Nanabushu and the Woodpecker (1)
Weyaabaninig miinawaa aano-kiiyose, mii sa onjida gaawiin gegoo onitoosiin.
On the morrow he went on another fruitless hunt for game, and it was just his luck not to kill a thing.
Miinawaa go ani-maajaa; mii onjida gaawiin gegoo onitoosiin.
An other time he set out ; but, as ill luck would have it, he did not kill a thing.
Gegapii ezhi-kiigidod wiiwan: “Geget gii-goopadis. Awashime indawaa gisjikii-oodeyan; mii eta ge-izhi-wiisiniyangiban, mii eta ji-waabanishiyang.”
At last then up spoke the woman: "Really, you are of no use. It would therefore be much better for you to go on a visit among (your friends); for only by such means shall we obtain food to eat, only in that way shall we live through the winter."
Gigizheb ezhi-maajaad Nenaboozhoo.
In the morning then departed Nanabushu.
Gomaago apii degwishing, zaaga’igan owaabandaan.
When some distance away he was come, a lake he saw.
Ayinaabid, awiiya owaabamaan bebaamaadagaakonid.
While looking around, he saw somebody walking about on the ice.
Eni-izhaad, owaabamaan ininiwan.
When he started hitherward, he saw a man.
“Daga, ga-ani-wiijiiwin wii-kiiweyan.”
"Pray, let me go with you when you depart for home !"
Zhigwa owaabandaan wiigiwaam; ani-piindigewan gaye wiin gaa-onabid owaabamaan ikwewan dazhi-mashkimodikenid.
Presently he saw a wigwam ; when in the other went, so then (did) he. When he was seated, he saw a woman busily making a bag.
Naanaa gego zhigwa genoonimaawan: “Daga naa, agoozh a’aw akik.”
After a while she was then spoken to: "Please hang up the kettle."
Geget ikwe akikwan odoonagoonaan.
Truly, the woman arranged (the kettle) so as to hang.
Gaa-kiizhiitaad, baanimaa go namadabinid onji-pasigwa’owan, abazhing abagizowan noondaagoziwan: “Gwo, gwo, gwo, gwo!” inwewan.
When she had finished, then of a sudden he that was seated flew up, a-lighting yonder on the lodge-pole, (and) could be heard saying: "Kwu, kwu, kwu, kwu!" such was his cry.
Mii nangwana memen wedisaad.
It happened to be the Red- Head that he was visiting.
Zhigwa, gaa-tagwishininid iwidi soowaaganing, maatigwe’igewan.
Now, when (the Red-Head) was come at the meeting of the lodge-poles, he then began pecking.
Naagaj igo mandaamina’ bi-siigisewa’ mii imaa akikong, mii dash iw ezhi-mooshkinaanid iniw odakikoowaan.
And after a while some corn came pouring into the kettle there, whereupon full of it became their kettle.
Ba-izhi-niisigwaashkwaninid, mii sa naasaab anishinaabe.
Down he came hopping ; and when (he was come), then back again (was he in) human (form).
Aaniish, mii go miinawaa iw gii-wawenabinid iniw ikwewan mashkimodikenid, giigidonid iniw: “Wegonesh ina ge-yapaabooweyang? Mii na zhigwo naa iw?”
Well, and so another time was the woman seated, making her sack, when she said: "What shall we put (into the corn) for seasoning, or shall it be just so?"
Goniginiin, ogaa-kaakaasiiyaabikinaan i’iw mookomaan.
Lo, he now wiped the blade of his knife.
Goniginiin, ezhi-maadagwashaabinaad iniw wiiwani, gonigosha bikwanaaning ezhi-maadishwaad, gomaa go minik obakweshwaan.
Behold, when he uncovered his wife, plump on her very back he then began slicing her, rather large pieces he sliced off.
Gaa-pakweshwaad, mii dash i’iw ozikoon ezhi-sinigwonamawaad imaa gii-pakweshwed.
When he had done with carving her, he then rubbed his spittle over (the place) where he had carved her.
Mii dash imaa odakikowaang ezhi-poodaakwe’amowaad i wiiyaas.
And then into their kettle they put the meat to boil.
Ezhi-onzonid odakikowaang.
Then their kettle began boiling.
Zhigwa gaa-kiizhidenig, ezhi-agwaabiiga’ang; Nenaboozhoo bagidinamawaa ji-wiisinid gaye i mandaamina’.
Now, after the food was done cooking, then out she dipped it ; and in front of Nanabushu, that he might eat, she placed (the meat) and the corn.
