Nenabosho and the Wolves
Ningoding zaaga’igan omadaagon*.
Ezhi-maajiiyaadagaagod, wabigamaanig beshwaabandang, awiya owaabamaan bimaadagaagopatoonid; aazha miinawaa, niiwiwa’. Goniginiin, mahiingana’! Ezhi-biibaagimaad: “Nijiimijaa* [nishiimisaa] akawe, ga-waabamininim!” Geget gii-bijibatoowa’; ezhiwawenabinid ani-naazikawaad. Ezhi-ganoonaad: “Niiji-saziikizi, aandi ezhaayeg?” “Kaa, o’owidi, giizhigadikwaning, mii iwidi ezhaayaang. Niibinong gii-asanjigoobanig ogow gidooshimag, gichi-ayaaben ogii-nisaawaabaniin. Mii dash iwidi ezhaayaang. “Ediwe, mii gaye niin iwidi ezhaayaan, giizhigadikwaning, - mii sa i’iw ji-ani-waawiijiiwinagog. Aaniish, mii iw zhigwa w[e]naagoshininig. “Aaniish i’iw, Jiijiigwaanoowis,(1) ani-nanda-oninamaasiwan, maagizhaa da-kisinaa dibikad. Daga, gi-mishoome’iwaa dani-andoo-oninamaa.” Aaniish, mii sa geget Nenabosho ani-nanda’oninamaad. Gaaw[ii] saa nitaawosesii, aano-wiijiiwaad i’iw mahiingana’. Ezhi-ganoonind Nenabosho: “Ambe sinoo, endoodamaang igo bimibatooyaang, mii gaye giin ge-doodaman.” Taayaa, gaye wiin doodam. Aaniish mii dash iw gaawiin gegoo i’iw ozoow, mii dash i’iw wiinag i’iw wezoowaad. Gaawiin ganage noomag zhigwa ani-mashkawaakwadininig. “Geget mii maawiin iw ji-nibod gi-mishoomenaan, mashkawaakwadininig i’iw wiinag. Indawaa giizhoodoowaadaa.” Mii dash a’aw bezhig mahiingan obiidawazhaan*(2) ezhi-wiiwakwepijigaadenig. Aapiji igo wasitaawinaagozi aano-pimibatood. Zhigwa sa omikaan aapiji dabinawaanig.* “Mii sa omaa ji-nibaayang.” “Ii! Gaawe sa, gidaa-giikajimin.” “Daga, giin Jiijiigwaanoowis,” inimaawan iniw akiwenzii mahiinganan. Geget mii dash i’iw nando-gabeshid aapiji omikaan enaasa’amanininig. “Mii sa omaa ji-nibaayang.” Aaniish misan odookwaakowebinaanan. “A[h]aaw, Nenabosho, boodawen,” inaa Nenabosho. Aaniish mii sa Nenabosho aanawi-boodawed. Akawe giizhikisagoon ogii-shibaawebinaan. Ezhi-ganoonind: “Nenabosho, aaniin naa endoodaman wii-boodaweyan?” Nashke sa, ganawaabamishin endoodaming waa-boodawengin.” Goniginiin iniw akiwenzii mahiinganan bazigwiiwan, okwaakwishininig iniw misan ezhi-paashijigwaashkwaninid; mii sa ishkode ezhi-biskaakonenig. Zhigwa sa dibikadini, ezhi-kawishimod Nenabosho. Edawaa Nenabosho! Aapiji noondaagozi, epiichi-giikajid. “Ishte, gi-mishoomenaan mii maawiin iw wii-kawajid, indawaa biidawashe’ig.” Bezhig ba-izhi-naanaweninid. Wiiba go amajibiizo. “Shii, geget sa ow animwaanoowish nindabweshkaagon!” Aaniish wiiba go miinawaa giikaji. Ezhi-noondaagozid, “Aaniinde, biidawazhe’ig miinawaa gi-mishoome’iwaa.” Bezhig ezhi-gii-ikidod: “Ingoji gosha ogii-apagidoon aano-biidawazhe’ag.” Geget miinawaa ba-izhii’inanooweninid iniw mahiinganan. Mii dash naa iw ezhi-waabaninig. Zhigwa gikizheb ezhi-ganoonind Nenabosho: “Naawkweg mii apii ge-oditamang i’iw asanjigon.” Ezhi-maajaawaad, odaanaang bimosewag iniw wiidakiwenziiyan moozhag oniigaanii’igoon. Ningoding igo oganoonigoon akiwenzii mahiinganan: “Nenabosho, ambe sa noo, indawaa, gegoo osoowaaken i’iwe giinag, ozaam maazhimaagwad. Indawaa go ezhichigeyamban mii iw izhichigen ji-bimoseyan.” Nenabosho mii sa geget ezhichiged, mii sa bijiinag mino-bimosed. Aapiji go odibi’aa i’iw mahiingana’. Zhigwa sa dagwishinoog asanjigoning. Aazha danakamigiziwa’ moona’aminid asanjigon. Oganoonigoon wiidakiwenziiyan: “Nenabosho, mii sa zhigwa ji-wiisiniyang. Ahaaw, wiijii’iwen ji-mooka’asanjigong.” Geget Nenabosho wiijii’iwe i’iw mooka’igaadenig asanjigon. Zhayiigwa owaabandaanan Nenabosho. Etawaa, wadoobaakonisagoon gaye i’iw anagekwan gedaawananid. “Dawad, dawad,* aweneniiwinenag ogow! Mii iw gaawiin wiin wiikaa miijisiim iniw mitigoshan!” “Nenabosho, gego