The Red Swan

Three brothers were left destitute, by the death of their parents, at

an early age. The eldest was not yet able to provide fully for their

support, but did all he could in hunting, and with his aid, and the

stock of provisions left by their father, they were preserved and kept

alive, rather, it seems, by miraculous interposition, than the adequacy

of their own exertions. For the father had been a hermit,[66] having

removed far away from the body of the tribe, so that when he and his

wife died they left their children without neighbors and friends, and

the lads had no idea that there was a human being near them. They did

not even know who their parents had been, for the eldest was too young,

at the time of their death, to remember it. Forlorn as they were, they

did not, however, give up to despondency, but made use of every

exertion they could, and in process of time, learned the art of hunting

and killing animals. The eldest soon became an expert hunter, and was

very successful in procuring food. He was noted for his skill in

killing buffalo, elk, and moose, and he instructed his brothers in the

arts of the forest as soon as they became old enough to follow him.

After they had become able to hunt and take care of themselves, the

elder proposed to leave them, and go in search of habitations,

promising to return as soon as he could procure them wives. In this

project he was overruled by his brothers, who said they could not part

with him. Maujeekewis, the second eldest, was loud in his disapproval,

saying, "What will you do with those you propose to get--we have

lived so long without them, and we can still do without them." His

words prevailed, and the three brothers continued together for a time.

One day they agreed to kill each, a male of those kind of animals each

was most expert in hunting, for the purpose of making quivers from

their skins. They did so, and immediately commenced making arrows to

fill their quivers, that they might be prepared for any emergency. Soon

after, they hunted on a wager, to see who should come in first with

game, and prepare it so as to regale the others. They were to shoot no

other animal, but such as each was in the habit of killing. They set

out different ways; Odjibwa, the youngest, had not gone far before he

saw a bear, an animal he was not to kill, by the agreement. He followed

him close, and drove an arrow through him, which brought him to the

ground. Although contrary to the bet, he immediately commenced skinning

him, when suddenly something red tinged all the air around him. He

rubbed his eyes, thinking he was perhaps deceived, but without effect,

for the red hue continued. At length he heard a strange noise at a

distance. It first appeared like a human voice, but after following the

sound for some distance, he reached the shores of a lake, and soon saw

the object he was looking for. At a distance out in the lake, sat a

most beautiful Red Swan, whose plumage glittered in the sun, and who

would now and then make the same noise he had heard. He was within long

bow shot, and pulling the arrow from the bow-string up to his ear, took

deliberate aim and shot. The arrow took no effect; and he shot and shot

again till his quiver was empty. Still the swan remained, moving around

and around, stretching its long neck and dipping its bill into the

water, as if heedless of the arrows shot at it. Odjibwa ran home, and

got all his own and his brothers' arrows, and shot them all away. He

then stood and gazed at the beautiful bird. While standing, he

remembered his brothers' saying that in their deceased father's

medicine sack were three magic arrows. Off he started, his anxiety to

kill the swan overcoming all scruples. At any other time, he would have

deemed it sacrilege to open his father's medicine sack, but now he

hastily seized the three arrows and ran back, leaving the other

contents of the sack scattered over the lodge. The swan was still

there. He shot the first arrow with great precision, and came very near

to it. The second came still closer; as he took the last arrow, he felt

his arm firmer, and drawing it up with vigor, saw it pass through the

neck of the swan a little above the breast. Still it did not prevent

the bird from flying off, which it did, however, at first slowly,

flapping its wings and rising gradually into the air, and then flying

off toward the sinking of the sun.[67] Odjibwa was disappointed; he knew

that his brothers would be displeased with him; he rushed into the

water and rescued the two magic arrows, the third was carried off by

the swan; but he thought that it could not fly very far with it, and

let the consequences be what they might, he was bent on following it.