Etawaa, mii dash geget Nenaboozhoo mino-wiisinid!
Oh, but Nanabushu truly had a pleasant time eating!
Aapiji gaa-de-wiisinid, mii iw ezhi-aanizhiitang.
After he was quite satisfied with food, he accordingly ceased eating.
Mii sa miinawa ezhi-kaanaad ogishoote’ona’.
And then again he hid his mittens.
“Mii iw maajaayaan giiweyaan.”
"Now I should start back home."
Nenaboozhoo inaa: “Mii go iw ji-giiwewidaw.”
Nanabushu was told: "Therefore do you take them home (some food)."
Miinawaa, gomaago apii eni-dagwishing, biipaagi Nenaboozhoo: “Giwanichigaagime!”
Again, after some distance he was come, out called Nanabushu: "I have forgotten something!"
Gaawiin aano-debwetawaasii.
But in vain was he not listened to.
Eshkam enigok biipaagi, gegapii, “Maanoo, izhiwidawik Nenaboozhoo ogiishoote’ona’.”
Louder still he shouted, till finally, "Well, then do you take to Nanabushu his mittens."
Geget gwiiwizensag odi-shiiwinaawaa.
To be sure, the boys took them to him.
Aaniish, waasa go odashaapagidawaawaa ezhi-ganoonaad: “Ni-shiimisha, besho go bi-izhaayok. Gi-bakadem awa sa giinawaa. Waabang goosiwaa da-bi-izhaa, naawakweg oga-pi-naadin ge-miijiyeg.”
Now, from afar were they throwing them to him, when he said to them: "My little brothers, up close do you come. You must be hungry. To-morrow let your father come over, at noon let him come to get some food for you to eat."
Mii sa ezhi-kiiwed Nenaboozhoo gaa-tagwishing endaawaad, mii sa naa miinawaa wiisiniwaad.
And so it is said that when Nanabushu was come at where they lived, then the poor things ate again.
Mii wi iniw gii-kanoonaad wiiwan: “Nashkenaa! mashkimodiken.”
There upon he spoke to his wife, saying : " Now, come and make a bag!"
Ezhi-kanoonigod Nenaboozhoo wiiwan: “Indaskaa miinawaa iw awiya gegoo gii-shinawaawaden. Edadagwashako gii-menishi ishkwaakamik gii-doodanziiwan!”
Then was Nanabushu answered by his wife saying: "No doubt but that you have again seen somebody doing something. Oh, how you make me ashamed in your trying always to do everything !"
Nenaboozhoo ezhi-kiigidod: “Maanoo! mashkimodiken.”
Nanabushu then spoke up: "Never you mind! just you make the bag."
“Wegonesh ina ge-aabajitooyaan i’iw ji-mashkimodikeyaan?”
"Pray, what shall I use to make the bag?"
Aaniish, wiigobiizh odayaan aw ikwe, mii sa naa iw wenaabiiginang.
Now, some bast did the woman have, and so with that she began weaving (a bag).
Aaniish baabii’od Nenaboozhoo.
In the mean while waited Nanabushu.
Zhigwa naawakwenig dagwishinoon iniw ininiwan.
When it was noon, then came the man.
Baapiindigenid, “Wegonesh ina ge-ishangeyang?”
When he entered within, "Pray, what shall we offer (him) to eat?"
Nenaboozhoo biiwaabikozh ogiikaashiboodoon.
Nanabushu sharpened an old piece of metal.
Gaa-piindigenid, Nenaboozhoo bazigonjise.
After the other had come in, Nanabushu then sprang up.
“Gwo, gwo, gwo, gwo!” inwed.
"Kwu, kwu, kwu, kwu !" was the sound he uttered.
Ezhi-ishisidood obiiwaabikoni imaa oshingwanaang, zhigwa akwaandawe.
When he placed the metal into his nose, then up he climbed.
Zhigwa iwidi gashki’o disawaaganing.
Presently he was able to reach the meeting of the lodge-poles.
Zhigwa obakii’aan odabanzhiiwa’.
Then he pecked at their lodge-poles.
Etawaa! wendago geget waasa inaakwijid bangishing, “joen!” inweweshin Nenaboozhoo.
Alas ! right straight in for a long way it truly entered. When he dropped, "ten!" was the sound Nanabushu made.
Etawe! onawadinaan abiiwide.
Poor thing! him the visitor grabbed.
Maanoo, indawaa owiikobidawaan iw biiwaabik.
However, he then pulled out the metal.
Bangii wiin go ganage miskwiiwan, gaasiiyaabanaawaad miskwiiwinid.
