Nanabushu swallowed by the Sturgeon (1)
Mii dash giiwenh a’iin daawaad Nenaboozhoo ookomisan gaye.
And so it is said that Nanabushu and his grandmother continued living there.
Ningoding giiwenh Nenaboozhoo ezhi-naanaagadawendang inendam:
Once on a time they say that while Nanabushu was meditating, he thought :
“Indige sa mii go niin gaa-izhi-pezhigowaanen,” inendam Nenaboozhoo.
"I am curious to know if I was the only one," thought Nanabushu.
Mii dash e-nendang: “Ninga-gagwejimaa nookomis.”
Thereupon he thought: "I will ask my grandmother."
Aaniish inaa aadizookaan, mii dash geget e-naad ookomisan:
So, according to the story, he then truly said to his grandmother :
“Nookomis,” odinaan;
"My grandmother," he said to her,
“mii na go giinawind eta go bimaadiziyang?” odinaan.
"is it possible that you and I are the only ones living?" he said to her.
“Gaawiin na wiikaa niin ningii-ogiisii?” odinaan ookomisan.
"Have I never had a mother?" he said to his grandmother.
“Mii na go ge-izhi-piinishi-bimaadiziyaan?” odinaan ookomisan.
"Is it possible that simply without cause I came into being?" he said to his grandmother.
Wiikaa dash oganoonigoonigod:
So after a long while he was given reply, he was told :
“Noozhis,” odigoon,
"My grandson," he was told,
“mii sa go iw gegaa ge-kidoyaambaan.
"it was almost like that, (as you will see from what) I shall say.
Namadabin, nashke, giga-wiindamoon.
Be seated, listen, I shall inform you.
Bizindawishin weweni,” odigoon.
Listen to me with care," he was told.
“Geget gii-anishinaabekaa; mii dash igo gii-ani-jaajaagi-onishinoowaad, biinish gaye wiinawaa igiw gi-niigii’igoog ged-inadwaaban gii-pezhigo gaye gi-sayenh,” odigoon.
"Verily, there were some people living; but then as time went on they gradually passed away one by one, till at last also went they whom you would call your parents. And there was also one that was your elder brother," he was told.
“Gaye wiin dash gii-wanishin.
"And he too disappeared.
Giin dash gaye, nashke giga-wiindamoon gaa-onji-mookinaagoziyan omaa dash noongom gii-ayaayan.
Now about you, listen, (and) I will explain to you from what source you came, and why now you are here.
Awe gi-sayenh mii aw gaa-niigid, i’iw idash ishkwaach e-yaamagag anishinaabe naagishin webinigaade dash iw; mii dash e-zhinikaadeg abinoojiinh odapikweshimon, izhinikaate.
After that elder brother of yours was born, then that which is the last to come when one is born was thrown away ; for it is called a place-for-the-babe-to-rest-its-head, such is its name.
Mii dash imaa giin wendaadiziyan, noozhis.
So it was from that source that you came, my grandson.
Apii gaa-niigid gi-sayenh, mii dash gii-saagijigaadeg ingoji dash gii-awi-agoojigaade.
At the time when your elder brother was born, it was then taken somewhere out of doors and hung up.
Mii dash naagaj gaa-izhi-noondawind abinoojiinh madwe-mawid iwidi agoodeg iw bikweshimonens.
And so after a while there was heard the cry of a babe at yonder place where hung the little-rest-for-the-head.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-izhaayaan, mii dash imaa gii-mikoonaam.
Thereupon I went to the place, and there I found you.
Mii dash niin gaa-izhi-nitaawigi’inaan,” odinaan.
Therefore it was I who reared you," she said to him.
“Gaye wiin dash gi-ga gi-sayenh ogii-nitaawigi’aan.
"And your mother herself brought up your elder brother.
Mii dash ezhinikaazod aw gi-sayen’iban Nenaapaadam.
And the name of your elder brother was Nanapatam.
Mii dash gaye giin gaa-izhi-wiinigooyan Nenaboozhoo,” odigoon ookomisan.
And so the name Nanabushu was what you were called," he was told by his grandmother.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gichi-naanaagadawendam, gashkendam gaye mikwenimaad nangwana gii-osayen’id.
Thereupon Nanabushu seriously began pondering, sad too he became at the thought that forsooth he had an elder brother.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa gii-wawenendang aaniin waa-izhichiged, mii dash e-naad ookomisan:
And then Nanabushu straightway made up his mind what he would do, and so he said to his grandmother :
“Nookomis, maamakaadakamig wiikaa gegoo gii-izhisiwan iwi nangwana gii-izhiwebiziwaangen.”
"My grandmother, it is strange that never did you say anything to me concerning what had actually happened to us."
“Onjida sa gaawiin gegoo gigii-wiiwiindamawasinoon,” odigoon ookomisan,
"It was for a purpose that I told you of nothing," he was told by his grandmother,
“anishaa ji-kahkendaman, gaye ji-gwii’inawi’inendanziyan,” odigoon ookomisan.
"that for no cause you should be sad, and that you should not be disturbed in your peace of mind," he was told by his grandmother.
“Bizaan igo ji-pimaadiziyan; enishigo waabandaman giizhig baaji-wayaaseyaagin; gaye zhayiigwa giizis ba-mooka’angin ezhi-onaanigwendaagwag, ji-izhi-onaanigwendaman.
"And that in peace you should live; that you should behold with a feeling of contentment the light of day when it comes ; and that whenever the sun comes forth, when a sense of gladness pervades all things, you should be joyful too.
Mii i’iw wiikaa gaa-onji-kegoo-inisinowaan,” odigoon ookomisan.
Now, that was why I never imparted any thing to you," he was told by his grandmother.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa inaad ookomisan:
Thereupon Nanabushu presently said to his grandmother :
“Nookomis,” odinaan, “ninga-nandobani.
"My grandmother," he said to her, "I am going to war.
Ninga-nandawaabamaag awenenan gaa-nisigowaad ni-gii’igoog gaye ni-sayen.”
I am going to seek those who slew my parents and my elder brother."
Mii dash e-god ookomisan: “Gego, noozhis.
And then he was told by his grandmother: "Don't, my grandson.
Ingoji gigad-inigaatoon giiyaw,” odigoon.
Somewhere will you bring ruin upon yourself," he was told.
“Gaawiin,” odinaan ookomisan, “booch igo ninga-nandawaabamaag.”
"No," he said to his grandmother, "I am determined to look for them."
Mii dash ezhi-maajaad Nenaboozhoo awi-pisa’ang wii-ozhitood bikwakoon gaye sawaanan.
So then off went Nanabushu, he went to seek (for a small straight tree, easy) to split, to the end that he might make some arrows and some spears.
Mii dash giiwenh ba-izhi-kiiwed wayiiba go mii dash e-god ookomisan:
And now it is said that on his early return to his home he was then told by his grandmother : "
“Aaniin, noozhis?” odigoon.
What now, my grandson ?" he was told.
“Gaawiin gegoo,” ikido Nenaboozhoo.
"Nothing," said Nanabushu.
“Gaawiin biigwaasesinoon ni-waagaakwad.
"My axe does not cut.
Shkomaa siboojigan, nookomis.
Please let me have the whetstone, my grandmother.
Niwii-kiiniboodoon waagaakwad.”
I want to sharpen the axe."
