Nanabushu and Windigo
Ningoding igo babimaazhagaamed inaabid iwidi agaami-gichi-gami awiya owaabamaan i’iw bimaazhagaamenid, aapiji sa mindidowan.
And once, while walking along the shore (and) looking towards the other side of the sea, he saw one passing along the coast, tremendously huge was the being.
Gaawiin ganage eko-niingidawidiyenid akoozisiiwan i’iw mitigoon.
Nowhere near to his buttocks were the trees in their height.
Aaniish, mii wa iniw Wiindigo.
Well, of course it was Wīndigo.
Wegoneniiwinen obiibaagimaan:
Like a fool he called aloud to him :
“Nishiime sa, wajaka’eaanowan gaa-maamiijidaman!
" O my younger brother ! upon the dry tail of a beaver did you ease yourself.
Bemaazhagaameyan, woii!”
You passer along the shore, halloo !"
Aaniish, naa maa waasa inendam Nenaboozhoo.
Well, at a safe distance away Nänabushu thought (he was).
Aapiji dash onishkimigoon Wiindigo Nenaboozhoowan.
Now, very angry was Wīndigo made by Nänabushu.
“Geget maamakaaj.
"It is really absurd.
Gonige, ‘Niin eta ni-manidoow,’ inendamodog a’aw Nenaboozhoo.
‘Perhaps I am the only manitou existing’, may be Nänabushu’s thought.
Ambe sa noo, ninga-giiwitaagaamebatoo.”
Well, I will run round (to where he is), keeping to the shore."
Geget maajiibatoo Wiindigoo, gichi-wiiba odoo-ditaan imaa bimaazhagaamenid iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
Truly off went running Wīndigo, in a very little while he arrived at the place where Nänabushu was coming along the shore.
Wegoneniiwinen ezhi-jaangidiyeshing a’aw Wiindigoo.
What did Wīndigo do but get down and lay with his bottom up.
Naagaj igo zhigwa bagamaazhagaamewan Nenaboozhoowan.
It was but a short while when up came Nänabushu to where he was on the shore.
Zhigwa owaabamigoon; aaniin ge-izhinang awiiya gii-jaangidiyeshinoon.
Then (by Nänabushu) was he observed ; what was he to see but somebody lying with bottom pointing up.
Mii go iw aanawi-izhi-gaazootawaad omadwe-kanoonigoon Nenaboozhoo:
Accordingly, when he made an attempt to hide from him, Nänabushu heard (Wīndigo) saying to him:
“Ondaas, akawe, ninga-nawajiin i’iw giiyaw.
"Come hither, wait, I want to make a small meal out of you.
Wewiib, ondaas.”
Make haste, come!"
Etawaa, Nenaboozhoo ani-gaagiimoodademo ani-naazikawaad.
Alas ! Nänabushu began weeping silently on his way over to where (Wīndigo) was.
Zhigwa imaa odoo-disaan; geget sa mangijiidiiwan, mizhisha go i’iw ode’ini.
Presently he came to where (Wīndigo) was ; truly big was his anus, and in plain view was his heart.
Oganoonigoon: “Nenaboozhoo, manisen.
By him was he addressed, saying: "Nanabushu, go gather some fire-wood.
Ninga-akawe-abwen i’iw giiyaw.”
I will first roast your body."
Geget ezhi-gopiid Nenaboozhoo manised.
Truly then up from the shore went Nänabushu to gather fire-wood.
Etawaa, moozhag mawi.
Poor fellow! all the while was he crying.
Zhigwa sa niibiwa gaa-okwaakwisidood iniw misan, oganoonigoon:
After he had piled up much fire-wood, he was addressed:
“Mii iw izhi-boodawen.”
"Now, do you kindle a fire."
Nenaboozhoo ezhi-boodawed.
Nänabushu then kindled the fire.
Gaa-poodawed oganoonigon:
After he had kindled the fire, he was addressed:
“Nenaboozhoo, mii i’iw izhi-andawaabandan i’iwe ge-wadabwaanaakoyaan i’iw giiyawizh.
"Nänabushu, now go you hence to seek for something which I can use for a spit to roast your old body on.