And (he saw that Nanabushu) had nevertheless bled a little, (whereupon) he then washed him where he was bloody.
Nenaboozhoo zhigwa ani-pagakaadizi ezhi-kiigidod: “Maanoo go, mashkimodiken!” odinaan iniw wiiwan.
Nanabushu was now becoming conscious when he said : "Never you mind, but make the sack!" he said to his wife.
Aaniish, geget maajitaa a’aw ikwe mashkimodaakaad.
Now, truly the woman started upon the work of making the sack.
Mii iw zhigwa gii-odaapinang iw mookomaan, zhigwa omanibidawaan i’iw obabiinzikawaaganishini.
Then, when he took up the knife, he began removing her old jacket.
Ezhi-maadishwaad bikwanaaning, bane go noondaagozinid aapiji owiisagishwen.
When he began carving her at the back, straightway she began to be heard (crying aloud). Very painfully did he hurt her with the knife.
“Bizaan! mii gosha ko iw endoodamaan waakiige’iweyaan.”
"Hush! for this is what I always do whenever I wish to entertain."
Mii dash ezhi-kanoonigod biiwiden: “Bekaa! ganabaj giga-nisaa gi-mindimooyemish. Indawaa biidoon iw mookomaan.”
Then was he addressed by the guest saying: "Stop! perhaps you will kill your old woman. Therefore fetch hither the knife."
Ezhi-pakweshomind iniw wiiwan, ezhi-poodaakwe’aminid imaa odakikoowaang.
When (the visitor) sliced off a piece from the wife of (Nanabushu), he put it into their kettle to boil.
Miinawaa, bazigwa’onid imaa disowaaganing, mii dash imaa maadikwe’igenid.
Next, flying up to the meeting of lodge-poles, (the visitor) then began to peck.
Naagaj igo mandaamina’ bi-siigibizowa’, odakikoowang i’imaa ezhi-siigibizonid.
After a while some corn came pouring out, into their kettle it poured.
Gaa-mooshkinenid iniw odakikoowaan, mii sa iw Nenaboozhoo izhi-wiisinid.
After their kettle was full, then did Nanabushu eat.
“Mii iw nin-giiwe.”
"Now I am going home."
Mii sa iw binewijiid (egoodeg). (2)
Whereupon the buttocks of the ruffed grouse (hang aloft).
On the morrow he went on another fruitless hunt for game, and it was just his luck not to kill a thing.
Miinawaa go ani-maajaa; mii onjida gaawiin gegoo onitoosiin.
An other time he set out ; but, as ill luck would have it, he did not kill a thing.
Gegapii ezhi-kiigidod wiiwan: “Geget gii-goopadis. Awashime indawaa gisjikii-oodeyan; mii eta ge-izhi-wiisiniyangiban, mii eta ji-waabanishiyang.”
At last then up spoke the woman: "Really, you are of no use. It would therefore be much better for you to go on a visit among (your friends); for only by such means shall we obtain food to eat, only in that way shall we live through the winter."
Gigizheb ezhi-maajaad Nenaboozhoo.
In the morning then departed Nanabushu.
Gomaago apii degwishing, zaaga’igan owaabandaan.
When some distance away he was come, a lake he saw.
Ayinaabid, awiiya owaabamaan bebaamaadagaakonid.
While looking around, he saw somebody walking about on the ice.
Eni-izhaad, owaabamaan ininiwan.
When he started hitherward, he saw a man.
“Daga, ga-ani-wiijiiwin wii-kiiweyan.”
"Pray, let me go with you when you depart for home !"
Zhigwa owaabandaan wiigiwaam; ani-piindigewan gaye wiin gaa-onabid owaabamaan ikwewan dazhi-mashkimodikenid.
Presently he saw a wigwam ; when in the other went, so then (did) he. When he was seated, he saw a woman busily making a bag.
Naanaa gego zhigwa genoonimaawan: “Daga naa, agoozh a’aw akik.”
After a while she was then spoken to: "Please hang up the kettle."
Geget ikwe akikwan odoonagoonaan.
Truly, the woman arranged (the kettle) so as to hang.
Gaa-kiizhiitaad, baanimaa go namadabinid onji-pasigwa’owan, abazhing abagizowan noondaagoziwan: “Gwo, gwo, gwo, gwo!” inwewan.
When she had finished, then of a sudden he that was seated flew up, a-lighting yonder on the lodge-pole, (and) could be heard saying: "Kwu, kwu, kwu, kwu!" such was his cry.