Mii dash geget apagizod aw mindimooye, giiskabag idash naanikibidood siboojigan miinaad.
It was true that over leaned the old woman, and from the meeting-place of the wall and the ground she drew forth a whetstone and gave it to him.
Mii dash ezhi-odaapinang Nenaboozhoo, mii dash ezhi-maajii-asiboojiged.
Whereupon over reached Nanabushu, taking it, and then he began the work of sharpening (the axe).
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gomaa apii megwaa asiboojiged mii noondang e-god:
And so later on, while Nanabushu was at work with the whetstone, he then heard that which he was told:
“Goos, gi-ga,” inweweg siboojigan.
"Your father, your mother," was the sound of the whetstone.
“Wegonen wenji-ikidod?” inendam.
"Why does it say that?" he thought.
“Maagizhaa nookomis onjida niwii’ik gigaa-gwejimag,” inendam.
"Perhaps my grandmother for some reason is deceiving me about what I had asked her," he thought.
Miinawaa ezhi-maajii-siboojiged mii miinawaa e-nitang: “Goos, goos, goos, gi-ga, gi-ga, gi-ga.”
Once more as he began using the whetstone, so again he heard it: "Your father, your father, your father, your mother, your mother, your mother."
Aapiji Nenaboozhoo nishkaadizi.
Exceedingly angry was Nanabushu.
“Na, nashke e-goyaan iw waagaakwad!” odinaan ookomisan.
"Hark, listen to what the axe is saying to me!" he said to his grandmother.
“Anishaa gosha gid-initam apane iw izhi-kizhibendaman,” odinaan.
"Simply are you hearing the sound of what you are always revolving in your mind," she said to him.
“Gaawiin,” odinaan Nenaboozhoo, “anishaa go ninga-gaanjigidemigon.”
"No," to her said Nanabushu, "simply am I chided to anger."
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo geget nishkaadizid.
Thereupon Nanabushu truly was angry.
Mii dash ezhi-odaakinang miinawaa siboojigan.
And so he once more took up the whetstone.
Siboodood waagaakwad, mii go miinawaa e-god:
While whetting the axe, then again was he told:
“Goos, goos, gi-sayenh, gi-sayenh,” odigoon.
"Your father, your father, your elder brother, your elder brother," he was told.
Mii dash ezhi-pazigonjised; mii dash ezhi-nawajibidood waagaakwat;
Thereupon he leaped to his feet thereupon he grabbed and fastened down the axe ;
ezhi-kichi-pabakiteowaad asiniin enaabidagaawaninig.
he thoroughly pounded it with a stone right on the sharp edge.
Mii dash geget gichi-ozhiitaad wii-maajaad; niibiwa ogii-ozhitoonan obikwakoon osawaanan gaye.
Thereupon truly was he fully prepared to go ; many arrows and spears had he made.
Anishinaa aadizookaan,
So far as the story goes,
gaawiin dibaajigaadesinoon wegonen gaayoogwen gii-ozhitood gichi-niibiwa obikwakoon gaye odasawaanan,
it is not told what he used when he made the great number of his arrows and spears,
iw giikiizhkaabidesidood owaagaakwad;
for he had dulled his axe ;
mii eta go debaajimind gii-kiizhiitaa’idizod.
it is only told of him how that he had made himself prepared.
Mii dash giiwenh Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajaad.
And so it is said that Nanabushu started away.
Ishte, mii gaye iwe e-naajimind!
By the way, this too was what was told of him !
Gii-ozhitood jiimaan;
He made a canoe ;
Gii-wiimbikawaad mitigoon;
he hewed it out of a log ;
eniginid igo ogii-inikokwaadoon inaa.
the measure of himself was the size he made it, so it is told of him.
Mii dash gii-mawinewaad mishi-namegwen.
Thereupon he went to assail the Great Sturgeon.
Mii dash giiwenh Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajaad, boozhoo’aad(2) ookomisan.
And so they say that Nanabushu set out, bidding farewell to his grandmother.(2)
Mii dash giiwenh e-god:
And then they say he was told :
“Ayaangwaamizin, noozhis,” odigoon; “ingoji gigadi-nikaadoon giiyaw,” odigoon ookomisan.
"Be careful, my grandson," he was told; "somewhere will you bring harm upon yourself," he was told by his grandmother.
“Gaawiin, nookomis, ninga-dagwishin miinawaa omaa,” odinaan.
"No, my grandmother, I shall return again to this place," he said to her.
Mii sa Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa ezhi-pakobiinang ojiimaan, maajaad gwayak gichi-mishawagaam;
And as Nanabushu now shoved his canoe into the water, he proceeded straight out to sea;
gegaa dash nenaawagaam degoshing, mii ezhi-piibaagid, nagamod:
and when almost at the middle part of the sea he was come, then he cried with a loud voice, singing :
“Mishi-namegwedog, mishi-namegwedog,
"O ye Great Sturgeons, O ye Great Sturgeons,
Wiikwanzhishin, wiikwanzhishin!”
Come one of you and swallow me, come one of you and swallow me !"
Naagaj igo zhayiigwa maadaagamishkaa gichi-gami;
And in a little while was the sea set in motion ;
dibishkoo baawitig ezhi-pi-njiwang, mii epiitijiwang.
like rapids when the current is strong, so was the flow of the waves.
Mii dash geget Nenaboozhoo enigok nagamod:
Thereupon truly Nanabushu sang aloud :
“Mishi-namegwedog, wiikwanzhishig!
"O ye Great Sturgeons, come swallow me !
Giinawaa gaa-jaagi’egwaa ni-niigi’igoog, gaye niin dash wiikwanzhishig!”
Ye that have slain my parents, come swallow me too!"
Bijiinag igo gaa-ishkwaa-kidod, mii zhayiigwa waabamaad mishi-namegwen wiikwanigod.
As soon as he had finished speaking, then immediately he saw a great sturgeon coming to swallow him.
Nitam igo gagizhibaa’aaboodeni iw jiimaan, mii dash e-nishikondaayaaboozod, ani-gomigod mishi-namegwen, gigi jiimaan.
At first round in a whirlpool spun the canoe, and then down into the water he was drawn, swallowed by the Great Sturgeon, canoe and all.
Apane go giiwenh gaa-saaswenig otawagan; miinawaa mikawid, biindaagiiyaw giingoonyan ayaa.
All the while they say there was a hissing- sound in the ears , and when he recovered his wits, inside of a fish he was.
Mii dash bizaan ayaad iwidi; mii dash giiwenh zhayiigwa gikenimaad iniw giigoonyan ani-maajiinigod.
Thereupon quietly he remained there ; and they say that now he knew that the fish was carrying him away.
Mii dash a’aw ogimaa-giigoonh giiwed endaawaad anaamibiing anaawaya’ii gichi-gaming.
And so the chief of fishes returned to the home under water on the floor of the sea.
Mii dash giiwenh madwe-kichi-sagaswe’idiwaad, madwe-kichi-gaye aanimitaagozinid; maamayawenid iw gii-komind.
And now they say that (Nanabushu) heard them holding a great smoker among themselves, and he also heard them holding forth with much talk ; they were giving thanks for that he was swallowed.
Ningoding dash giiwenh megwaa nandodang, gegoo owaabandaan Nenaboozhoo bishaagiwiinigod.
Now, once they say that while he was listening, some thing Nanabushu saw that caught his attention.