Aapiji wenaakwak, maagizhaa dagidaakwidin i’iw giwiisenshis.”
(Let it be) very straight, else perhaps your old spleen might be forced out."
Geget ani-maajaa Nenaboozhoo.
Truly away went Nänabushu.
Aaniish moozhag mawi, epiichi-segizid.
Now, all the time was he weeping, he was so scared.
Aapiji go i’iwe wayaaninaakwadinig i’iwe mitig omikaan, gaye iw zesagadikwaniwaninig.
So a stick with a very big curve he found, and it had many twigs.
Ezhi-maajaad izhaad ezhi-miinaad; o’ow odinaan: “Dawat, dawat, dawat!”(1)
Then he started going over to give it to (Wīndigo); this he said to him: "Oh, oh, oh!"(1)
E’iindijin a’aw Nenaboozhoo.
Such was the way Nänabushu acted.
“Gaawiin ina wiin dagidaakwidin iwe giwiizenshizh?
"Would not your old spleen be forced out by that?
Bekaanag iwe mitig nandawaabandan, wenaakwak.”
For a different one do you seek, one that is straight."
Etawaa Nenaboozhoo.
Hapless Nänabushu!
Mii dash geget ani-mawid, biinish igo waasa ani-dagoshin.
Thereupon truly off he went crying, (going) till he a long way off was come.
Baamaa go ani-inaabid, detiwe, zhingosan gii-bimibatoowan ezhi-ganoonaad:
And suddenly, while looking about as he went, why, here was a Weasel whom he addressed as it went running past:
“Nishiime sa, ni-nib noongom.”
"My little brother, I am now going to die."
Gibichisewan iniw zhingosan.
In its flight stopped the Weasel.
Odaataganaabamigoon ezhi-ganoonigod:
By it was he gazed up at when by it he was addressed:
“Nenaboozhoo, wegonesh waa-onji-niboyan?”
"Nänabushu, why are you going to die?"
“Atawaa, mii go niin i’iw wii-akawe-nawajiid wa’aw Wiindigoo i’iw niiyaw.
"Alas! because a light meal does that Wīndigo intend to make of my body.
Gaawiin ina gidaa-nisaasii?”
Could you not kill him?"
Ezhi-ganoonigod: “Namadabi na go a’aw Wiindigoo?”
Then he was addressed by it saying : " And is the Wīndigo sitting down ?"
“Gaawiin, jaangidiyeshin, mizhisha go iwe ojiid, gaye i’iw ode.”
"No, he lies with bottom pointing upward, and in full view is his anus, likewise his heart."
“Nenaboozhoo, miinooch isa ninga-awi-gagwe-nisaa.
"Nänabushu, nevertheless I will try to slay him.
Meshkwad idash wiin giga-pagosenimin gegoo.
And as a reward for myself I shall expect some kind of blessing from you.
Indawaa dash giishpin gegoo doodawisiwan gaawiin nindaa-nisaasii.”
So, therefore, if you fail to do something for me, I would not kill him."
Giigidoowan Nenaboozhoowan: “Meshkwad giishpin nisad, ji-pishigendaman i’iw giiyaw giga-izhiyin.”
Up spoke Nänabushu: "As your reward for killing him, I will make you proud of yourself."
Ezhi-kanoonind Nenaboozhoo: “Mii i’iw izhi-piindoomon i’iwe niiyawizh.”
Then was Nänabushu told: "Therefore do you put me in the bosom of your garment."
Aatayaa, geget minwendam Nenaboozhoo.
Ah, truly pleased was Nänabushu.
I’iw abwaanaak wenizhishininig i’iwe mitig andawaabandang, gaye aapiji wenaakwadinig; mii dash i’iw gaa-kiizhka’ang.
The roasting-spit which he sought to find was of excellent wood and very straight ; and that was what he had cut.
Eni-izhi-maajiidood, geyaabi gii-jaangidiyeshinoon iniw Wiindigoon.
When he went thither taking it to him, still yet was Wīndigo lying with bottom pointing up.
Oganoonaan: “O’owe odabwaanaakon.”
He spoke to him, saying: "Here is your spit."
