The Manitous

by Johnston, Basil

• ISBN13: 9780873514118
• ISBN10: 0873514114
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-09-01
• Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Pr

Summary

A collection of legends and spiritual teachings that depict the mysterious manitous, mystical beings who are divine and essential forces in the spiritual life of the Ojibway. From the rich oral culture of his own Ojibway Indian heritage, Basil Johnston presents a collection of legends and tales depicting manitous, mystical beings who are divine and essential forces in the spiritual life of his people. In this collection, the first by a Native American scholar, these lively, sometimes earthy stories teach about manitous who lived in human form among the Ojibway in the early days, after Kitchi-Manitou (the Great Mystery) created all things and Muzzu-Kummik-Quae (Mother Earth) revealed the natural order of the world. With depth and humour, Johnston tells how lasting tradition was brought to the Ojibway by four half-human brothers, including Nana'b'oozoo, the beloved archetypal being who means well but often blunders. He also relates how people are helped and hindered by other entities, such as the manitous of the forests and meadows, personal manitous and totems, mermen and merwomen, Pauguk (the cursed Flying Skeleton), and the Weendigoes, famed and terrifying giant cannibals.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Introduction	xv
Kitchi-Manitou	1	(8)
Muzzu-Kummik-Quae	9	(8)
Maudjee-kawiss	17	(10)
Pukawiss	27	(10)
Cheeby-aub-oozoo	37	(14)
Nana'b'oozoo	51	(46)
The Manitous of the Forests and Meadows	97	(18)
Personal Manitous	115	(18)
Nebaunaubaewuk and Nebaunaubaequaewuk	133	(18)
Manitoussiwuk	151	(20)
Auttissookaunuk	171	(24)
Pauguk	195	(26)
Weendigo	221	(18)
Glossary	239