Presently Soaring-Eagle was spoken to:
“Mii maawiin i’iw geget ji-noondaapanishiyan.
“It is indeed quite possible that you may starve before the winter is over.
Indawaa giga-kikinoo’amaagoo ge-izhichigeyan.
Therefore you will be taught what you shall do.
Waabang gi-mindimooye’imish da-biiminakwe.
To-morrow your old woman shall make some twine.
Gii-kiizhitood biiminakwaan, mii dash i’iw ge-izhi-kichi-dwaa’igeyan imaa wabigamaag i’iw zaaga’igan.
After she has finished the twine, then you shall make a large hole in the ice over at yonder narrows of the lake.
Mii dash iw ozidaang giga-danapinaa a’aw gi-niijaanis.
Accordingly, then by its feet shall you tie your child with the cord.
Ga-boodaakwewaa; mizhakiise dash mii iw ge-izhi-wiikobinad, ji-enigok ji-kijiwebinad.
You shall put it down into the hole; and when it has reached the bottom then you shall draw it out, with all your power shall you pull on it.
Mii dash imaa ji-waabamad a’aw namegos.
And then there shall you see the trout.
Giin igo giga-dibaabamaag mii maawiin minik ge-debisewaad.
And you yourself shall see when you think that (the fishes) are enough.
ge-apiichi-biboong mii iw ge-izhi-shkwaataayan.
At the end of the winter then shall you cease.
Mii sa go naa iw ezhi-shawenimigooyan.
And this is the way that you shall be blessed.
Mii iw megiziwaash, izhi-giiwen.
Therefore, Soaring-Eagle, do you return home.
Maagizhaa aabiding giga-wiisinim, mii iw izhi-giiwen.
Perhaps for once you (and your family) will have food (enough) to eat, therefore do you go on back home.
Giiwewish namegos.”
Take back some trout.”
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-piindiged iw endaad, geget moojigiziwan iniw wiiwan gaye oniijaanisa’; ji-enigok wiisiniwa’.
And so when he entered his home, truly pleased were his wife and his children; with great eagerness did they eat.
Mii sa go iw zhigwa maajitaad aw mindimooye biiminakwed gabe-dibik; weyaabaninig ogiizhitoon i’iw obiiminakwaan.
Thereupon then did the old woman set to work weaving twine all night long; when it was morning, she finished the twine.
Gigizheb ezhi-maajaad megisiwaash; wiiwan wiijiiwaad zaaga’iganing izhaad.
In the morning then departed Soaring-Eagle; along with his wife, he went on his way to the lake.
Gaa-tagwishing wabigamaang i’iw zaaga’igan ezhi-dwaa’iged.
When he got to the narrows of the lake, then he made a hole in the ice.
Gaa-kiizhitood odwaa’igan, odakobinaan iniw oniijaanisan, ozidaaning danapinaad.
After finishing the hole in the ice, he then bound one of his children; by its feet was where he bound it.
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-boodaakwe’owaad.
Thereupon they put it down into the hole.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan, enigok ezhi-wiikobinaad.
When it got to the bottom, then with all his might he drew it out.
Gaa-kidishkobinaad, namegosan bigijiskosewan.
After he had pulled it out, then the trout came out of the ice.
Megiziwaash geget minwendam.
Soaring-Eagle was really happy.
“Gaawin nindayaanashiitanzii gabe-giizhig.”
“I will not stop throughout the whole day.”
Miinawaa ezhi-boodaakwewaad iniw oniijaanisan.
Then another of his children he put down through the hole.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan ji-enigok owiikobinaan.
When it got to the bottom, with all his power he pulled upon it.
Ezhi-gichiwebinaad, namegosan owaabamaan.
When he gave it a great throw, a trout he saw.
Mii dash geget minwendang aw megiziwaash.
And then truly pleased was Soaring-Eagle.
Zhigwa onaagoshinini.
In a while the evening was drawing in.
“Ambe sa noo, mii dash eta iw ge-nisag a’aw namegos.”
“Behold, just one more trout I will kill.”
Geget niibiwa.
To be sure, (there were) many trout.
“Mii maawiin i’iw minik ge-debisewaad gayapiichi-biboong.
“It may be that they are now enough to last through the winter.
Aw mii dash eta iw bezhig ji-nisag.”
Therefore only one more will I kill.”
Oboodaakwewaan iniw oniijaanisan.