Mii dash imaa ezhi-gijibagwiid iniw zhingosan, bane go eni-odaanawesenid.
Then it was that he pulled the Weasel forth from the bosom of his garment, and away whirled its tail as it flew in.
“Etawaa, ambe sa noo giinitam giga-ozhitoon abwaanaak.”
"Oh, well! then do you take a turn at making a roasting-spit."
“Gaawiin,” odigoon iniw Wiindigoon: “giin igo ozhitoon.”
"No," he was told by Wīndigo: "do you make it."
Nenaboozhoo odoo-daapinaan i’iwe mitig; bijiinag igo wedaapinang oganoonigoon:
Nänabushu took up the stick ; as soon as he picked it up, he was addressed by the other saying:
“Gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo, nin-gichi-sesegide’e.
"Impossible, Nänabushu, my heart beats with great fear.
Nindigo awiya owii-pakandaan i’iwe ninde’eyaab.”
It seems as if something is about to bite off the cord of my heart."
Nenaboozhoo oganoonaan: “Geshidine onakaako’ojin.
Nänabushu addressed him, saying: "Make haste and impale me upon (the spit)!
Wewiib igo abwen iw niiyaw.
Hurry and roast my body!
Gemaa gaye wii-saasakokwaadaman iwe niiyaw.”
Or, if you wish, you may fry my body."
Miinawaa giigidowan: “Iii, gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo!
Again he spoke: "Oh, impossible, Nänabushu!
gaawesa gosha. Mii gosha geget i’iw wii-wanendamaan.”
Impossible really ! Perhaps, indeed, I am now growing unconscious."
Nenaboozhoo omaa odani-gaakigaabiwitawaan.
Nänabushu then went up close and stood beside him.
“O’o’o, geshidine onakaako’ojin!”
"Oh, do hurry and impale me upon (the spit)!"
Inaabid Nenaboozhoo, ezhi-kawaakwidiyesenid; mii sa go i’iw geget gii-ani-nibonid.
While Nänabushu looked on, then down to the ground fell (Wīndigo) with his bottom ; thereupon truly was he dying.
Gaa-nibonid bi-onji-saagijisewan zhingosan.
When he was dead, then out from thence came the Weasel running.
“Etawaa, ni-shiime sa! Amanji go aapiji ge-izhi-maamooyaawagendamogobanen?
"How now, my little brother! Wonder what (I can do) so that he may be very thankful !
Indawaa sa ninga-wawezhi’aa.”
Therefore then will I paint him."
Nenaboozhoo odoo-daapinaan ezhi-giziibiigawaad.
Nänabushu took him up (and) then washed him in water.
Aapiji sa gaa-piinaabaawanaad, wegoneniiwinen waabaabiganan onandawaabamaan.
After he had made him thoroughly clean, what should he do but seek for white clay.
Gaa-mikawaad nawaj ojaagizwaan iniw waabaabiganan.
After he had found it, whiter still he burned the white clay.
Aapiji gaa-izhi-waabishkizinid gaa-kiizhi’aad, mii dash i’iw miziwe ezhi-wawezhi’aad zhingosan; wanakwaano omakadewaanawenaan.
After it was made exceedingly white, then he had it finished, whereupon all over he painted the Weasel ; at the end of the tail he painted it black.
“Ningadaga [nindigo?] gagwejibatoon.”
“Now, just you try and see how you run."
Geget zhingos gagwejibatoo.
To be sure, the Weasel started running.
Etiwe, geget bishigenimo. Nenaboozhoo oganoonaan:
Oh, how really proud he was! Nänabushu spoke to him, saying:
“Mii sa go naa iw e-zhi-maamooyawaminaan.
"Therefore in this manner do I render thanks to you.
Ni-nibonaaban zhingos.
I was dying at the time, Weasel.
Mii dash iw ge-izhinaagoziyan beboongin eta.
And that is the way you shall look only in the winter-time.
Mii dash i’iw minik ge-akiiwang ge-izhinaagoziyan.
And as long as the world lasts, this is the way you shall look.
Ambe dash giga-bakewinin.”
Therefore I now take leave of you."
Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajiiyaazhagaamed i’iw gichigami.
Nänabushu then departed, keeping along the shore of the sea.
And once, while walking along the shore (and) looking towards the other side of the sea, he saw one passing along the coast, tremendously huge was the being.
Gaawiin ganage eko-niingidawidiyenid akoozisiiwan i’iw mitigoon.
Nowhere near to his buttocks were the trees in their height.
Aaniish, mii wa iniw Wiindigo.
Well, of course it was Wīndigo.
Wegoneniiwinen obiibaagimaan:
Like a fool he called aloud to him :
“Nishiime sa, wajaka’eaanowan gaa-maamiijidaman!
" O my younger brother ! upon the dry tail of a beaver did you ease yourself.
Bemaazhagaameyan, woii!”
You passer along the shore, halloo !"
Aaniish, naa maa waasa inendam Nenaboozhoo.
Well, at a safe distance away Nänabushu thought (he was).
Aapiji dash onishkimigoon Wiindigo Nenaboozhoowan.
Now, very angry was Wīndigo made by Nänabushu.
“Geget maamakaaj.
"It is really absurd.
Gonige, ‘Niin eta ni-manidoow,’ inendamodog a’aw Nenaboozhoo.
‘Perhaps I am the only manitou existing’, may be Nänabushu’s thought.
Ambe sa noo, ninga-giiwitaagaamebatoo.”
Well, I will run round (to where he is), keeping to the shore."
Geget maajiibatoo Wiindigoo, gichi-wiiba odoo-ditaan imaa bimaazhagaamenid iniw Nenaboozhoowan.
Truly off went running Wīndigo, in a very little while he arrived at the place where Nänabushu was coming along the shore.
Wegoneniiwinen ezhi-jaangidiyeshing a’aw Wiindigoo.
What did Wīndigo do but get down and lay with his bottom up.
Naagaj igo zhigwa bagamaazhagaamewan Nenaboozhoowan.
It was but a short while when up came Nänabushu to where he was on the shore.
Zhigwa owaabamigoon; aaniin ge-izhinang awiiya gii-jaangidiyeshinoon.
Then (by Nänabushu) was he observed ; what was he to see but somebody lying with bottom pointing up.
Mii go iw aanawi-izhi-gaazootawaad omadwe-kanoonigoon Nenaboozhoo:
Accordingly, when he made an attempt to hide from him, Nänabushu heard (Wīndigo) saying to him:
“Ondaas, akawe, ninga-nawajiin i’iw giiyaw.
"Come hither, wait, I want to make a small meal out of you.
Wewiib, ondaas.”
Make haste, come!"
Etawaa, Nenaboozhoo ani-gaagiimoodademo ani-naazikawaad.
Alas ! Nänabushu began weeping silently on his way over to where (Wīndigo) was.
Zhigwa imaa odoo-disaan; geget sa mangijiidiiwan, mizhisha go i’iw ode’ini.
Presently he came to where (Wīndigo) was ; truly big was his anus, and in plain view was his heart.
Oganoonigoon: “Nenaboozhoo, manisen.
By him was he addressed, saying: "Nanabushu, go gather some fire-wood.
Ninga-akawe-abwen i’iw giiyaw.”
I will first roast your body."
Geget ezhi-gopiid Nenaboozhoo manised.
Truly then up from the shore went Nänabushu to gather fire-wood.
Etawaa, moozhag mawi.
Poor fellow! all the while was he crying.
Zhigwa sa niibiwa gaa-okwaakwisidood iniw misan, oganoonigoon:
After he had piled up much fire-wood, he was addressed:
“Mii iw izhi-boodawen.”
"Now, do you kindle a fire."
Nenaboozhoo ezhi-boodawed.
Nänabushu then kindled the fire.
Gaa-poodawed oganoonigon:
After he had kindled the fire, he was addressed:
“Nenaboozhoo, mii i’iw izhi-andawaabandan i’iwe ge-wadabwaanaakoyaan i’iw giiyawizh.
"Nänabushu, now go you hence to seek for something which I can use for a spit to roast your old body on.
Aapiji wenaakwak, maagizhaa dagidaakwidin i’iw giwiisenshis.”