Mii nangwana memen wedisaad.
It happened to be the Red- Head that he was visiting.
Zhigwa, gaa-tagwishininid iwidi soowaaganing, maatigwe’igewan.
Now, when (the Red-Head) was come at the meeting of the lodge-poles, he then began pecking.
Naagaj igo mandaamina’ bi-siigisewa’ mii imaa akikong, mii dash iw ezhi-mooshkinaanid iniw odakikoowaan.
And after a while some corn came pouring into the kettle there, whereupon full of it became their kettle.
Ba-izhi-niisigwaashkwaninid, mii sa naasaab anishinaabe.
Down he came hopping ; and when (he was come), then back again (was he in) human (form).
Aaniish, mii go miinawaa iw gii-wawenabinid iniw ikwewan mashkimodikenid, giigidonid iniw: “Wegonesh ina ge-yapaabooweyang? Mii na zhigwo naa iw?”
Well, and so another time was the woman seated, making her sack, when she said: "What shall we put (into the corn) for seasoning, or shall it be just so?"
Goniginiin, ogaa-kaakaasiiyaabikinaan i’iw mookomaan.
Lo, he now wiped the blade of his knife.
Goniginiin, ezhi-maadagwashaabinaad iniw wiiwani, gonigosha bikwanaaning ezhi-maadishwaad, gomaa go minik obakweshwaan.
Behold, when he uncovered his wife, plump on her very back he then began slicing her, rather large pieces he sliced off.
Gaa-pakweshwaad, mii dash i’iw ozikoon ezhi-sinigwonamawaad imaa gii-pakweshwed.
When he had done with carving her, he then rubbed his spittle over (the place) where he had carved her.
Mii dash imaa odakikowaang ezhi-poodaakwe’amowaad i wiiyaas.
And then into their kettle they put the meat to boil.
Ezhi-onzonid odakikowaang.
Then their kettle began boiling.
Zhigwa gaa-kiizhidenig, ezhi-agwaabiiga’ang; Nenaboozhoo bagidinamawaa ji-wiisinid gaye i mandaamina’.
Now, after the food was done cooking, then out she dipped it ; and in front of Nanabushu, that he might eat, she placed (the meat) and the corn.
Etawaa, mii dash geget Nenaboozhoo mino-wiisinid!
Oh, but Nanabushu truly had a pleasant time eating!
Aapiji gaa-de-wiisinid, mii iw ezhi-aanizhiitang.
After he was quite satisfied with food, he accordingly ceased eating.
Mii sa miinawa ezhi-kaanaad ogishoote’ona’.
And then again he hid his mittens.
“Mii iw maajaayaan giiweyaan.”
"Now I should start back home."
Nenaboozhoo inaa: “Mii go iw ji-giiwewidaw.”
Nanabushu was told: "Therefore do you take them home (some food)."
Miinawaa, gomaago apii eni-dagwishing, biipaagi Nenaboozhoo: “Giwanichigaagime!”
Again, after some distance he was come, out called Nanabushu: "I have forgotten something!"
Gaawiin aano-debwetawaasii.
But in vain was he not listened to.
Eshkam enigok biipaagi, gegapii, “Maanoo, izhiwidawik Nenaboozhoo ogiishoote’ona’.”
Louder still he shouted, till finally, "Well, then do you take to Nanabushu his mittens."
Geget gwiiwizensag odi-shiiwinaawaa.
To be sure, the boys took them to him.
Aaniish, waasa go odashaapagidawaawaa ezhi-ganoonaad: “Ni-shiimisha, besho go bi-izhaayok. Gi-bakadem awa sa giinawaa. Waabang goosiwaa da-bi-izhaa, naawakweg oga-pi-naadin ge-miijiyeg.”
Now, from afar were they throwing them to him, when he said to them: "My little brothers, up close do you come. You must be hungry. To-morrow let your father come over, at noon let him come to get some food for you to eat."
Mii sa ezhi-kiiwed Nenaboozhoo gaa-tagwishing endaawaad, mii sa naa miinawaa wiisiniwaad.
And so it is said that when Nanabushu was come at where they lived, then the poor things ate again.
Mii wi iniw gii-kanoonaad wiiwan: “Nashkenaa! mashkimodiken.”
There upon he spoke to his wife, saying : " Now, come and make a bag!"
Ezhi-kanoonigod Nenaboozhoo wiiwan: “Indaskaa miinawaa iw awiya gegoo gii-shinawaawaden. Edadagwashako gii-menishi ishkwaakamik gii-doodanziiwan!”