Anishinaa aadizookaan.
Well, on with the story.
Amanj ezhi-waabigobanen!
Wonder how he could see !
Nenaboozhoo owaabandaan giiwenh gegoo bishaagibidenig, mii nangwana aw mishi-namegwe ode benga’aninig.
(Nevertheless) they say that Nanabushu saw something in motion, and it happened to be the heart of the Great Sturgeon that was beating.
Mii dash giiwenh bekaa ezhi-mamaajiid naanikinang odasawaan; mii dash ezhi-pabazhiba’ang.
Thereupon they say that softly he moved (and) pulled out a pointed arrow ; and then he began pricking it.
Mii dash giiwenh naagaj noondawaad madwe-ikidonid:
Whereupon they say that in a little while he heard the voice of him saying:
“Aataa, geget sa naa ni-maazhide’e.”(3)
"Oh, truly indeed but I am feeling sick at heart."(3)
Mii dash medwe-izhi-nandodamawaad wiiwan ji-mina’igod gegoo ge-onji-shigagowed.
And then he heard him asking his wife to give him a drink of something to make him vomit.
Mii dash zhayiigwa aano-wiikwodood ji-shishigagowed, gaawiin dash ogaskitoosiin.
And so presently did he begin trying to vomit, but he was not able to do it.
Mii dash medwe-ikidod: “Gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo ni-maanikaag,” ikido.
And then he heard him saying: "Impossible, for Nanabushu is making me sick at my stomach," he said.
Aanawi geget gichi-anokii Nenaboozhoo ji-shashigagowaanaasiwind; mii gaa-izhi-pimidaakwanang omitigwaabiin, mii dash iniw menjimaakwiid Nenaboozhoo.
True was it, indeed, that hard worked Nanabushu to keep from being cast out; so then crosswise he placed his arrows, and so by them he held on.
Mii dash miinawaa mishi-namegwe e-kidod: “Gaawesa.
Thereupon again the Great Sturgeon spoke: "No hope.
Ni-maanikaag Nenaboozhoo,” ikido.
I am in distress inside on account of Nanabushu," he said.
Mii dash wayiiba gii-nibod, gii-nisaad Nenaboozhoo.
And so in a little while he was dead, him had Nanabushu slain.
Aaniish aanawi gakina minik waadetoowaad gii-wiikondiwag ji-wii-pimaajii’aawaad odoogimaamiwan, aaniish gaawiin;
Even though all that were living there had come together by invitation for the purpose of bringing their chief back to life, [but] (it was) not (to be) ;
aaniish awiya ged-izhi-pimaadizid ode gii-pi-giishka’igaadenig?
for how could any one live with his heart cut to pieces?
Mii dash gaa-onji-nibonid.
And that was why he had died.
Mii dash wiin Nenaboozhoo, imaa ayaad.
And as for Nanabushu, there he remained.
Mii dash geget gichi-izhichigewaad manidookaazowaad.
Thereupon truly they were doing wonderful things as they conjured for a miracle.
Aaniish aazha gii-nibo gichi-giigoonh.
It was no use, for already dead was the great fish.
Mii dash giiwenh waa-izhi-pagidenimaawaad, aanawi ginwenzh ogii-kanawenimaawaan;
And so it is said that they were going to bury him, for really a long while had they kept him;
maagizhaa da-aabijiibaa, gii-inendamoog.
perhaps he might come back to life, they thought.
Mii dash indawaaj giiwenh zhayiigwa bagidenimaawaad, nawaj naawij aandi aapiji dimiiyaag gichi-gami mii imaa awi-pagidenimaawaad.
And so accordingly they say that when they were burying him, farther out upon the sea, where it was deep, they went to bury him.
Aapiji gichi-manidookaazowag.
Ever so mightily they conjured for a miracle.
Gakina dash wiin Nenaboozhoo ogikendaan enakamigadinig, wiin dash gaawiin awiya ogikenimigosiin imaa ayaad bimaadizid gaye.
Now, Nanabushu knew everything that was happening, but yet by no one was it known that he was there and alive.
Ogikenimaawaan gii-komimind, gaawiin dash wiin ogikenimaasiwaawaan bimaadizinid.
They knew that he had been swallowed, but yet they did not know that he was alive.
Mii dash gaa-ishkwaa-pagidenimaawaad, gii-bi-kiiweyaawanidiiwaad miinawaa.
And so after they had finished burying (the chief of fishes), then back they came together to their home again.
Aapiji gii-paatayiinowag, miziwe e-nigokwaag iw gichi-gami gii-onjiwag gii-awi-pagidenimaawaad odoo-gimaamiwaan.
Exceedingly numerous they were, from every part of the sea had they come to be at the burial of their chief.
Mii dash giiwenh wiin Nenaboozhoo endazhi-wawenendag aaniin ged-izhi-kashkitood ji-saaga’ang imaa biinjaya’ii giigoonying gaye gii-ningwa’omind.
In the mean while they say that Nanabushu had been thinking out a plan how he might succeed in getting out from the inside of the fish which now was also lying buried.
Mii dash zhayiigwa Nenaboozhoo gikendang aaniin ge-doodang, mii dash e-kidod:
And so, now that Nanabushu knew what he would do, he thereupon said:
“Aaw, ambe sa noo da-wii-kichi-izhiwebag wiikaa gaa-izhiwebisinog!”
"Oh, I would that there rise a mighty storm the like of which there has never been before!"
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gii-sagaswe’aad niiwing inakakeyaa wendabinid manidoo’.
Whereupon Nanabushu made a smoke offering toward the four directions where sit the manitous.
Mii dash gii-nakomigod.
And so his prayer was answered.
Mii dash geget gaa-izhi-kichi-nooding, gakina gegoo gii-pakodaamikaa’an imaa gii-kichi-gaming inaamaya’ii etegini.
Thereupon truly there rose a mighty wind, everything that was on the floor of the sea came to the surface by force of the waves.
Mii dash gaye wiin Nenaboozhoo, gii-moonaadaawangaa’ininig i’imaa ayaad;
And as for Nanabushu, the sand (of the mound) where he had been was washed away ;
mii dash aw giigoonh gaa-izhi-ogichibiiskaad.
and then afterwards the fish came to the surface of the water.
Midaasogon gii-kichi-noodin, mii dash miinawaa gaa-izhi-kichi-anwaatin, mii dash gii-mooshkanjid aw mishi-namegwenh.
For ten days the wind raged, and afterwards there was another great calm, whereupon to the surface (came) the Great Sturgeon.
Mii dash ningoding igo Nenaboozhoo ayaad imaa anaamaya’ii giigoonying onoondaan gegoo aapiji minotaagodinig;
Now once, when Nanabushu was inside of the fish, he heard something that sounded very pleasantly;
mii dash aazhi andodang, mii e-nidang: “(cry of gulls).”
and as he listened, he then heard: "(cry of gulls)."
Aapiji minotaagoziwan awiya; mii nangwana gayaashkwag.
Very pleasant was the sound of the creature ; it turned out to be some gulls.
“Ambe,” mii dash e-nendang Nenaboozhoo, “ninga-kanoonaag,” inendam.
"Well," thus thought Nanabushu, "I will speak to them," he thought.
Mii dash geget zhayiigwa miinawaa onoondawaa’ biidwewinaminid, mii go miinawaa baa-inwenid: “(cry of gulls).”