Down into the hole he put one of his children.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan, owiikobidoon.
As soon as it got to the bottom, he drew it back.
Ezhi-bwaawipodood ayangwajizh, ji-enigok odaanawiikobidoon.
As he was losing his pull on it the longer (he held on), then with all his power he tried drawing it back.
Gegapii ezhi-pakibidood, mii sa pane oniijaanisan.
At last he broke the line, and then gone was his child. (1)
Ji-enigok mawi megiziwaash, gaye owiiwan.
Very bitterly wept Soaring-Eagle, and also his wife.
Indawaa, gaa-ishkwaa-mawid, ogiigoo’imiwa’ ogiiwewinaawaa gakina endaawaad.
Accordingly, when he had ceased crying, they carried all their fish back to where they lived.
Gaa-izhiwinaawaad i’iw giigoonya’, maajaa awi-gagwedwed; mii dash izhaad iniw nigigwan.
After they had dressed the fish, he departed thence to make inquiry; and so he went to where the Otter was.
Zhigwa oganoonaan:
In time he spoke to him, saying:
“Mii sa iw gii-nisangid a’aw ni-niijaanisinaan.”
“Therefore now have we slain our child.”
Ezhi-ganoonind megiziwaash:
Then was Soaring-Eagle addressed by him saying:
Ambe sa, nawaj niibiwa ogawa-zhitoon gi-mindimoowemizh biiminakwaan.
“Behond, let your old woman make some more cord.
Gii-kiizhitood, mii dash i’iw ge-izhi-maajaayan, giga-izhaa.
When she has finished it, then shall you depart, you shall go to the place where you broke the line (that held) your child.
Megiziwaash, giga-izhaa imaa gii-pakibinad aw gi-niijaanis?
Soaring-Eagle, do you know why your child was taken from you?
Ozaam niibiwa gigii-nisaag igiw giigoonyag.
Too many of the fishes have you slain.
Gii-nishki’aa a’aw mishinamegwe.
You have angered the Great Stugeon.
Mii aw gaa-odaapinaad gi-niijaanisan.
He is the one that has seized your child.
Giga-gashki’aa.
You can obtain (your child).
Nandawaabamad, mii naasaab ge-izhichigeyan, ji-dakobizoyan imaa gi-zidaang.”
When you seek for it, you should follow the same method that (you did) before, by having yourself bound by your feet.”
Megiziwaash mii zhigwa maajaad.
Soaring-Eagle then departed thence.
Dwaa’ibii.
He made a hole in the ice.
Gaa-ishkwaa-dwaa’ibiid ezhi-pakobiid.
After he had finished the hole in the ice, he then went down into the water.
Mezhakiised owaabandaan miikana bimamonig.
When he got to the bottom, he saw a path that led off (in a certain direction).
Ezhi-maajaad, maada’odood miikana.
Then he started forth, following along the path.
Gomaa go apii degwishing, onoondawaa awiya bi-baapinid.
When at a certain distance he arrived, he heard some one coming along laughing.
Owaabamaa’ ikwewa’; Ezhi-ganoonaa’:
He beheld some women; to them he spoke saying:
“Aaniin enanokiiyeg wabigamaag?”
“With what are you busied at the narrows?”
“Nindawi-nishi-baapinodawaanaan wiisaande.”
“We intend to meddle with the deadened pine.” (2)
Asabiin miiwan iniw e-zhaawaad.
It was to a net that they were going.
Mii dash i’iw biida’amowaad miinawaa aanind.
Accordingly then came some others singing.
Owaabamaa’.
He saw them.
“Aaniin e-nanokiiyeg?”
“What are you busied with?”
“Nindawi-paapinodawaanaan bebaamidagoodeg okanaab.” (3)
“We are going to meddle with the cord that hangs across.”
Eni-zhi-maajaad, besho owaabandaan oodena. Bezhig owaabamaan; oganoonaan:
As he started on, not far away he saw a town; a certain one he saw; to him he spoke, saying:
“N-niijaanis ba-onji-izhaayaan.”
“It is on account of my child that I have come.”
“Mii omaa ayaad a’aw gi-niijaanis.
“In this place is your child.
Gaawiin gidaa-miinigosii.
It will not be given to you.
Mii aw nindoogimaaminaan e-yaawaad iniw gi-niijaanisan.
In is our chief that has your child.
Indawaa akamaw ji-saaga’ang; onaagoshig mii apii ji-saaga’ang.”