ikidoken. Nashke bijiinag gikizheb, giga-minowiisin.” Bangii miinawaa i’iw odoobaakonisag gaye iw anagekwan. “Gego wiin noondaa dibik waabandangen. Baamaa gikizheb ga-wiisinimin.” Mii sa zhigwa dibikadinig Nenabosho eni-kweshing odatoon i’iw gaa-miinind. Ezhi-nibaad Nenabosho. Ningoding igo dibikadinig wegoneniiwinen owaabandaan i’iwe gaa-miinind. Etiwe, goniginiin, moozonagish mii iwe iw wadoopaakonisagong gaa-izhinang, miinawaa wanagekwan mii iniw oshoobiin. Mii go i’iw ezhi-pakwendang, geget ominopidaan. Mii sa miinawaa ezhi-apikweshimod. Zhigwa sa waabanini, pane go gaa-moojigizinid i’iw mahiingana’, wendago geget mino-wiisiniwa’. “Ahaaw, Nenabosho, gaye giin aabiiginan gida-shamigoowin.” Nenabosho ezhi-waabandang, etawaa, mii geyaabi odoobaakonisag gaye i’iw wanagekwan. Ezhi-ganoonind Nenabosho: “Dibikong sa gigii-waabandaan o’ow.” “Gaawiin ningii-waabandaziin.” “Nenabosho, gidenaabideshin dibikong i’iw gii-pakwendamoowanaan.” “Indawaa, ashamig gi-mishoome’iwaa.” Mii sa geget ashamaa, wendago geget Nenabosho de-wiisini. Zhigwa sa ezhi-ganoonind Nenabosho: “Indawaa giiwen. Gamaajiida’igoo gi-mindimoo’[ye]mish ge-miijid.” “Gaawiin ozaam bakade. Maanoo ga-wiijiiwininim.” “Aaw, Nenabsohso, ga-wiijiiwigoo. Aayaangwaamizin, gwayak wii-izhiwebizin. Waabang giga-gozimin. Wii-andawenjigewag ogow gidoozhimag, moozoon wii-andawaabamaawaan.” Mii sa weyaabaninig ezhi-goziwaad. Aapiji gikizheb maajaawa’ i’iw odooshkinawemiwaa; wiikaa dash ani-maajaawag Nenabosho iniw wiidakiwenziiyan [wiijiakiwenziiyan?] maada’anaawaad mahiingana’. Nayaawakwenig mii iw oshikawaanigobanen i’iw moozoo. Bezhig idash igo gii-maajiniizhawaanigoban,* mii sa bima’anaawaad. Ningoding igo obimweshkidiwinini iniw mahiinganan gii-ani-ateni. Nenabosho ezhi-ganoonind: “Nenabosho, ani-dakonaw iniw obiidawashaan aw gidoozhim.” “Aaniinda ge-doodamaan animo-mooowish ge-ani-dakonamaan?” “Tayaa, Nenabosho! Gaawiin gidaa-ikidosii.” Mahiingan ezhi-odaapinang, goniginiin, makadewegin odoonji-mamoonini; iniw mahiinaganan baapaawiwebinaminid. “Nishiimisaa, niin ninga-nipimiwidoowaan nindoozhim i’iw obiidawashaan.” Mii sa enizhi-dakonamawaad. Mii sa i’iw eni-izhi-niizha’igekawenid eni-izhaawaad iniw mahiingana’. Ningoding igo mitigong badakaakwisinini i’iw wiibidaani iniw mahiinaganan. “Nashke gosha! Gidoozhim gaa-bidaakwa’egwen. Daga giijigobidoon, Nenabosho, gidoozhim i’iw omitigwanwi ani-dakwonamaw.” “Aaniinda ge-doodamaan animwaabidish ge-ni-dakonamaan?” “Nenabosho, gego ikidiken.” Akiwenzii-mahiingan ezhi-giijigwandang. Goniginiin, mitigwanwi odoonji-mamoon. “Daga, niin ninga-ni-dakonaan.” “Nenabosho, gego wiin ingoji pagidooken. Giga-zanagi’aa gidoozhim giishpin ingoji apagidoowad.” Ningoding igo bapima’anaawaad i’iw goniginiin, aapiji bezhigini odaadaagwanesewan niibideyaabanigozinid. Nenabosho ganoonaa: “Awenen giin gezhiikaagwen gidinendam?” Odizhinoowaan iniw mejikawe’aad, ezhi-giigidod: “Naabisa nashwiina aw mindimooyenzh wiin a’aw. Ogow wijago* mii wa gogo* ge-nagashiwewaad.”* “Gaawiin, mii sa wa’aw ge-nagashiwed.” Ani-babimosewaad. Zhigwa aapiji gaa-ki’aanigoban.* Ningoding igo owaabamaawa’ zhingishininid. “E, e, ii, gaawiin ina wiin gigigegoosiimin.