It was true that soon again he heard the sound of them coming hitherward, whereupon again they came with the cry: "(cry of gulls)."
Mii dash ezhi-kanoonaad: “Ishte, ni-shiime sa!(4) shkomaa naa bagwanejiganaanandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!”
And then he said to them : " Hark, O my younger brothers(4)! Please peck an opening for me into the belly of this fish!"
Mii dash gayaashkwag ezhi-pazigwa’owaad, gaye ani-noondaagoziwaad gagwaanisagakamig e-nitaagoziwaad.
Thereupon the gulls flew up , and as they went, they could be heard uttering a frightful cry, for such was the sound they made.
Mii Nenaboozhoo gaa-izhi-nawadinangin otawagan, gaa-izhi-kipitenidisod.
Whereupon Nanabushu seized his ears (and) closed them with the hands (to keep from hearing the din).
Naagaj dash miinawaa gii-andodam, mii’sh miinawaa gii-kanoonaad:
And in a little while again he listened, where upon again he spoke to them, saying:
“Aaw, nishiim(5), bagwanejiganaanandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!” odinaa’.
"O my younger brothers(5)! peck an opening for me into the belly of this fish!" he said to them.
Mii dash geget ezhi-pisaanayaawaad.
Thereupon truly they became silent.
Miinawaa dash oganoonaan: “Bagwanejiganaandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!” odinaan.
And so again he spoke to them, saying: "Peck an opening for me into the belly of this fish!" he said to them.
“Meshkod giga-sasegaa’ininim.”
"In return I will adorn you."
Mii dash gayaashkwag ezhi-kanoonidiwaad: “Nenaboozhoo imaa ayaa.”
Thereupon the gulls spoke one with another, saying: "Nanabushu is there."
Gakina gonda awiya gii-kikenimigoon aw Nenaboozhoo.
Indeed, by every creature was Nanabushu known.
Mii’sh miinawaa ezhi-kanoonaad: “Aaw, ni-shiimidog, bagwanejiganaandamawishiyok.
And so again he spoke to them, saying: "Come, my younger brothers, peck an opening for me into the belly (of this fish).
Meshkod giga-sasegaa’ininim; niigaan wenizhishid bebaamised gigad-izhi-onizhishi’inim,” odinaa’.
In return I shall adorn you ; as beautiful as the creature of the air that surpasses (all others in beauty) is how beautiful I shall make you," he said to them.
“Gaawiin gosha nindaa-kashki’aasiiwaanaan,” odigoo’.
“We surely could not (make an opening into) him," he was told.
“Awaw” odinaa’. “Giga-kashki’aawaa!”
"Yea, (you can)!" he said to them. "You can do it!"
Mii dash geget ezhi-maajitaawaad bagwanejiganaamawaad; wiikaa dash ogashki’aawaan.
Thereupon truly they began pecking an opening into (the fish) ; and after a long while they succeeded.
Mii dash Nenaboozho gaa-izhi-saagidooded, gaye zaagiji-daabaadang ojiimaan mitigoon gaa-wiimbigawaapan.
And then afterwards Nanabushu crawled out, and he drew out his canoe which he had hewn from a log.
Mii dash bijiinag weweni waabamaad iniw mishi-namegwen gaa-gomigod e-nigininid;
And then was the time that he took a careful look to see how big was the great sturgeon which had swallowed him ;
indigo minis e-gondeg ezhi-naagozinid agwanjininid.
like an island afloat upon the water was how it looked as it lay upon the deep.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-odaapinaad bezhig iniw gayaashkwan; mii dash gaa-izhi-wawezhi’aad.
Thereupon he took up one of the gulls in his hands ; and then he adorned it.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-waabishki’aad, dibishkoo gooning gii-zhi’aad.
And then he whitened it, (white) like snow he made it.
Mii dash gaa-inaad: “Giin wiin gayaashk gigad-ani-izhi-wiinigoo ji-ani-akiiwang.”
Thereupon he said to it : " You shall be called a gull from now till the end of time."
Mii dash geget gichi-minwendang waabandizod aw gayaashk ezhi-onizhishid.
It was true that exceedingly happy was the gull when it looked upon itself and saw how beautiful it was.
“Aaw,” odinaan, “mii dash izhi-pazigo’iyok.”
"Now, then," he said to them, "now fly away!"
Mii dash aaniish inaa aadizookaan, mii eta go bezhik dagimimind gii-odaapinaad gayaashkwan.
Now, according to the story, there was mentioned but a single gull that he took up in his hands.
Mii dash booch gaa-izhi-onizhishiwaad gakina minik apii gakina bezigo’owaad.
Yet nevertheless just as beautiful were all the rest when they all started to fly away.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gaa-izhi-maajitaad gii-pi-giishkizhwaad iniw giigoonyan.
And then afterwards Nanabushu began cutting up the fish with a knife.
Mii dash apii gaa-ishkwaa-nanawizhwaad, mii gii-ikidod gaye bekish gii-saswewebinaad:
And so when he had finished cutting it up, then he said, at the same time that he was flinging the pieces in every direction:
“Giigoonh gigad-ani-zhi-wiinigoom ji-ani-akiiwang.
"Fishes shall you be called till the end of time.
Gigad-amogowaag gaye anishinaabeg ji-ani-akiiwang. – Giin dash,” odinaan mishi-namegwen:
And you shall be eaten by the people till the end of the world. - - And you," he said to the Great Sturgeon,
“Gaawiin miinawaa wiikaa gigad-iniginisii ji-ani-akiiwang, gaawiin awiya daa-pimaadizisii,” odinaan.
"never again so large shall you be as long as the world lasts, else nobody would ever live," he said to him.
Mii dash geget gaa-izhiwebadinig giigoonyensa’ gichi-niibiwa gii-onji-ozhi’aad imaa mishi-namegweng.
Therefore it truly came to pass that he created little fishes in great numbers from that Great Sturgeon.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo ezhi-kiiwe’od nandawaabamaad ookomisan.
Thereupon Nanabushu paddled home in his canoe to find his granmother.
Eni-dagwishing idash omikawaan ookomisan aapiji gawendaminid.
And when he got there, he discovered his grandmother grievously sad in her thoughts.
Mii dash eni-zhi-dapaabid, mii’sh e-naad: “Nookomis, nindagwishin,” odinaan.
And as he peeped into the lodge, he said to her: U O my grandmother ! I have now come home," he said to her.
“Aay, wegodogwen sa pane wenji-izhi-waagwenoko, aya aawashensag!”
"Oh, I should like to know why they continually say this to me, these little animal-folk!"
“Gaawiin, nookomis.
"Nay, my grandmother.
Niin gosha, Nenaboozhoo, goozhis, ba-dagwishin.”
It is really myself, Nanabushu, your grandson, who has now come home."
Mii dash eni-zhi-piindiged.
And then into the lodge he went.
Mii dash owaabamaad ookomisan agaawaa onzaabinid, apane iidog gii-mawinid.
Thereupon he saw that his grand mother was barely able to see, (showing) that perhaps all the while she had been weeping.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo aapiji zhawenimaad ookomisan.
So then Nenaboozhoo really pitied his grandmother.
Mii dash nawaj gaa-izhi-aanji-oskiniigi’aad.
And then afterwards he had made her younger.
