Myths and Legends of the Mississippi Valley and the Great Lakes. Various
Читать онлайн.| Название | Myths and Legends of the Mississippi Valley and the Great Lakes |
|---|---|
| Автор произведения | Various |
| Жанр | Языкознание |
| Серия | |
| Издательство | Языкознание |
| Год выпуска | 0 |
| isbn | 4064066217990 |
WHEN THE ORPHAN TRAPPED THE SUN
WHY THE BLACKBIRD HAS RED WINGS
BALL GAME OF THE BIRDS AND ANIMALS
WHY THE BIRDS HAVE SHARP TAILS
WHY THE ’POSSUM’S TAIL IS BARE
THE PORCUPINE AND THE TWO SISTERS
WHY THE OAKS AND SUMACHS REDDEN
PREFACE
MYSTERY, magic, and manitoes abound in the land of Hiawatha, in the land of the Ojibwas, among the green islands, graceful and beautiful, lying amidst the dancing blue waters when the sun shines over Gitche Gomee, the Great Water.[1] Manitoes, great and mighty, lived in the cool depths of the mighty forests, in the rivers and lakes, and even in the snows of winter. And adventures there were in those early days amongst these islands of the North, when manitoes directed the affairs of men.
[1] Gitche Gomee is Lake Superior.
But the animal fathers lived upon the earth before there came the “two-legged walkers.” There were many animals. There were many beavers. It was the beavers who made Gitche Gomee, the Great Water. They made it by building two dams. The first they built at the Grand Sault, and the second was five leagues below. When Great Hare came up the river, he said, “This must not be so.” Therefore he stepped upon the first dam. But he was in haste. He did not break it down; therefore there are now great falls