* Ahaaw, Nenabosho, ozhiitaan, gedazhimoosokeyang ga-wi-zhitoomin.” Aaniish Nenabosho aano-inaabid, gaawiin awiya owaabamaasiin ji-abinid moozoon. Aaniish mii eta go iw omiskwiiwaagonagaanig weyaabandang. Aapiji sa dadebisiniiwa’. Nenabosho ezhi-manaazhided, mii dash imaa ezhaad ayidaag zhingishininid iniw bezhig iniw mahiinganan. Wegoneniiwinen obapasigonjiwebishkawaan. “Ajimaajiishta’a! Minik gii-gidaanawe?” Jaangaakwenowan. “Geget sa giwaawiisagishkaw, Nenabosho. Gego izhichigeken, Nenabosho.” Ganoonaa Nenabosho: “ Bizaanayaan. Giishpin miinawaa gegoo wii-doodaman, mii iw gaawiin giga-shamigoosii.” Aatayaa, Nenabosho enigok anokii. Gaawanabii* ogiizhiikaanaawaa i’iw waa-dazhi-moosokewaad. Ezhi-ganoonaawaad: “Mii sa iw gii-giizhiitaayaang.” Bapazigwiiwa’ bimi-izhaawa’ i’imaa gii-apishimoonikewaad. Zhigwa bezhig zhishigagowewan, mii go iw bezhig i’iw ozagiini* ezhi-miziwe-pangisininig. Geget maamakaadendam Nenabosho, geget minwendam; wendago bekish nanagamoosiwi, epiichi-minwendang a’aw Nenabosho. “Ambe sa, agwaawaanaakokedaa.” Gaawanapii ogii-zhitoonaawaa i’iw agwaawaanaak. Mii sa bijiinag giizhisekwewaad Nenabosho aapiji sa dewiisini. Abaapish debikadinig, ezhi-nibaawaad. Zhigwa waabanini. Gikizheb igo giigidoowan iniw akiwenzii-mahiinganan: “Mii sa zhigwa ji-gii’akeyaambaan. Aaniish gaawiin wiikaa awiya nin-ganawaabamigoosii i’iw waa-yakeyaanin. Indawaa akawe badagwiingweshinog.” Geget badagwiingweshinowag. Aaniish Nenabosho gaye wiin badagwiingweshin. Indigonada* madwe-ganaganjige, inendam Nenabosho. Wegoneniiwinen bangii odoonji-ganawaabamaan na’idaak odazhi-gagwaadigwandamini iw okan. Wegoneniiwinen ezhi-pishagwandaminid. Edawaa! Aapiji i’imaa oshkiizhigong ezhi-pangisininig. Nenabosho mii sa ezhi-giiwashkweshkaagod. Anishaa go dakaabaawanind wenji-mikawid. Gaa-mikawid, ganoonaa: “Nenabosho, ganawaabamiwaamban i’iw akeyaan.” Mii sa iw miinawaa ezhi-dibikadinig; zhigwa waabanini. Aapiji gikizheb giigido Nenabosho: “Miijajigwa [Mii sa azhigwa?] wii-akeyaan. Gaawiin anishaa wiikaa nin-ganawaabamigoo[s]ii i’iw waa-akeyaanin. Indawaa badagwiingweshinog.” Aaniish, gakina ezhi-padagwiingweshinowaad, Nenabosho madwewe’ige biigwa’ang iniw okanan. Aaniish, aapiji bimidikweshinoon iniw akiwenzii-mahiinganan. Wegoneniiwinen odani-naazikawaan. Gaa-mamood odookanim, gichi-enigok okweganaaning ezhi-bakite’owaad. Wendago geget mii iw ezhi-deyaabidaganaamaad. Geget sa zegiziwag igiw we[y]oosiwaad. Tawaa! Ezhi-dakaabaawanaawaad. Geget bangii gegoo inaa mekawinid: “Nenabosho, indawaa mii iw izhi-shkwaataan, ozaam wiijiiwigooyan, anooj igo gidizhiwebis.” “Gaawiin maanoo go gii-wiijiiwininim!” “Aaw, Nenabosho, bizaanayan ga-wiijiiwigoo.” Wayaabaninig gabe-giizhig wiisiniwag. Zhigwa wenaagoshininig giigidoowan iniw akiwenzii-mahiinganan: “Indawaa sa waabang ga-maajaamin ji-goziyang.” Aaniish nawaj igo zhiingenimaa. “Nenabosho, ambe sa, waabang gwii-bakewinigoo.” “Gaawiin. Ambe sa noo a’aw bezhig nindoozhim ninga-wiijii’ayaawaa [wiijiiwaa] giishpin inendaman. Gaawiin wiikaa gegoo de-izhiwebizisii.” “Aaniish naa, Nenabosho, ga-miinin a’aw ni-niijaanis. Gi-gikenimin manidoowiyan, mii iw waa-onji-miininaan.” |
Now, by and by he came out upon a frozen lake.
As he started forth on the ice, as nigh to the narrows of the lake he drew, he saw some one running past over the ice; then some more, four of them. Behold (they were) wolves! Then he called aloud to them: “O my little brothers! Wait, I wish to see you.” To be sure, they came to a sudden halt; then they sat down, while he went up to where they were. Then he spoke to them, saying: “My old friend, whither are you going?” “Oh, over here, for the place of cedar boughs, is where we are bound. Last summer did these nephews of yours make a cache there, a great bull (moose) they killed then. Now, that is the place (for which) we are bound.” “Why, that is the place, too, for which I am bound, - to the place of the cedar boughs, so therefore it is my wish to go along with you.” Well, it was then evening. “Now, Thin-Tail, do you go find a place where to camp, for perhaps it will be cold in the