Then was Nanabushu answered by his wife saying: "No doubt but that you have again seen somebody doing something. Oh, how you make me ashamed in your trying always to do everything !"
Nenaboozhoo ezhi-kiigidod: “Maanoo! mashkimodiken.”
Nanabushu then spoke up: "Never you mind! just you make the bag."
“Wegonesh ina ge-aabajitooyaan i’iw ji-mashkimodikeyaan?”
"Pray, what shall I use to make the bag?"
Aaniish, wiigobiizh odayaan aw ikwe, mii sa naa iw wenaabiiginang.
Now, some bast did the woman have, and so with that she began weaving (a bag).
Aaniish baabii’od Nenaboozhoo.
In the mean while waited Nanabushu.
Zhigwa naawakwenig dagwishinoon iniw ininiwan.
When it was noon, then came the man.
Baapiindigenid, “Wegonesh ina ge-ishangeyang?”
When he entered within, "Pray, what shall we offer (him) to eat?"
Nenaboozhoo biiwaabikozh ogiikaashiboodoon.
Nanabushu sharpened an old piece of metal.
Gaa-piindigenid, Nenaboozhoo bazigonjise.
After the other had come in, Nanabushu then sprang up.
“Gwo, gwo, gwo, gwo!” inwed.
"Kwu, kwu, kwu, kwu !" was the sound he uttered.
Ezhi-ishisidood obiiwaabikoni imaa oshingwanaang, zhigwa akwaandawe.
When he placed the metal into his nose, then up he climbed.
Zhigwa iwidi gashki’o disawaaganing.
Presently he was able to reach the meeting of the lodge-poles.
Zhigwa obakii’aan odabanzhiiwa’.
Then he pecked at their lodge-poles.
Etawaa! wendago geget waasa inaakwijid bangishing, “joen!” inweweshin Nenaboozhoo.
Alas ! right straight in for a long way it truly entered. When he dropped, "ten!" was the sound Nanabushu made.
Etawe! onawadinaan abiiwide.
Poor thing! him the visitor grabbed.
Maanoo, indawaa owiikobidawaan iw biiwaabik.
However, he then pulled out the metal.
Bangii wiin go ganage miskwiiwan, gaasiiyaabanaawaad miskwiiwinid.
And (he saw that Nanabushu) had nevertheless bled a little, (whereupon) he then washed him where he was bloody.
Nenaboozhoo zhigwa ani-pagakaadizi ezhi-kiigidod: “Maanoo go, mashkimodiken!” odinaan iniw wiiwan.
Nanabushu was now becoming conscious when he said : "Never you mind, but make the sack!" he said to his wife.
Aaniish, geget maajitaa a’aw ikwe mashkimodaakaad.
Now, truly the woman started upon the work of making the sack.
Mii iw zhigwa gii-odaapinang iw mookomaan, zhigwa omanibidawaan i’iw obabiinzikawaaganishini.
Then, when he took up the knife, he began removing her old jacket.
Ezhi-maadishwaad bikwanaaning, bane go noondaagozinid aapiji owiisagishwen.
When he began carving her at the back, straightway she began to be heard (crying aloud). Very painfully did he hurt her with the knife.
“Bizaan! mii gosha ko iw endoodamaan waakiige’iweyaan.”
"Hush! for this is what I always do whenever I wish to entertain."
Mii dash ezhi-kanoonigod biiwiden: “Bekaa! ganabaj giga-nisaa gi-mindimooyemish. Indawaa biidoon iw mookomaan.”
Then was he addressed by the guest saying: "Stop! perhaps you will kill your old woman. Therefore fetch hither the knife."
Ezhi-pakweshomind iniw wiiwan, ezhi-poodaakwe’aminid imaa odakikoowaang.
When (the visitor) sliced off a piece from the wife of (Nanabushu), he put it into their kettle to boil.
Miinawaa, bazigwa’onid imaa disowaaganing, mii dash imaa maadikwe’igenid.
Next, flying up to the meeting of lodge-poles, (the visitor) then began to peck.
Naagaj igo mandaamina’ bi-siigibizowa’, odakikoowang i’imaa ezhi-siigibizonid.
After a while some corn came pouring out, into their kettle it poured.
Gaa-mooshkinenid iniw odakikoowaan, mii sa iw Nenaboozhoo izhi-wiisinid.
After their kettle was full, then did Nanabushu eat.
“Mii iw nin-giiwe.”
"Now I am going home."
Mii sa iw binewijiid (egoodeg). (2)
Whereupon the buttocks of the ruffed grouse (hang aloft).