(Let it be) very straight, else perhaps your old spleen might be forced out."
Geget ani-maajaa Nenaboozhoo.
Truly away went Nänabushu.
Aaniish moozhag mawi, epiichi-segizid.
Now, all the time was he weeping, he was so scared.
Aapiji go i’iwe wayaaninaakwadinig i’iwe mitig omikaan, gaye iw zesagadikwaniwaninig.
So a stick with a very big curve he found, and it had many twigs.
Ezhi-maajaad izhaad ezhi-miinaad; o’ow odinaan: “Dawat, dawat, dawat!”(1)
Then he started going over to give it to (Wīndigo); this he said to him: "Oh, oh, oh!"(1)
E’iindijin a’aw Nenaboozhoo.
Such was the way Nänabushu acted.
“Gaawiin ina wiin dagidaakwidin iwe giwiizenshizh?
"Would not your old spleen be forced out by that?
Bekaanag iwe mitig nandawaabandan, wenaakwak.”
For a different one do you seek, one that is straight."
Etawaa Nenaboozhoo.
Hapless Nänabushu!
Mii dash geget ani-mawid, biinish igo waasa ani-dagoshin.
Thereupon truly off he went crying, (going) till he a long way off was come.
Baamaa go ani-inaabid, detiwe, zhingosan gii-bimibatoowan ezhi-ganoonaad:
And suddenly, while looking about as he went, why, here was a Weasel whom he addressed as it went running past:
“Nishiime sa, ni-nib noongom.”
"My little brother, I am now going to die."
Gibichisewan iniw zhingosan.
In its flight stopped the Weasel.
Odaataganaabamigoon ezhi-ganoonigod:
By it was he gazed up at when by it he was addressed:
“Nenaboozhoo, wegonesh waa-onji-niboyan?”
"Nänabushu, why are you going to die?"
“Atawaa, mii go niin i’iw wii-akawe-nawajiid wa’aw Wiindigoo i’iw niiyaw.
"Alas! because a light meal does that Wīndigo intend to make of my body.
Gaawiin ina gidaa-nisaasii?”
Could you not kill him?"
Ezhi-ganoonigod: “Namadabi na go a’aw Wiindigoo?”
Then he was addressed by it saying : " And is the Wīndigo sitting down ?"
“Gaawiin, jaangidiyeshin, mizhisha go iwe ojiid, gaye i’iw ode.”
"No, he lies with bottom pointing upward, and in full view is his anus, likewise his heart."
“Nenaboozhoo, miinooch isa ninga-awi-gagwe-nisaa.
"Nänabushu, nevertheless I will try to slay him.
Meshkwad idash wiin giga-pagosenimin gegoo.
And as a reward for myself I shall expect some kind of blessing from you.
Indawaa dash giishpin gegoo doodawisiwan gaawiin nindaa-nisaasii.”
So, therefore, if you fail to do something for me, I would not kill him."
Giigidoowan Nenaboozhoowan: “Meshkwad giishpin nisad, ji-pishigendaman i’iw giiyaw giga-izhiyin.”
Up spoke Nänabushu: "As your reward for killing him, I will make you proud of yourself."
Ezhi-kanoonind Nenaboozhoo: “Mii i’iw izhi-piindoomon i’iwe niiyawizh.”
Then was Nänabushu told: "Therefore do you put me in the bosom of your garment."
Aatayaa, geget minwendam Nenaboozhoo.
Ah, truly pleased was Nänabushu.
I’iw abwaanaak wenizhishininig i’iwe mitig andawaabandang, gaye aapiji wenaakwadinig; mii dash i’iw gaa-kiizhka’ang.
The roasting-spit which he sought to find was of excellent wood and very straight ; and that was what he had cut.
Eni-izhi-maajiidood, geyaabi gii-jaangidiyeshinoon iniw Wiindigoon.
When he went thither taking it to him, still yet was Wīndigo lying with bottom pointing up.
Oganoonaan: “O’owe odabwaanaakon.”
He spoke to him, saying: "Here is your spit."
Mii dash imaa ezhi-gijibagwiid iniw zhingosan, bane go eni-odaanawesenid.