night. I say, let your uncle find a place where to camp.” So thereupon, truly did Nenabosho go to find a place to camp. Not at all was he familiar with (their way of) travelling, as he tried going along with the Wolves. Then was Nenabosho told: “Come, as we do when we run along, so in like manner should you do too.” Ah, and he did the same. Naturally, there was nothing in the way of a tail, therefore his penis was what he used for a tail. It was but a very little while before it was frozen stiff. “Surely now without doubt will our uncle die, for that his penis is frozen stiff. Therefore let us warm it for him.” Accordingly, with the top blanket of one of the wolves was it wrapped about the head. And very awkward was his aspect as he tried in vain to run along. In time he found where there was excellent shelter from the wind. “Now, here is where we will sleep,” said Nenabosho. “Why, impossible! We might be cold.” ‘I say you, Thin-Tail, (go look for a camping place),’ thus to one said the old Wolf. It was so that when he looked for a place to camp, he found a place that was exceedingly windy. “Here is where we will sleep.” So a great pile of fire-wood he heaped on. ‘All right, Nenabosho, do you kindle the fire,’ was told Nenabosho. So accordingly Nenabosho tried in vain to kindle the fire. He first tried twirling a piece of cedar wood. Then he was addressed: “Nenabosho, how do you go about it when you want to make a fire? Just look, observe me (and see) the way it is done when fire is made.” Behold, the old Wolf then rose to his feet, (and) over where lay piled the heap of fire-wood he leaped; thereupon the fire blazed up. It was getting night, when down to sleep lay Nenabosho. Poor Nenabosho! He was heard making a very loud noise, he was so cold. “I declare, our uncle no doubt is about freezing to death, therefore put another cover over him.” One then laid his tail over him. In a little while he became awake because of the warmth. “Oh, how really much am I made to sweat by this confounded tail of a dog!” So in a little while he was again cold. When he was heard making a noise, “Why, put another cover over your uncle,” (said the old Wolf). One then spoke up: “Why, off he flung the cover when I tried to put it over him.” Truly again the wolf laid his tail (over him). And so by that time it was day. Then in the morning was Nenabosho addressed: “By noon is when we shall arrive at the cache.” When they started, behind walked he and his old companion who always had him keep ahead. And once he was told by the old Wolf: “Nenabosho, I beg of you, really, do not use your penis for a tail, for it smells too vile. Therefore, according to the manner you are accustomed (to), so you do when you travel. Nenabosho then truly did so, whereupon he then travelled with ease. And very well he kept pace with the Wolves. In time they arrived at the cache. Already were the others busily at work digging up the cache. He was addressed by his old companion: “Nenabosho it is now time for us to eat. Come, go aid in the work of opening the cache.” Truly, Nenabosho aided them in the work of opening the cache. In a while Nenabosho saw (what was there). Why, it was choice fire-wood and some bark that they were taking out. “Stop, stop, you rascals! Why never is this wretched wood to be eaten.” “Nenabosho, do not say that. Just you wait till in the morning, you will have nice food to eat.” A little was given him of the choice wood and the bark. “Do not look at it during the night. Not till in the morning shall we eat.” Thereupon, when it was night, then Nenabosho placed where he lay his head that