Abenaki mythology facts for kids
The Abenaki people are Native Americans who live in the Northeastern Woodlands region. Their religious beliefs are part of the Midewiwin tradition. Special ceremonies are led by spiritual leaders called Medeoulin or Mdawinno.
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The World's Beginning
In Abenaki stories, the most powerful being is Gici Niwaskw. This name means "Great Spirit." Gici Niwaskw is also called Tabaldak, meaning "Lord." Long ago, there was no sound or color. Gici Niwaskw wanted them to exist.
So, the Great Spirit started to create the world. They called a giant turtle named Tolba from the first waters. Gici Niwaskw built the land on Tolba’s shell. Clouds were placed above the land. After this, the Great Spirit fell asleep.
While sleeping, Gici Niwaskw dreamed of all plants and creatures. When the Great Spirit woke up, these dreams had become real! This is how the new world became full of living things.
Gluskab: The Hero Who Helps Humans
A very important character in Abenaki stories is Gluskab. He is known by many names, like Glooscap or Klooskomba. Gluskab takes care of Gici Niwaskw’s creations. He also helps the world change through different time periods.
Gluskab is not a god, but he has amazing powers. He uses these powers to make life easier for people. However, he also loves to play tricks and jokes on others.
One of Gluskab’s famous tricks involved the giant eagle Pamola. Pamola created strong winds by flapping his wings. Gluskab tricked Pamola into letting him tie his wings. He only untied them when Pamola promised to cause storms only sometimes.
Gluskab also made beavers smaller. In ancient times, beavers were bigger than humans! Gluskab petted their heads. With each pet, his magic made them shrink. They became the size we know today.
Perhaps the most common story is about Gluskab changing maple syrup into sap. At first, sweet syrup dripped right from maple trees. People just sat under the trees all day. They let the syrup drip into their mouths. This made them lazy. They did not tend their fields or homes.
Gluskab poured water into the maple trees. This made the syrup watery, turning it into sap. Now, people had to collect the sap and boil it down. They got much less syrup than before. This way, Gluskab made sure humans would not be lazy.
Some stories say Gluskab had a twin brother named Malsum. Malsum was mean and wanted to make life harder for humans. But many Abenaki people doubt this story. It might be a tale from another tribe, like the Iroquois.
The Three Ages of the World
Abenaki people believe the world has gone through three main ages. These ages are defined by how humans relate to animals.
- The Ancient Age: In this time, humans and animals were seen as equals. They lived together in harmony.
- The Golden Age: During this age, humans started to become different from animals. They began to separate themselves.
- The Present Age: This is the age we live in now. Humans are completely separate from other animals.
Beings of the Ancient Age
In the Ancient Age, many powerful and interesting beings existed.
- Kisosen is the "Sun-Bringer." This eagle spirit created day by opening its wings. It caused nighttime by closing them.
- Kchi-awasos is the "Big Bear." The stars of the Big Dipper constellation are this Great Bear. Three hunters chase him every night. He is killed each fall, and his blood turns the leaves brown. He is reborn every spring.
- Pamola is a bird and night spirit. He takes people to Alomkik, near Mt. Katahdin. Pamola also causes cold weather.
- Psônen is the "Snow-Bringer." This eagle spirit makes snow by opening its wings.
Beings of the Golden Age
The Golden Age saw new beings, often linked to Gluskab.
- Oodzee-hozo (also known as Gluskab) means "the man who created himself." He lived before legs were invented. He dragged his body around, creating mountains, valleys, and rivers. He also made Lake Champlain, which is a very special place for the Abenaki. Oodzee-hozo turned himself into a rock in the lake.
- Tool-ba is a foolish turtle spirit. He is Gluskab's uncle.
- Agaskw (also called Nokemis) means "woodchuck" or "my grandmother." She is a very wise woodchuck spirit. She is the grandmother of Gluskab.
- Moos-bas is a mink spirit. He was adopted by Gluskab. Moos-bas is a powerful fletcher, meaning he makes arrows. He can sometimes grant wishes.
Some Beings of the Present Age
In the Present Age, many different spirits and creatures are part of Abenaki stories.
- Alom-bag-winno-sis are mischievous, tiny men. They can change their size. They like to upset canoes. They also own a special pot that can turn a few corn kernels into a huge amount of food. Seeing one is said to mean someone will drown.
- Ask-wee-da-eed is a fire spirit. It looks like a will o' the wisp. It brings bad luck and death. It is also linked to comets and meteors.
- Tsi-noo is a person whose heart is made of ice. They have no soul. Tsi-noo eats the souls of others to get strength.
