Odziozo facts for kids
Odziozo, also known as Oodzee-hozo, is a powerful giant from the legends of the Algonquin (especially the Abenaki) Native Americans. His name means "He who Created Himself" or "Transformer." People say he created many important places. These include Lake Champlain, Tuxis Island, Tuxis Pond, Rock Dunder, and Samson Rock. He also shaped many mountains and rivers.
The legend tells us that Odziozo's arms and head grew quickly from his body. But his legs grew very slowly. To pass the time, he used his long arms to shape the land. He created beautiful valleys, green meadows, and rolling hills.
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How Odziozo Shaped the Land
Odziozo is famous for creating Lake Champlain. This large lake was once called Bitawbágw, Petoubouque, or Petonbowk. These names mean 'lake in between'. He carved out the land and then flooded it to form the lake.
His Journey South
After creating Lake Champlain, Odziozo followed a group of migrating geese. They flew south along a huge sheet of ice called a glacier. He eventually arrived in Madison, Connecticut. There, he scooped up a handful of earth. He threw this earth into the sea. One piece landed in Long Island Sound and became Tuxis Island. Another piece fell from his hand and became Samson Rock. The hole left behind, Tuxis Pond, filled with water from the splash.
Where is Odziozo Now?
After his journey, Odziozo turned around. By then, his legs had grown strong. He stepped on Samson Rock and headed back to Vermont. He wanted to return to his home, Rock Dunder. When he arrived, he was very tired. So, he turned himself into a stone. This way, he could stay forever with his favorite creation, Lake Champlain.
People believe that Odziozo lived before animals had legs. This is why many landforms he created were made by him dragging his body with his long arms. Rock Dunder, in Shelburne, Vermont, is said to be where his spirit and body rest as a stone.
Other Names for Odziozo
Odziozo has several other names. These include Wo-ja-ho-sen, Odzihozo, Odzihózo, Bemee-geedzin-pobi-zeed, Odzeez, Odzihodo, and Ojihozo. Sometimes, people confuse him with another legendary figure, Glooscap.
Odziozo Today
Today, there is a boat race named after Odziozo. It takes place on Lake Champlain. This race helps keep his legend alive.
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