And so it is said that Nanabushu and his grandmother continued living there.
Ningoding giiwenh Nenaboozhoo ezhi-naanaagadawendang inendam:
Once on a time they say that while Nanabushu was meditating, he thought :
“Indige sa mii go niin gaa-izhi-pezhigowaanen,” inendam Nenaboozhoo.
"I am curious to know if I was the only one," thought Nanabushu.
Mii dash e-nendang: “Ninga-gagwejimaa nookomis.”
Thereupon he thought: "I will ask my grandmother."
Aaniish inaa aadizookaan, mii dash geget e-naad ookomisan:
So, according to the story, he then truly said to his grandmother :
“Nookomis,” odinaan;
"My grandmother," he said to her,
“mii na go giinawind eta go bimaadiziyang?” odinaan.
"is it possible that you and I are the only ones living?" he said to her.
“Gaawiin na wiikaa niin ningii-ogiisii?” odinaan ookomisan.
"Have I never had a mother?" he said to his grandmother.
“Mii na go ge-izhi-piinishi-bimaadiziyaan?” odinaan ookomisan.
"Is it possible that simply without cause I came into being?" he said to his grandmother.
Wiikaa dash oganoonigoonigod:
So after a long while he was given reply, he was told :
“Noozhis,” odigoon,
"My grandson," he was told,
“mii sa go iw gegaa ge-kidoyaambaan.
"it was almost like that, (as you will see from what) I shall say.
Namadabin, nashke, giga-wiindamoon.
Be seated, listen, I shall inform you.
Bizindawishin weweni,” odigoon.
Listen to me with care," he was told.
“Geget gii-anishinaabekaa; mii dash igo gii-ani-jaajaagi-onishinoowaad, biinish gaye wiinawaa igiw gi-niigii’igoog ged-inadwaaban gii-pezhigo gaye gi-sayenh,” odigoon.
"Verily, there were some people living; but then as time went on they gradually passed away one by one, till at last also went they whom you would call your parents. And there was also one that was your elder brother," he was told.
“Gaye wiin dash gii-wanishin.
"And he too disappeared.
Giin dash gaye, nashke giga-wiindamoon gaa-onji-mookinaagoziyan omaa dash noongom gii-ayaayan.
Now about you, listen, (and) I will explain to you from what source you came, and why now you are here.
Awe gi-sayenh mii aw gaa-niigid, i’iw idash ishkwaach e-yaamagag anishinaabe naagishin webinigaade dash iw; mii dash e-zhinikaadeg abinoojiinh odapikweshimon, izhinikaate.
After that elder brother of yours was born, then that which is the last to come when one is born was thrown away ; for it is called a place-for-the-babe-to-rest-its-head, such is its name.
Mii dash imaa giin wendaadiziyan, noozhis.
So it was from that source that you came, my grandson.
Apii gaa-niigid gi-sayenh, mii dash gii-saagijigaadeg ingoji dash gii-awi-agoojigaade.
At the time when your elder brother was born, it was then taken somewhere out of doors and hung up.
Mii dash naagaj gaa-izhi-noondawind abinoojiinh madwe-mawid iwidi agoodeg iw bikweshimonens.
And so after a while there was heard the cry of a babe at yonder place where hung the little-rest-for-the-head.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-izhaayaan, mii dash imaa gii-mikoonaam.
Thereupon I went to the place, and there I found you.
Mii dash niin gaa-izhi-nitaawigi’inaan,” odinaan.
Therefore it was I who reared you," she said to him.
“Gaye wiin dash gi-ga gi-sayenh ogii-nitaawigi’aan.
"And your mother herself brought up your elder brother.
Mii dash ezhinikaazod aw gi-sayen’iban Nenaapaadam.
And the name of your elder brother was Nanapatam.
Mii dash gaye giin gaa-izhi-wiinigooyan Nenaboozhoo,” odigoon ookomisan.
And so the name Nanabushu was what you were called," he was told by his grandmother.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gichi-naanaagadawendam, gashkendam gaye mikwenimaad nangwana gii-osayen’id.
Thereupon Nanabushu seriously began pondering, sad too he became at the thought that forsooth he had an elder brother.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa gii-wawenendang aaniin waa-izhichiged, mii dash e-naad ookomisan:
And then Nanabushu straightway made up his mind what he would do, and so he said to his grandmother :
“Nookomis, maamakaadakamig wiikaa gegoo gii-izhisiwan iwi nangwana gii-izhiwebiziwaangen.”
"My grandmother, it is strange that never did you say anything to me concerning what had actually happened to us."
“Onjida sa gaawiin gegoo gigii-wiiwiindamawasinoon,” odigoon ookomisan,
"It was for a purpose that I told you of nothing," he was told by his grandmother,
“anishaa ji-kahkendaman, gaye ji-gwii’inawi’inendanziyan,” odigoon ookomisan.
"that for no cause you should be sad, and that you should not be disturbed in your peace of mind," he was told by his grandmother.
“Bizaan igo ji-pimaadiziyan; enishigo waabandaman giizhig baaji-wayaaseyaagin; gaye zhayiigwa giizis ba-mooka’angin ezhi-onaanigwendaagwag, ji-izhi-onaanigwendaman.
"And that in peace you should live; that you should behold with a feeling of contentment the light of day when it comes ; and that whenever the sun comes forth, when a sense of gladness pervades all things, you should be joyful too.
Mii i’iw wiikaa gaa-onji-kegoo-inisinowaan,” odigoon ookomisan.
Now, that was why I never imparted any thing to you," he was told by his grandmother.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa inaad ookomisan:
Thereupon Nanabushu presently said to his grandmother :
“Nookomis,” odinaan, “ninga-nandobani.
"My grandmother," he said to her, "I am going to war.
Ninga-nandawaabamaag awenenan gaa-nisigowaad ni-gii’igoog gaye ni-sayen.”
I am going to seek those who slew my parents and my elder brother."
Mii dash e-god ookomisan: “Gego, noozhis.
And then he was told by his grandmother: "Don't, my grandson.
Ingoji gigad-inigaatoon giiyaw,” odigoon.
Somewhere will you bring ruin upon yourself," he was told.
“Gaawiin,” odinaan ookomisan, “booch igo ninga-nandawaabamaag.”
"No," he said to his grandmother, "I am determined to look for them."
Mii dash ezhi-maajaad Nenaboozhoo awi-pisa’ang wii-ozhitood bikwakoon gaye sawaanan.
So then off went Nanabushu, he went to seek (for a small straight tree, easy) to split, to the end that he might make some arrows and some spears.
Mii dash giiwenh ba-izhi-kiiwed wayiiba go mii dash e-god ookomisan:
And now it is said that on his early return to his home he was then told by his grandmother : "
“Aaniin, noozhis?” odigoon.
What now, my grandson ?" he was told.
“Gaawiin gegoo,” ikido Nenaboozhoo.
"Nothing," said Nanabushu.
“Gaawiin biigwaasesinoon ni-waagaakwad.
"My axe does not cut.
Shkomaa siboojigan, nookomis.
Please let me have the whetstone, my grandmother.
Niwii-kiiniboodoon waagaakwad.”
I want to sharpen the axe."
Mii dash geget apagizod aw mindimooye, giiskabag idash naanikibidood siboojigan miinaad.
It was true that over leaned the old woman, and from the meeting-place of the wall and the ground she drew forth a whetstone and gave it to him.