which had been given him. Then to sleep went Nenabosho. By and by, in the night, what should he do but look at that which had been given him. Why, behold, a moose-gut was that which had appeared to him as choice fire-wood, and the bark was tenderloin. Accordingly, when he bit off (a piece), he truly found it savory. And then he used it again for a pillow. In time came the morning, and forthwith pleased were the Wolves, and very heartily indeed did they eat. “Now, then, Nenabosho, do you too unwrap the food that was given you.” When Nenabosho looked at it, why, it was yet choice fire-wood and the bark. Nenabosho was then told: “Last night you really looked at this.” “I did not look at it.” “Nenabosho, you have left the mark of your teeth on what you must have taken a bite last night.” “However, do you feed your uncle.” Thereupon truly he was fed, and thoroughly indeed was Nenabosho satisfied with food. Presently was Nenabosho addressed: “Thereupon go you back home. We will send by you some food for your old woman to eat.” “No, she is too hungry. Please let me go along with you.” “Very well, Nenabosho, you may go along with us. Do you be careful, in the right way do you conduct yourself. Tomorrow we will move camp. For some game do these nephews of yours intend to hunt, for moose do they expect to hunt.” And so on the morrow they moved camp. Very early in the morning started the youths; and a long while afterwards departed Nenabosho and his old companion, they followed the path of the wolves. At about noon was when they laid plans how to get at the moose. Now, one pursued after the moose, whereupon they trailed after (the moose and wolf). And once some fresh dropping of the Wolf lay along the way. Nenabosho was told: “Nenabosho, as you go along, pick up the top blanket of your nephew.” “What am I to do with the foul dropping of a dog, that I should pick it up as I go along?” “O Nenabosho! You should not say that.” When the Wolf picked it up, lo, a black cloth he picked up from the place; the Wolf then gave it a shaking. “My little brother, let me carry for my nephew his top blanket.” Thereupon as he went along, he carried it for him. And so along the trail the Wolves made in their pursuit was the way (Nenabosho and the old Wolf) went. Now, once there was sticking out of a tree the tooth of a wolf. “Oh, look! Your nephew must have struck the tree accidentally. I say, pull it out, Nenabosho, carry along your nephew’s arrow!” “What am I to do with the miserable tooth of a dog, that I should carry it as I go along?” “Nenabosho, do not say that.” “The old Wolf took it out with his mouth. Behold, an arrow he took out. “I say, let me carry it along.” “Nenabosho, don’t you fling it away You will make things difficult for your nephew if you throw it away.” Then presently, while trailing after the Wolves (and the moose), lo, (they saw that) one of them went with dragging feet through the snow as they moved abreast in line. Nenabosho was addressed: “Which one do you think is swifter?” He pointed to the one that trailed along in difficulty, then he said: “Why, this one here is nothing but an old hag. Now these are the ones that will lead in the run.” “No, this is the one that will be in the lead On then they went walking. Now, very hard were they pressing the pursuit. Then by and by they beheld the others lying down. “Halloo! Why, they are getting us something to eat Come on, Nenabosho, get ready! A place for us to dress the moose we will make.” Naturally, Nenabosho tried looking about, but to no purpose: he saw nothing of any moose that was there. Now, the only thing he saw