Therefore you would better wait till he comes out; in the evening is when he comes forth.”
Zhigwa onaagoshinini.
In time it was evening.
Madwe-giigido bezhig inini:
There came the voice of a man saying:
“Esh, mii sa miinawaa miimiisiwag zhigwa ji-amwangwaa.”
“Well, so then we shall have some more mayflies to eat.”
Zhigwa bimi-saaga’amoon; geget mindidoowan mishinamegwen.
Then (he beheld the chief) come forth; truly big was the Great Sturgeon.
Waasa zhigwa ani-dagwishinoon biindigese endaanid; ogii-waabamaan oniijaanisan.
When a long way off (he saw that the chief) was come, he flew into where (the chief) live; he saw his child.
Ezhi-oditinaad, ji-enigok odootookaabiigibatoo i’iw biiminakwaan.
Then grabbing it up, with all his might he ran, jerking upon the cord.
Gichi-enigok owiikobidoon a’aw mindimooye.
As hard as she could the old woman pulled upon it.
Bekish enigok maajaa Megiziwash.
At the same time with speed went Soaring-Eagle.
Zhigwa odebaabandaan odwaa’igan.
In time he came in sight of the hole.
Aabanaabid biidaawaniwan wii-nawadamigod iniw mishinamegwen. Mii dash geget enigok ezhi-maajaad, ezhi-gichi-pizod imaa odwaa’ibaaning.
On looking back, (he saw) the Great Sturgeon coming with mouth open to devour him; whereupon truly at full speed he went, out through the hole he flew.
Gaakijibisod, inaabid, odwaa’iganing bi-saagikwesewan mishinamegwen, ezhi-gichi-pizonid.
After he had flown through, he looked, (and saw) the Great Sturgeon with his head out of the hole in the ice, then out upon the ice he leaped.
“A’aw, mindimooye, gi-waagaakwad mamoon! Niiwana’!”
“Now, old woman, get your axe! Pound him to death!”
Mindimooyen odoodaapinaan owaagaakwad; oniiwanawaan iniw mishinamegwen.
The old woman picked up her axe; she clubbed the Great Sturgeon.
Ataa, geget mindidoowan!
Ah, truly big he was!
“Mindimooye, giiwewinaadaa.”
“Old woman, let us carry him home!”
Gaawesa ogashki’aasiiwaawaan aanawi odoodaabaanaawaan.
Not even were they able to drag him.
Anishinaabe’ onaadamaagowaa’, mii bijiinag gashki’aawaad.
By the people were they helped to drag him, and that was when they were able to handle him.
Mii sa iw zhigwa gii-tagwishimaawaad.
Thereupon they then got him home
“Geget, giga-ashamaanaan wa’aw nigig gaa-shaweniminang.”
“In truth, we will feed the Otter that has blessed us.”
Geget minwendamoog ashamidwaa igiw nigigwag.
Truly pleased were the Otters to be fed.
“Megiziwaash, mii iw gaawiin wiikaa giga-pakadesii.”
“Soaring-Eagle, therefore never shall you be in want of food.
Geyaabi waawii’igooyan gichi-onizhishin ge-izhichigeyan.
Something very much better is yet to be told you to do.
A’aw Nenaboozhoo giinitam giga-pakade’aa.
It is now your turn to make Nänabushu hungry.
Awi-gimoodim iniw ogiigooniman.”
Go rob him of his fishes.”
Geget ezhi-maajaad Megiziwaash.
Truly thence departed Soaring-Eagle.
Ezhi-gashkitood ogii-izhi-gimoodimaan iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
As much as he could did he rob Nänabushu.
Geget, ogii-kashkitoon gakina gii-gimoodimaad.
In truth, he was able to steal them all from him.
Mii sa wiin nitam Nenaboozhoo gii-pakaded.
Accordingly it was Nänabushu's turn to be hungry.
Geget minwendam Megiziwaash bakadenid iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
Truly pleased was Soaring-Eagle to have Nänabushu in need of food.
Mii sa binewijiid egoodeg.
And so now the buttocks of the ruffled grouse hang aloft.
And now Soaring-Eagle was planning to go into camp for the winter.
Zhigwa sa wii-maajitaa giigoonyan wii-nooji’aad, mii dash i’iw ezhi-waabamaad gii-dagwishininid iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
And in a while he intended to set about to get some fish, whereupon he then saw Nänabushu, who now arrived (at his place).