Mii dash ezhi-odaapinang Nenaboozhoo, mii dash ezhi-maajii-asiboojiged.
Whereupon over reached Nanabushu, taking it, and then he began the work of sharpening (the axe).
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gomaa apii megwaa asiboojiged mii noondang e-god:
And so later on, while Nanabushu was at work with the whetstone, he then heard that which he was told:
“Goos, gi-ga,” inweweg siboojigan.
"Your father, your mother," was the sound of the whetstone.
“Wegonen wenji-ikidod?” inendam.
"Why does it say that?" he thought.
“Maagizhaa nookomis onjida niwii’ik gigaa-gwejimag,” inendam.
"Perhaps my grandmother for some reason is deceiving me about what I had asked her," he thought.
Miinawaa ezhi-maajii-siboojiged mii miinawaa e-nitang: “Goos, goos, goos, gi-ga, gi-ga, gi-ga.”
Once more as he began using the whetstone, so again he heard it: "Your father, your father, your father, your mother, your mother, your mother."
Aapiji Nenaboozhoo nishkaadizi.
Exceedingly angry was Nanabushu.
“Na, nashke e-goyaan iw waagaakwad!” odinaan ookomisan.
"Hark, listen to what the axe is saying to me!" he said to his grandmother.
“Anishaa gosha gid-initam apane iw izhi-kizhibendaman,” odinaan.
"Simply are you hearing the sound of what you are always revolving in your mind," she said to him.
“Gaawiin,” odinaan Nenaboozhoo, “anishaa go ninga-gaanjigidemigon.”
"No," to her said Nanabushu, "simply am I chided to anger."
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo geget nishkaadizid.
Thereupon Nanabushu truly was angry.
Mii dash ezhi-odaakinang miinawaa siboojigan.
And so he once more took up the whetstone.
Siboodood waagaakwad, mii go miinawaa e-god:
While whetting the axe, then again was he told:
“Goos, goos, gi-sayenh, gi-sayenh,” odigoon.
"Your father, your father, your elder brother, your elder brother," he was told.
Mii dash ezhi-pazigonjised; mii dash ezhi-nawajibidood waagaakwat;
Thereupon he leaped to his feet thereupon he grabbed and fastened down the axe ;
ezhi-kichi-pabakiteowaad asiniin enaabidagaawaninig.
he thoroughly pounded it with a stone right on the sharp edge.
Mii dash geget gichi-ozhiitaad wii-maajaad; niibiwa ogii-ozhitoonan obikwakoon osawaanan gaye.
Thereupon truly was he fully prepared to go ; many arrows and spears had he made.
Anishinaa aadizookaan,
So far as the story goes,
gaawiin dibaajigaadesinoon wegonen gaayoogwen gii-ozhitood gichi-niibiwa obikwakoon gaye odasawaanan,
it is not told what he used when he made the great number of his arrows and spears,
iw giikiizhkaabidesidood owaagaakwad;
for he had dulled his axe ;
mii eta go debaajimind gii-kiizhiitaa’idizod.
it is only told of him how that he had made himself prepared.
Mii dash giiwenh Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajaad.
And so it is said that Nanabushu started away.
Ishte, mii gaye iwe e-naajimind!
By the way, this too was what was told of him !
Gii-ozhitood jiimaan;
He made a canoe ;
Gii-wiimbikawaad mitigoon;
he hewed it out of a log ;
eniginid igo ogii-inikokwaadoon inaa.
the measure of himself was the size he made it, so it is told of him.
Mii dash gii-mawinewaad mishi-namegwen.
Thereupon he went to assail the Great Sturgeon.
Mii dash giiwenh Nenaboozhoo ezhi-maajaad, boozhoo’aad(2) ookomisan.
And so they say that Nanabushu set out, bidding farewell to his grandmother.(2)
Mii dash giiwenh e-god:
And then they say he was told :
“Ayaangwaamizin, noozhis,” odigoon; “ingoji gigadi-nikaadoon giiyaw,” odigoon ookomisan.
"Be careful, my grandson," he was told; "somewhere will you bring harm upon yourself," he was told by his grandmother.
“Gaawiin, nookomis, ninga-dagwishin miinawaa omaa,” odinaan.
"No, my grandmother, I shall return again to this place," he said to her.
Mii sa Nenaboozhoo zhayiigwa ezhi-pakobiinang ojiimaan, maajaad gwayak gichi-mishawagaam;
And as Nanabushu now shoved his canoe into the water, he proceeded straight out to sea;
gegaa dash nenaawagaam degoshing, mii ezhi-piibaagid, nagamod:
and when almost at the middle part of the sea he was come, then he cried with a loud voice, singing :
“Mishi-namegwedog, mishi-namegwedog,
"O ye Great Sturgeons, O ye Great Sturgeons,
Wiikwanzhishin, wiikwanzhishin!”
Come one of you and swallow me, come one of you and swallow me !"
Naagaj igo zhayiigwa maadaagamishkaa gichi-gami;
And in a little while was the sea set in motion ;
dibishkoo baawitig ezhi-pi-njiwang, mii epiitijiwang.
like rapids when the current is strong, so was the flow of the waves.
Mii dash geget Nenaboozhoo enigok nagamod:
Thereupon truly Nanabushu sang aloud :
“Mishi-namegwedog, wiikwanzhishig!
"O ye Great Sturgeons, come swallow me !
Giinawaa gaa-jaagi’egwaa ni-niigi’igoog, gaye niin dash wiikwanzhishig!”
Ye that have slain my parents, come swallow me too!"
Bijiinag igo gaa-ishkwaa-kidod, mii zhayiigwa waabamaad mishi-namegwen wiikwanigod.
As soon as he had finished speaking, then immediately he saw a great sturgeon coming to swallow him.
Nitam igo gagizhibaa’aaboodeni iw jiimaan, mii dash e-nishikondaayaaboozod, ani-gomigod mishi-namegwen, gigi jiimaan.
At first round in a whirlpool spun the canoe, and then down into the water he was drawn, swallowed by the Great Sturgeon, canoe and all.
Apane go giiwenh gaa-saaswenig otawagan; miinawaa mikawid, biindaagiiyaw giingoonyan ayaa.
All the while they say there was a hissing- sound in the ears , and when he recovered his wits, inside of a fish he was.
Mii dash bizaan ayaad iwidi; mii dash giiwenh zhayiigwa gikenimaad iniw giigoonyan ani-maajiinigod.
Thereupon quietly he remained there ; and they say that now he knew that the fish was carrying him away.
Mii dash a’aw ogimaa-giigoonh giiwed endaawaad anaamibiing anaawaya’ii gichi-gaming.
And so the chief of fishes returned to the home under water on the floor of the sea.
Mii dash giiwenh madwe-kichi-sagaswe’idiwaad, madwe-kichi-gaye aanimitaagozinid; maamayawenid iw gii-komind.
And now they say that (Nanabushu) heard them holding a great smoker among themselves, and he also heard them holding forth with much talk ; they were giving thanks for that he was swallowed.
Ningoding dash giiwenh megwaa nandodang, gegoo owaabandaan Nenaboozhoo bishaagiwiinigod.
Now, once they say that while he was listening, some thing Nanabushu saw that caught his attention.
Anishinaa aadizookaan.
Well, on with the story.