was some blood on the snow. Thoroughly sated was each one with food. Then Nenabosho went for some balsam boughs, and the way he went was directly where one of the Wolves lay. What should he do but give him a kick to make him stand up. For goodness sake! Have you eaten so much as that?” Up he raised his head. “Really, you hurt me with your kick, Nenabosho. Don’t do that again, Nenabosho.” Nenabosho was told: “Be quiet. If you intend doing anything (like that) again, then you will not be fed.” Oh, but Nenabosho laboured hard. In a little while they finished working on where they intended to dress the moose. Then they said to him: “Therefore are we ready.” Then up they rose to their feet (and) came over to the place where they had spread out the balsams. Presently one began to vomit, whereupon the whole of one foreleg fell. To be sure, amazed was Nenabosho, really pleased he was; and during all the while he hummed a song, so very pleased was Nenabosho. “Come, let us make a meat-rack!” In a little while they completed the meat rack. Thereupon, when they had finished cooking, Nenabosho became thoroughly sated with food. When it began to grow dark, then they went to sleep. In time the morrow came. And in the morning up spoke the old Wolf: “Therefore now will I make some grease from the bones. Of course, by no one am I ever observed while boiling grease from the bones. On that account you shall first cover up your faces.” To be sure, they covered up their faces. Now, Nenabosho covered up his face too. It seemed that he heard the sound of bones being cracked with teeth, so thought Nenabosho. What would he do but take a little peep at him at the very moment when he was gnawing ravenously upon a bone. What should (the Wolf) do but let (the bone) slip from his teeth. Poor (Nenabosho)! Right square across his eyes it fell. Nenabosho was then knocked out of his senses. It was only by having water splashed upon him that he was revived. After he had revived, he was addressed: “Nenabosho, you must have watched me while I made grease from the bones.” And so it was night; then came the morrow. Very early in the morning up spoke Nenabosho: “And now I want to make some grease from the bones. Never for mere sake of observing am I watched when making grease from bones. Therefore cover up your faces.” Now, when all covered their faces, Nenabosho could be heard breaking up the bones. Now, in plain view, with his head resting on his side (facing Nenabosho), lay the old Wolf. What should he do but go over to where (the Wolf was). When he had picked up his bone, then with all his might upon the back of his neck he struck him. To be sure, he then laid him out completely with the blow. Really scared were they who were his children. Poor fellow! They then dashed cool water on him. Indeed, a little something was said (to Nenabosho) after (the Wolf) had revived: “Nenabosho, therefore now you had better cease, too much have you been in our company, and you do things you should not.” “Nay, please let me go with you!” “Very well, Nenabosho; if you behave, you may go along.” On the morrow throughout the whole day were they eating. When evening came on, then up spoke the old Wolf: “Therefore tomorrow will we depart to find another place to camp.” Now, Nenabosho was somewhat disliked. “Nenabosho, come! Tomorrow we will part company with you.” “Nay. Please let me remain with one of my nephews if it will be your will. Never will anything (harmful) happen to him.” “Of course, Nenabosho, I will give you one of my children. I know that you are a manitou, for such is the reason why I give him to you.” |