“Naabwiinaa maamawijigeyang ji-nooji’angwaa igiw giigoonyag?”
“Would it not be well for us to go together to get the fish?” (said Nänabushu).
“Aw, mii iw ezhi-minwendamaan omaa go bi-izhi-gozin.”
“Very well, and in that case I should be pleased if you would move your belongings over to this place.”
Geget, Nenaboozhoo bi-gabeshi.
Sure enough, hither came Nänabushu to camp.
Mii sa zhigwa maajitaawaad; giigoonyan niibiwa onisaawaan.
So thereupon they set to work; many fish they killed.
Giigoonya’ odajidagoonaawa’.
They hung the fish upon racks, with the heads down.
Aapiji’sh isa niibiwa onisaawaa.
Ever so many they killed.
Zhigwa gashkadinini i’iw zaaga’igan.
In time frozen became the lake.
Mii sa ezhi-gozinid Nenaboozhoowan; gakina omaajiinaa’ giigoonya’.
Thereupon Nänabushu moved camp; all the fish he took away with him.
Mii sa pane gaawiin gegoo oga-miijisiin megiziwaash.
And so not a single thing was left for Soaring-Eagle to eat.
“Aaniish ge-diyaang?”
“What will become of us?”
Aanawi go baatayiinowa iwe anishinaabe imaa sa endanizid.
Yet, for all that, many were the people at the place where he was.
Zhigwa gii-piboonini, mii sa zhigwa bakaded.
In time the winter came, whereupon he then lacked food.
Ningoding igo, onaagoshininig aapiji wii-wiisini; gaye iniw wiiwan gaye i’iw oniijaanisa’ niizhiwa’.
Now, one evening he craved exceedingly for some food to eat; so too (did) his wife, and his children, two in number.
Goshkwaawaadiziwa’.
They were living quietly (there).
Awiya biidweweshinoon ezhi-biindigenid.
They heard the footsteps of somebody approaching, who then came inside.
“Megiziwaash, gi-wiikomigoo”
“Soaring-Eagle, you are invited to a feast.”
Odoonaagan gaa-odaapinang, ezhi-maajaad.
Taking up his bowl, he then departed.
Miziwe aano-piindige iniw wiigiwaaman, indawaa ezhi-giiwed.
In every wigwam he entered, but to no purpose, for he did not find the place (of the feast); accordingly, when into all the wigwams he had entered in vain, he then went back home.
Ezhi-biindiged endaad, oganoonigoon iniw wiiwan:
On entering into the place where he dwelt, he was addressed by his wife saying:
“Aaniin dash i’iw gii-wiikomigoowin?”
“Where is the food you got when invited?”
“Gaawiin ningoji ni-mikanziin ji-wiikonding.”
“Nowhere did I find the place of the feast”
Mii sa apii ezhi-gichi-mawinid iniw wiiwan gaye oniijaanisa’ indawaa ezhi-gawishimowaad; weyaabaninig mii sa go gaawiin gegoo omiijisiinaawaa.
Thereupon then bitterly wept his wife and his children. Accordingly went they to bed; in the morning there was nothing for them to eat.
Zhigwa miinawaa dibikadini, mii dash geget wii-wiisiniwaad.
In time it was night again, whereupon truly did they yearn for food to eat.
Zhigwa, ani-dibikadini, baamaa go ba-dapaabinid awiya.
Now, it was beginning to grow dark, when of a sudden some one came up (and) peeped in.
“Megiziwaash gi-wiikomigoo.”
“Soaring-Eagle, you are invited to a feast.”
Gaa-oditinang odoonaagan, zaagijikwaashkoni, agaawaa go ogezakawaabamaan animibatoonid.
Seizing his bowl, out of doors he leaped, and scarcely did he catch sight of him who went running away.
Gichi-eyaapiisikaad omaajinizhawaan.
As fast as he could go he pursued after him.
Goniginiin, odani-gabikamii iniw wiigiwaaman; ziibi giishkaabikaanig ani-biindigesewan; mii go i’iw eni-danizid.
Lo, the other sped past the wigwams; into the falls of a river the other ran, whereupon in he rushed.
Eni-piindigewaad, mooshkinebiwa’ waakondinid.
As they went on in, (he found) the place filled up with guests.
Gichi-paapi’aa.
He was made much fun of.
Namegosan waakondinid, gichi-niibiwa go ashamaa.