Then it was that he pulled the Weasel forth from the bosom of his garment, and away whirled its tail as it flew in.
“Etawaa, ambe sa noo giinitam giga-ozhitoon abwaanaak.”
"Oh, well! then do you take a turn at making a roasting-spit."
“Gaawiin,” odigoon iniw Wiindigoon: “giin igo ozhitoon.”
"No," he was told by Wīndigo: "do you make it."
Nenaboozhoo odoo-daapinaan i’iwe mitig; bijiinag igo wedaapinang oganoonigoon:
Nänabushu took up the stick ; as soon as he picked it up, he was addressed by the other saying:
“Gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo, nin-gichi-sesegide’e.
"Impossible, Nänabushu, my heart beats with great fear.
Nindigo awiya owii-pakandaan i’iwe ninde’eyaab.”
It seems as if something is about to bite off the cord of my heart."
Nenaboozhoo oganoonaan: “Geshidine onakaako’ojin.
Nänabushu addressed him, saying: "Make haste and impale me upon (the spit)!
Wewiib igo abwen iw niiyaw.
Hurry and roast my body!
Gemaa gaye wii-saasakokwaadaman iwe niiyaw.”
Or, if you wish, you may fry my body."
Miinawaa giigidowan: “Iii, gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo!
Again he spoke: "Oh, impossible, Nänabushu!
gaawesa gosha. Mii gosha geget i’iw wii-wanendamaan.”
Impossible really ! Perhaps, indeed, I am now growing unconscious."
Nenaboozhoo omaa odani-gaakigaabiwitawaan.
Nänabushu then went up close and stood beside him.
“O’o’o, geshidine onakaako’ojin!”
"Oh, do hurry and impale me upon (the spit)!"
Inaabid Nenaboozhoo, ezhi-kawaakwidiyesenid; mii sa go i’iw geget gii-ani-nibonid.
While Nänabushu looked on, then down to the ground fell (Wīndigo) with his bottom ; thereupon truly was he dying.
Gaa-nibonid bi-onji-saagijisewan zhingosan.
When he was dead, then out from thence came the Weasel running.
“Etawaa, ni-shiime sa! Amanji go aapiji ge-izhi-maamooyaawagendamogobanen?
"How now, my little brother! Wonder what (I can do) so that he may be very thankful !
Indawaa sa ninga-wawezhi’aa.”
Therefore then will I paint him."
Nenaboozhoo odoo-daapinaan ezhi-giziibiigawaad.
Nänabushu took him up (and) then washed him in water.
Aapiji sa gaa-piinaabaawanaad, wegoneniiwinen waabaabiganan onandawaabamaan.
After he had made him thoroughly clean, what should he do but seek for white clay.
Gaa-mikawaad nawaj ojaagizwaan iniw waabaabiganan.
After he had found it, whiter still he burned the white clay.
Aapiji gaa-izhi-waabishkizinid gaa-kiizhi’aad, mii dash i’iw miziwe ezhi-wawezhi’aad zhingosan; wanakwaano omakadewaanawenaan.
After it was made exceedingly white, then he had it finished, whereupon all over he painted the Weasel ; at the end of the tail he painted it black.
“Ningadaga [nindigo?] gagwejibatoon.”
“Now, just you try and see how you run."
Geget zhingos gagwejibatoo.
To be sure, the Weasel started running.
Etiwe, geget bishigenimo. Nenaboozhoo oganoonaan:
Oh, how really proud he was! Nänabushu spoke to him, saying:
“Mii sa go naa iw e-zhi-maamooyawaminaan.
"Therefore in this manner do I render thanks to you.
Ni-nibonaaban zhingos.
I was dying at the time, Weasel.
Mii dash iw ge-izhinaagoziyan beboongin eta.
And that is the way you shall look only in the winter-time.
Mii dash i’iw minik ge-akiiwang ge-izhinaagoziyan.
And as long as the world lasts, this is the way you shall look.
Ambe dash giga-bakewinin.”
Therefore I now take leave of you."
Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajiiyaazhagaamed i’iw gichigami.
Nänabushu then departed, keeping along the shore of the sea.