Amanj ezhi-waabigobanen!
Wonder how he could see !
Nenaboozhoo owaabandaan giiwenh gegoo bishaagibidenig, mii nangwana aw mishi-namegwe ode benga’aninig.
(Nevertheless) they say that Nanabushu saw something in motion, and it happened to be the heart of the Great Sturgeon that was beating.
Mii dash giiwenh bekaa ezhi-mamaajiid naanikinang odasawaan; mii dash ezhi-pabazhiba’ang.
Thereupon they say that softly he moved (and) pulled out a pointed arrow ; and then he began pricking it.
Mii dash giiwenh naagaj noondawaad madwe-ikidonid:
Whereupon they say that in a little while he heard the voice of him saying:
“Aataa, geget sa naa ni-maazhide’e.”(3)
"Oh, truly indeed but I am feeling sick at heart."(3)
Mii dash medwe-izhi-nandodamawaad wiiwan ji-mina’igod gegoo ge-onji-shigagowed.
And then he heard him asking his wife to give him a drink of something to make him vomit.
Mii dash zhayiigwa aano-wiikwodood ji-shishigagowed, gaawiin dash ogaskitoosiin.
And so presently did he begin trying to vomit, but he was not able to do it.
Mii dash medwe-ikidod: “Gaawesa, Nenaboozhoo ni-maanikaag,” ikido.
And then he heard him saying: "Impossible, for Nanabushu is making me sick at my stomach," he said.
Aanawi geget gichi-anokii Nenaboozhoo ji-shashigagowaanaasiwind; mii gaa-izhi-pimidaakwanang omitigwaabiin, mii dash iniw menjimaakwiid Nenaboozhoo.
True was it, indeed, that hard worked Nanabushu to keep from being cast out; so then crosswise he placed his arrows, and so by them he held on.
Mii dash miinawaa mishi-namegwe e-kidod: “Gaawesa.
Thereupon again the Great Sturgeon spoke: "No hope.
Ni-maanikaag Nenaboozhoo,” ikido.
I am in distress inside on account of Nanabushu," he said.
Mii dash wayiiba gii-nibod, gii-nisaad Nenaboozhoo.
And so in a little while he was dead, him had Nanabushu slain.
Aaniish aanawi gakina minik waadetoowaad gii-wiikondiwag ji-wii-pimaajii’aawaad odoogimaamiwan, aaniish gaawiin;
Even though all that were living there had come together by invitation for the purpose of bringing their chief back to life, [but] (it was) not (to be) ;
aaniish awiya ged-izhi-pimaadizid ode gii-pi-giishka’igaadenig?
for how could any one live with his heart cut to pieces?
Mii dash gaa-onji-nibonid.
And that was why he had died.
Mii dash wiin Nenaboozhoo, imaa ayaad.
And as for Nanabushu, there he remained.
Mii dash geget gichi-izhichigewaad manidookaazowaad.
Thereupon truly they were doing wonderful things as they conjured for a miracle.
Aaniish aazha gii-nibo gichi-giigoonh.
It was no use, for already dead was the great fish.
Mii dash giiwenh waa-izhi-pagidenimaawaad, aanawi ginwenzh ogii-kanawenimaawaan;
And so it is said that they were going to bury him, for really a long while had they kept him;
maagizhaa da-aabijiibaa, gii-inendamoog.
perhaps he might come back to life, they thought.
Mii dash indawaaj giiwenh zhayiigwa bagidenimaawaad, nawaj naawij aandi aapiji dimiiyaag gichi-gami mii imaa awi-pagidenimaawaad.
And so accordingly they say that when they were burying him, farther out upon the sea, where it was deep, they went to bury him.
Aapiji gichi-manidookaazowag.
Ever so mightily they conjured for a miracle.
Gakina dash wiin Nenaboozhoo ogikendaan enakamigadinig, wiin dash gaawiin awiya ogikenimigosiin imaa ayaad bimaadizid gaye.
Now, Nanabushu knew everything that was happening, but yet by no one was it known that he was there and alive.
Ogikenimaawaan gii-komimind, gaawiin dash wiin ogikenimaasiwaawaan bimaadizinid.
They knew that he had been swallowed, but yet they did not know that he was alive.
Mii dash gaa-ishkwaa-pagidenimaawaad, gii-bi-kiiweyaawanidiiwaad miinawaa.
And so after they had finished burying (the chief of fishes), then back they came together to their home again.
Aapiji gii-paatayiinowag, miziwe e-nigokwaag iw gichi-gami gii-onjiwag gii-awi-pagidenimaawaad odoo-gimaamiwaan.
Exceedingly numerous they were, from every part of the sea had they come to be at the burial of their chief.
Mii dash giiwenh wiin Nenaboozhoo endazhi-wawenendag aaniin ged-izhi-kashkitood ji-saaga’ang imaa biinjaya’ii giigoonying gaye gii-ningwa’omind.
In the mean while they say that Nanabushu had been thinking out a plan how he might succeed in getting out from the inside of the fish which now was also lying buried.
Mii dash zhayiigwa Nenaboozhoo gikendang aaniin ge-doodang, mii dash e-kidod:
And so, now that Nanabushu knew what he would do, he thereupon said:
“Aaw, ambe sa noo da-wii-kichi-izhiwebag wiikaa gaa-izhiwebisinog!”
"Oh, I would that there rise a mighty storm the like of which there has never been before!"
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gii-sagaswe’aad niiwing inakakeyaa wendabinid manidoo’.
Whereupon Nanabushu made a smoke offering toward the four directions where sit the manitous.
Mii dash gii-nakomigod.
And so his prayer was answered.
Mii dash geget gaa-izhi-kichi-nooding, gakina gegoo gii-pakodaamikaa’an imaa gii-kichi-gaming inaamaya’ii etegini.
Thereupon truly there rose a mighty wind, everything that was on the floor of the sea came to the surface by force of the waves.
Mii dash gaye wiin Nenaboozhoo, gii-moonaadaawangaa’ininig i’imaa ayaad;
And as for Nanabushu, the sand (of the mound) where he had been was washed away ;
mii dash aw giigoonh gaa-izhi-ogichibiiskaad.
and then afterwards the fish came to the surface of the water.
Midaasogon gii-kichi-noodin, mii dash miinawaa gaa-izhi-kichi-anwaatin, mii dash gii-mooshkanjid aw mishi-namegwenh.
For ten days the wind raged, and afterwards there was another great calm, whereupon to the surface (came) the Great Sturgeon.
Mii dash ningoding igo Nenaboozhoo ayaad imaa anaamaya’ii giigoonying onoondaan gegoo aapiji minotaagodinig;
Now once, when Nanabushu was inside of the fish, he heard something that sounded very pleasantly;
mii dash aazhi andodang, mii e-nidang: “(cry of gulls).”
and as he listened, he then heard: "(cry of gulls)."
Aapiji minotaagoziwan awiya; mii nangwana gayaashkwag.
Very pleasant was the sound of the creature ; it turned out to be some gulls.
“Ambe,” mii dash e-nendang Nenaboozhoo, “ninga-kanoonaag,” inendam.
"Well," thus thought Nanabushu, "I will speak to them," he thought.
Mii dash geget zhayiigwa miinawaa onoondawaa’ biidwewinaminid, mii go miinawaa baa-inwenid: “(cry of gulls).”