(It was to eat) trout that the invitation was given, and with a great deal of it (Soaring-Eagle) was fed.
Geyaabi go ishkosewan iniw jiibaakwaanan.
There yet remained some more of the food that had been cooked.
Zhigwa ganoonaa megiziwaash:
Presently Soaring-Eagle was spoken to:
“Mii maawiin i’iw geget ji-noondaapanishiyan.
“It is indeed quite possible that you may starve before the winter is over.
Indawaa giga-kikinoo’amaagoo ge-izhichigeyan.
Therefore you will be taught what you shall do.
Waabang gi-mindimooye’imish da-biiminakwe.
To-morrow your old woman shall make some twine.
Gii-kiizhitood biiminakwaan, mii dash i’iw ge-izhi-kichi-dwaa’igeyan imaa wabigamaag i’iw zaaga’igan.
After she has finished the twine, then you shall make a large hole in the ice over at yonder narrows of the lake.
Mii dash iw ozidaang giga-danapinaa a’aw gi-niijaanis.
Accordingly, then by its feet shall you tie your child with the cord.
Ga-boodaakwewaa; mizhakiise dash mii iw ge-izhi-wiikobinad, ji-enigok ji-kijiwebinad.
You shall put it down into the hole; and when it has reached the bottom then you shall draw it out, with all your power shall you pull on it.
Mii dash imaa ji-waabamad a’aw namegos.
And then there shall you see the trout.
Giin igo giga-dibaabamaag mii maawiin minik ge-debisewaad.
And you yourself shall see when you think that (the fishes) are enough.
ge-apiichi-biboong mii iw ge-izhi-shkwaataayan.
At the end of the winter then shall you cease.
Mii sa go naa iw ezhi-shawenimigooyan.
And this is the way that you shall be blessed.
Mii iw megiziwaash, izhi-giiwen.
Therefore, Soaring-Eagle, do you return home.
Maagizhaa aabiding giga-wiisinim, mii iw izhi-giiwen.
Perhaps for once you (and your family) will have food (enough) to eat, therefore do you go on back home.
Giiwewish namegos.”
Take back some trout.”
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-piindiged iw endaad, geget moojigiziwan iniw wiiwan gaye oniijaanisa’; ji-enigok wiisiniwa’.
And so when he entered his home, truly pleased were his wife and his children; with great eagerness did they eat.
Mii sa go iw zhigwa maajitaad aw mindimooye biiminakwed gabe-dibik; weyaabaninig ogiizhitoon i’iw obiiminakwaan.
Thereupon then did the old woman set to work weaving twine all night long; when it was morning, she finished the twine.
Gigizheb ezhi-maajaad megisiwaash; wiiwan wiijiiwaad zaaga’iganing izhaad.
In the morning then departed Soaring-Eagle; along with his wife, he went on his way to the lake.
Gaa-tagwishing wabigamaang i’iw zaaga’igan ezhi-dwaa’iged.
When he got to the narrows of the lake, then he made a hole in the ice.
Gaa-kiizhitood odwaa’igan, odakobinaan iniw oniijaanisan, ozidaaning danapinaad.
After finishing the hole in the ice, he then bound one of his children; by its feet was where he bound it.
Mii dash i’iw ezhi-boodaakwe’owaad.
Thereupon they put it down into the hole.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan, enigok ezhi-wiikobinaad.
When it got to the bottom, then with all his might he drew it out.
Gaa-kidishkobinaad, namegosan bigijiskosewan.
After he had pulled it out, then the trout came out of the ice.
Megiziwaash geget minwendam.
Soaring-Eagle was really happy.
“Gaawin nindayaanashiitanzii gabe-giizhig.”
“I will not stop throughout the whole day.”
Miinawaa ezhi-boodaakwewaad iniw oniijaanisan.
Then another of his children he put down through the hole.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan ji-enigok owiikobinaan.
When it got to the bottom, with all his power he pulled upon it.
Ezhi-gichiwebinaad, namegosan owaabamaan.
When he gave it a great throw, a trout he saw.
Mii dash geget minwendang aw megiziwaash.
And then truly pleased was Soaring-Eagle.
Zhigwa onaagoshinini.
In a while the evening was drawing in.
“Ambe sa noo, mii dash eta iw ge-nisag a’aw namegos.”
“Behold, just one more trout I will kill.”
Geget niibiwa.
To be sure, (there were) many trout.
