Shingebis facts for kids
Shingebis is a brave diving duck from the traditional stories of the Anishinaabe people. These include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi tribes, who are also known as the People of the Three Fires. They live in the Great Lakes area of North America. Shingebis is famous for his courage and cleverness in facing the harsh winter.
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Shingebis and the Winter Maker
The Anishinaabe people have many stories about the cold winter season. One of the most famous tells of Shingebis, a diving duck who was not afraid of winter. Shingebis decided he would not fly south when the cold weather came. He was sure he could stay in his summer home and be just fine.
Shingebis built a cozy, warm lodge for himself. He also gathered four large logs for his fire. He planned to use one log for each month of winter.
The Challenge of Kabibonooka
Soon enough, Kabibonooka, the powerful Winter Maker, arrived. Kabibonooka was very angry that Shingebis stayed in his land. He had already chased away the flowers, sea-gulls, and herons. But Shingebis just laughed at him!
Kabibonooka tried to blow down Shingebis's wigwam at night. He also tried to put out the duck's fire. But he could not do it. So, Kabibonooka froze the lake where Shingebis hunted for food.
Shingebis's Clever Plan
Even with the lake frozen, Shingebis found a way to eat. He pulled reeds to make a hole in the ice. Then he would dive through the hole and catch fish. Kabibonooka became even angrier. He sent a terrible ice storm. The lake froze so deeply that Shingebis could not break through by pulling reeds.
Shingebis grew very hungry. But when the storm finally stopped, he used his strong beak. He pecked through the thick ice to get some fish. This went on for three moons, or three months. Each time it got colder, Shingebis would put another log on his fire.
The Final Showdown
Kabibonooka was truly outraged by Shingebis's bravery. He followed Shingebis to the lake and tried to freeze him in the ice. But Shingebis still managed to pull reeds and peck a big enough hole to get out. He even came out with a string of fish!
Finally, Kabibonooka challenged Shingebis. He asked to come into Shingebis's lodge. Kabibonooka thought he could freeze the little duck inside his own home. Shingebis cheerfully put his last log on the fire. He got ready for his guest.
As Kabibonooka sat by the warm fire, he tried his best to freeze it. But Shingebis would just stir the fire, making the lodge even warmer. Kabibonooka grew weaker and weaker from the heat. He finally gave up and left. Soon after, Ziigwan, which means Spring, arrived. Kabibonooka never bothered Shingebis again.
What the Story Teaches
This story teaches an important lesson. It shows that those who are like Shingebis will always be warm and have enough to eat. They will be okay no matter how hard winter gets. It's a story about courage, cleverness, and being prepared.
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