Malsumis facts for kids

Malsumis (sometimes called Malsum or Malsom) is a spirit or god in Abenaki mythology. The Abenaki are a group of Native American people from northeastern North America. Some people believe Malsumis is a very bad spirit or god of chaos. However, some Wabanaki people (who are related to the Abenaki) do not believe he is Gluskab's brother at all. Others agree that he was not evil.

Stories of Malsumis

According to old stories, a creator god named Tabaldak made humans. The dust from Tabaldak's hand then created Gluskab. Some versions of these stories also say that Gluskab's twin brother, Malsumis, was created at the same time.

Tabaldak gave Gluskab the power to create a good world. But Malsumis did the opposite. He used his power for bad things and trickery. For example, he put thorns on plants. Gluskab works to protect people. Malsumis, however, uses his power to try and cause trouble for people.

Malsumis is sometimes linked to wolves in stories. But many Wabanaki people say this is not true. They are also not sure if Malsumis is a real figure. They wonder if storytellers might have confused him with other Abenaki spirits.

A very popular version of the story about Malsumis and his brother Gluskab was written by Charles Godfrey Leland. In Leland's story, Malsumis is clearly shown as evil. However, some older, more traditional Abenaki stories do not describe Malsumis as "wicked" or "evil." In fact, in some of these older stories, the wolf is shown as a helpful character who feels sad for Gluskab.

Malsumis in Pop Culture

Malsumis is mentioned in a cartoon series called "Bleach (S) Abridged." This show is made by a Canadian studio. A character named Chad often talks about Malsumis. He says Malsumis is the god who "makes all the little things in nature that are inconvenient and mean." For example, in one episode, he talks about bees that are stuck in a cheesecake. He wonders if they are alive or dead because of Malsumis.