“Mii maawiin i’iw minik ge-debisewaad gayapiichi-biboong.
“It may be that they are now enough to last through the winter.
Aw mii dash eta iw bezhig ji-nisag.”
Therefore only one more will I kill.”
Oboodaakwewaan iniw oniijaanisan.
Down into the hole he put one of his children.
Zhigwa mizhakiisewan, owiikobidoon.
As soon as it got to the bottom, he drew it back.
Ezhi-bwaawipodood ayangwajizh, ji-enigok odaanawiikobidoon.
As he was losing his pull on it the longer (he held on), then with all his power he tried drawing it back.
Gegapii ezhi-pakibidood, mii sa pane oniijaanisan.
At last he broke the line, and then gone was his child. (1)
Ji-enigok mawi megiziwaash, gaye owiiwan.
Very bitterly wept Soaring-Eagle, and also his wife.
Indawaa, gaa-ishkwaa-mawid, ogiigoo’imiwa’ ogiiwewinaawaa gakina endaawaad.
Accordingly, when he had ceased crying, they carried all their fish back to where they lived.
Gaa-izhiwinaawaad i’iw giigoonya’, maajaa awi-gagwedwed; mii dash izhaad iniw nigigwan.
After they had dressed the fish, he departed thence to make inquiry; and so he went to where the Otter was.
Zhigwa oganoonaan:
In time he spoke to him, saying:
“Mii sa iw gii-nisangid a’aw ni-niijaanisinaan.”
“Therefore now have we slain our child.”
Ezhi-ganoonind megiziwaash:
Then was Soaring-Eagle addressed by him saying:
Ambe sa, nawaj niibiwa ogawa-zhitoon gi-mindimoowemizh biiminakwaan.
“Behond, let your old woman make some more cord.
Gii-kiizhitood, mii dash i’iw ge-izhi-maajaayan, giga-izhaa.
When she has finished it, then shall you depart, you shall go to the place where you broke the line (that held) your child.
Megiziwaash, giga-izhaa imaa gii-pakibinad aw gi-niijaanis?
Soaring-Eagle, do you know why your child was taken from you?
Ozaam niibiwa gigii-nisaag igiw giigoonyag.
Too many of the fishes have you slain.
Gii-nishki’aa a’aw mishinamegwe.
You have angered the Great Stugeon.
Mii aw gaa-odaapinaad gi-niijaanisan.
He is the one that has seized your child.
Giga-gashki’aa.
You can obtain (your child).
Nandawaabamad, mii naasaab ge-izhichigeyan, ji-dakobizoyan imaa gi-zidaang.”
When you seek for it, you should follow the same method that (you did) before, by having yourself bound by your feet.”
Megiziwaash mii zhigwa maajaad.
Soaring-Eagle then departed thence.
Dwaa’ibii.
He made a hole in the ice.
Gaa-ishkwaa-dwaa’ibiid ezhi-pakobiid.
After he had finished the hole in the ice, he then went down into the water.
Mezhakiised owaabandaan miikana bimamonig.
When he got to the bottom, he saw a path that led off (in a certain direction).
Ezhi-maajaad, maada’odood miikana.
Then he started forth, following along the path.
Gomaa go apii degwishing, onoondawaa awiya bi-baapinid.
When at a certain distance he arrived, he heard some one coming along laughing.
Owaabamaa’ ikwewa’; Ezhi-ganoonaa’:
He beheld some women; to them he spoke saying:
“Aaniin enanokiiyeg wabigamaag?”
“With what are you busied at the narrows?”
“Nindawi-nishi-baapinodawaanaan wiisaande.”
“We intend to meddle with the deadened pine.” (2)
Asabiin miiwan iniw e-zhaawaad.
It was to a net that they were going.
Mii dash i’iw biida’amowaad miinawaa aanind.
Accordingly then came some others singing.
Owaabamaa’.
He saw them.
“Aaniin e-nanokiiyeg?”
“What are you busied with?”
“Nindawi-paapinodawaanaan bebaamidagoodeg okanaab.” (3)
“We are going to meddle with the cord that hangs across.”
Eni-zhi-maajaad, besho owaabandaan oodena. Bezhig owaabamaan; oganoonaan:
As he started on, not far away he saw a town; a certain one he saw; to him he spoke, saying:
“N-niijaanis ba-onji-izhaayaan.”
“It is on account of my child that I have come.”
“Mii omaa ayaad a’aw gi-niijaanis.