It was true that soon again he heard the sound of them coming hitherward, whereupon again they came with the cry: "(cry of gulls)."
Mii dash ezhi-kanoonaad: “Ishte, ni-shiime sa!(4) shkomaa naa bagwanejiganaanandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!”
And then he said to them : " Hark, O my younger brothers(4)! Please peck an opening for me into the belly of this fish!"
Mii dash gayaashkwag ezhi-pazigwa’owaad, gaye ani-noondaagoziwaad gagwaanisagakamig e-nitaagoziwaad.
Thereupon the gulls flew up , and as they went, they could be heard uttering a frightful cry, for such was the sound they made.
Mii Nenaboozhoo gaa-izhi-nawadinangin otawagan, gaa-izhi-kipitenidisod.
Whereupon Nanabushu seized his ears (and) closed them with the hands (to keep from hearing the din).
Naagaj dash miinawaa gii-andodam, mii’sh miinawaa gii-kanoonaad:
And in a little while again he listened, where upon again he spoke to them, saying:
“Aaw, nishiim(5), bagwanejiganaanandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!” odinaa’.
"O my younger brothers(5)! peck an opening for me into the belly of this fish!" he said to them.
Mii dash geget ezhi-pisaanayaawaad.
Thereupon truly they became silent.
Miinawaa dash oganoonaan: “Bagwanejiganaandamawishiyok aw giigoonh!” odinaan.
And so again he spoke to them, saying: "Peck an opening for me into the belly of this fish!" he said to them.
“Meshkod giga-sasegaa’ininim.”
"In return I will adorn you."
Mii dash gayaashkwag ezhi-kanoonidiwaad: “Nenaboozhoo imaa ayaa.”
Thereupon the gulls spoke one with another, saying: "Nanabushu is there."
Gakina gonda awiya gii-kikenimigoon aw Nenaboozhoo.
Indeed, by every creature was Nanabushu known.
Mii’sh miinawaa ezhi-kanoonaad: “Aaw, ni-shiimidog, bagwanejiganaandamawishiyok.
And so again he spoke to them, saying: "Come, my younger brothers, peck an opening for me into the belly (of this fish).
Meshkod giga-sasegaa’ininim; niigaan wenizhishid bebaamised gigad-izhi-onizhishi’inim,” odinaa’.
In return I shall adorn you ; as beautiful as the creature of the air that surpasses (all others in beauty) is how beautiful I shall make you," he said to them.
“Gaawiin gosha nindaa-kashki’aasiiwaanaan,” odigoo’.
“We surely could not (make an opening into) him," he was told.
“Awaw” odinaa’. “Giga-kashki’aawaa!”
"Yea, (you can)!" he said to them. "You can do it!"
Mii dash geget ezhi-maajitaawaad bagwanejiganaamawaad; wiikaa dash ogashki’aawaan.
Thereupon truly they began pecking an opening into (the fish) ; and after a long while they succeeded.
Mii dash Nenaboozho gaa-izhi-saagidooded, gaye zaagiji-daabaadang ojiimaan mitigoon gaa-wiimbigawaapan.
And then afterwards Nanabushu crawled out, and he drew out his canoe which he had hewn from a log.
Mii dash bijiinag weweni waabamaad iniw mishi-namegwen gaa-gomigod e-nigininid;
And then was the time that he took a careful look to see how big was the great sturgeon which had swallowed him ;
indigo minis e-gondeg ezhi-naagozinid agwanjininid.
like an island afloat upon the water was how it looked as it lay upon the deep.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-odaapinaad bezhig iniw gayaashkwan; mii dash gaa-izhi-wawezhi’aad.
Thereupon he took up one of the gulls in his hands ; and then he adorned it.
Mii dash gaa-izhi-waabishki’aad, dibishkoo gooning gii-zhi’aad.
And then he whitened it, (white) like snow he made it.
Mii dash gaa-inaad: “Giin wiin gayaashk gigad-ani-izhi-wiinigoo ji-ani-akiiwang.”
Thereupon he said to it : " You shall be called a gull from now till the end of time."
Mii dash geget gichi-minwendang waabandizod aw gayaashk ezhi-onizhishid.
It was true that exceedingly happy was the gull when it looked upon itself and saw how beautiful it was.
“Aaw,” odinaan, “mii dash izhi-pazigo’iyok.”
"Now, then," he said to them, "now fly away!"
Mii dash aaniish inaa aadizookaan, mii eta go bezhik dagimimind gii-odaapinaad gayaashkwan.
Now, according to the story, there was mentioned but a single gull that he took up in his hands.
Mii dash booch gaa-izhi-onizhishiwaad gakina minik apii gakina bezigo’owaad.
Yet nevertheless just as beautiful were all the rest when they all started to fly away.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo gaa-izhi-maajitaad gii-pi-giishkizhwaad iniw giigoonyan.
And then afterwards Nanabushu began cutting up the fish with a knife.
Mii dash apii gaa-ishkwaa-nanawizhwaad, mii gii-ikidod gaye bekish gii-saswewebinaad:
And so when he had finished cutting it up, then he said, at the same time that he was flinging the pieces in every direction:
“Giigoonh gigad-ani-zhi-wiinigoom ji-ani-akiiwang.
"Fishes shall you be called till the end of time.
Gigad-amogowaag gaye anishinaabeg ji-ani-akiiwang. – Giin dash,” odinaan mishi-namegwen:
And you shall be eaten by the people till the end of the world. - - And you," he said to the Great Sturgeon,
“Gaawiin miinawaa wiikaa gigad-iniginisii ji-ani-akiiwang, gaawiin awiya daa-pimaadizisii,” odinaan.
"never again so large shall you be as long as the world lasts, else nobody would ever live," he said to him.
Mii dash geget gaa-izhiwebadinig giigoonyensa’ gichi-niibiwa gii-onji-ozhi’aad imaa mishi-namegweng.
Therefore it truly came to pass that he created little fishes in great numbers from that Great Sturgeon.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo ezhi-kiiwe’od nandawaabamaad ookomisan.
Thereupon Nanabushu paddled home in his canoe to find his granmother.
Eni-dagwishing idash omikawaan ookomisan aapiji gawendaminid.
And when he got there, he discovered his grandmother grievously sad in her thoughts.
Mii dash eni-zhi-dapaabid, mii’sh e-naad: “Nookomis, nindagwishin,” odinaan.
And as he peeped into the lodge, he said to her: U O my grandmother ! I have now come home," he said to her.
“Aay, wegodogwen sa pane wenji-izhi-waagwenoko, aya aawashensag!”
"Oh, I should like to know why they continually say this to me, these little animal-folk!"
“Gaawiin, nookomis.
"Nay, my grandmother.
Niin gosha, Nenaboozhoo, goozhis, ba-dagwishin.”
It is really myself, Nanabushu, your grandson, who has now come home."
Mii dash eni-zhi-piindiged.
And then into the lodge he went.
Mii dash owaabamaad ookomisan agaawaa onzaabinid, apane iidog gii-mawinid.
Thereupon he saw that his grand mother was barely able to see, (showing) that perhaps all the while she had been weeping.
Mii dash Nenaboozhoo aapiji zhawenimaad ookomisan.
So then Nenaboozhoo really pitied his grandmother.
Mii dash nawaj gaa-izhi-aanji-oskiniigi’aad.
And then afterwards he had made her younger.