“In this place is your child.
Gaawiin gidaa-miinigosii.
It will not be given to you.
Mii aw nindoogimaaminaan e-yaawaad iniw gi-niijaanisan.
In is our chief that has your child.
Indawaa akamaw ji-saaga’ang; onaagoshig mii apii ji-saaga’ang.”
Therefore you would better wait till he comes out; in the evening is when he comes forth.”
Zhigwa onaagoshinini.
In time it was evening.
Madwe-giigido bezhig inini:
There came the voice of a man saying:
“Esh, mii sa miinawaa miimiisiwag zhigwa ji-amwangwaa.”
“Well, so then we shall have some more mayflies to eat.”
Zhigwa bimi-saaga’amoon; geget mindidoowan mishinamegwen.
Then (he beheld the chief) come forth; truly big was the Great Sturgeon.
Waasa zhigwa ani-dagwishinoon biindigese endaanid; ogii-waabamaan oniijaanisan.
When a long way off (he saw that the chief) was come, he flew into where (the chief) live; he saw his child.
Ezhi-oditinaad, ji-enigok odootookaabiigibatoo i’iw biiminakwaan.
Then grabbing it up, with all his might he ran, jerking upon the cord.
Gichi-enigok owiikobidoon a’aw mindimooye.
As hard as she could the old woman pulled upon it.
Bekish enigok maajaa Megiziwash.
At the same time with speed went Soaring-Eagle.
Zhigwa odebaabandaan odwaa’igan.
In time he came in sight of the hole.
Aabanaabid biidaawaniwan wii-nawadamigod iniw mishinamegwen. Mii dash geget enigok ezhi-maajaad, ezhi-gichi-pizod imaa odwaa’ibaaning.
On looking back, (he saw) the Great Sturgeon coming with mouth open to devour him; whereupon truly at full speed he went, out through the hole he flew.
Gaakijibisod, inaabid, odwaa’iganing bi-saagikwesewan mishinamegwen, ezhi-gichi-pizonid.
After he had flown through, he looked, (and saw) the Great Sturgeon with his head out of the hole in the ice, then out upon the ice he leaped.
“A’aw, mindimooye, gi-waagaakwad mamoon! Niiwana’!”
“Now, old woman, get your axe! Pound him to death!”
Mindimooyen odoodaapinaan owaagaakwad; oniiwanawaan iniw mishinamegwen.
The old woman picked up her axe; she clubbed the Great Sturgeon.
Ataa, geget mindidoowan!
Ah, truly big he was!
“Mindimooye, giiwewinaadaa.”
“Old woman, let us carry him home!”
Gaawesa ogashki’aasiiwaawaan aanawi odoodaabaanaawaan.
Not even were they able to drag him.
Anishinaabe’ onaadamaagowaa’, mii bijiinag gashki’aawaad.
By the people were they helped to drag him, and that was when they were able to handle him.
Mii sa iw zhigwa gii-tagwishimaawaad.
Thereupon they then got him home
“Geget, giga-ashamaanaan wa’aw nigig gaa-shaweniminang.”
“In truth, we will feed the Otter that has blessed us.”
Geget minwendamoog ashamidwaa igiw nigigwag.
Truly pleased were the Otters to be fed.
“Megiziwaash, mii iw gaawiin wiikaa giga-pakadesii.”
“Soaring-Eagle, therefore never shall you be in want of food.
Geyaabi waawii’igooyan gichi-onizhishin ge-izhichigeyan.
Something very much better is yet to be told you to do.
A’aw Nenaboozhoo giinitam giga-pakade’aa.
It is now your turn to make Nänabushu hungry.
Awi-gimoodim iniw ogiigooniman.”
Go rob him of his fishes.”
Geget ezhi-maajaad Megiziwaash.
Truly thence departed Soaring-Eagle.
Ezhi-gashkitood ogii-izhi-gimoodimaan iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
As much as he could did he rob Nänabushu.
Geget, ogii-kashkitoon gakina gii-gimoodimaad.
In truth, he was able to steal them all from him.
Mii sa wiin nitam Nenaboozhoo gii-pakaded.
Accordingly it was Nänabushu's turn to be hungry.
Geget minwendam Megiziwaash bakadenid iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
Truly pleased was Soaring-Eagle to have Nänabushu in need of food.
Mii sa binewijiid egoodeg.
And so now the buttocks of the ruffled grouse hang aloft.