Off he started on the run; he was noted for speed, for he would shoot

an arrow, and then run so fast that the arrow always fell behind him. I

can run fast, he thought, and I can get up with the swan some time or

other. He thus ran over hills and prairies, toward the west, till near

night, and was only going to take one more run, and then seek a place

to sleep for the night, when suddenly he heard noises at a distance,

which he knew were from people; for some were cutting trees, and the

strokes of their axes echoed through the woods. When he emerged from

the forest, the sun was just falling below the horizon, and he felt

pleased to find a place to sleep in, and get something to eat, as he

had left home without a mouthful. All these circumstances could not

damp his ardor for the accomplishment of his object, and he felt that

if he only persevered, he would succeed. At a distance, on a rising

piece of ground, he could see an extensive town. He went toward it, but

soon heard the watchman, Mudjee-Kokokoho, who was placed on some height

to overlook the place, and give notice of the approach of friends or

foes--crying out, "We are visited;" and a loud holla indicated that they

all heard it. The young man advanced, and was pointed by the watchman to

the lodge of the chief, "It is there you must go in," he said, and left

him. "Come in, come in," said the chief, "take a seat there," pointing

to the side where his daughter sat. "It is there you must sit." Soon

they gave him something to eat, and very few questions were asked him,

being a stranger. It was only when he spoke, that the others answered

him. "Daughter," said the chief, after dark, "take our son-in-law's

moccasins, and see if they be torn; if so, mend them for him, and bring

in his bundle." The young man thought it strange that he should be so

warmly received, and married instantly, without his wishing it, although

the young girl was pretty. It was some time before she would take his

moccasins, which he had taken off. It displeased him to see her so

reluctant to do so, and when she did reach them, he snatched them out of

her hand and hung them up himself. He laid down and thought of the swan,

and made up his mind to be off by dawn. He awoke early, and spoke to the

young woman, but she gave no answer. He slightly touched her. "What do

you want?" she said, and turned her back toward him. "Tell me," he said,

"what time the swan passed. I am following it, and come out and point

the direction." "Do you think you can catch up to it?" she said. "Yes,"

he answered. "Naubesah" (foolishness), she said. She, however, went out

and pointed in the direction he should go. The young man went slowly

till the sun arose, when he commenced travelling at his accustomed

speed. He passed the day in running, and when night came, he was

unexpectedly pleased to find himself near another town; and when at a

distance, he heard the watchman crying out, "We are visited;" and soon

the men of the village stood out to see the stranger. He was again told

to enter the lodge of the chief, and his reception was, in every

respect, the same as he met the previous night; only that the young

woman was more beautiful, and received him very kindly, but although

urged to stay, his mind was fixed on the object of his journey. Before

daylight he asked the young woman what time the Red Swan passed, and to

point out the way. She did so, and said it passed yesterday when the sun

was between midday and pungishemoo--its falling place. He again

set out rather slowly, but when the sun had arisen he tried his speed by

shooting an arrow ahead, and running after it; but it fell behind him.

Nothing remarkable happened in the course of the day, and he went on

leisurely. Toward night, he came to the lodge of an old man. Some time

after dark he saw a light emitted from a small low lodge. He went up to

it very slyly, and peeping through the door, saw an old man alone,

warming his back before the fire, with his head down on his breast. He

thought the old man did not know that he was standing near the door, but

in this he was disappointed; for so soon as he looked in, "Walk in,

Nosis,"[68] he said, "take a seat opposite to me, and take off your

things and dry them, for you must be fatigued; and I will prepare you

something to eat." Odjibwa did as he was requested. The old man, whom he

perceived to be a magician, then said: "My kettle with water stands near

the fire;" and immediately a small earthen or a kind of metallic pot

with legs appeared by the fire. He then took one grain of corn, also one

whortleberry, and put them in the pot. As the young man was very hungry,

he thought that his chance for a supper was but small. Not a word or a

look, however, revealed his feelings. The pot soon boiled, when the old

man spoke, commanding it to stand some distance from the fire; "Nosis,"

said he, "feed yourself," and he handed him a dish and ladle made out of

the same metal as the pot. The young man helped himself to all that was

in the pot; he felt ashamed to think of his having done so, but before

he could speak, the old man said, "Nosis, eat, eat;" and soon after he

again said, "Help yourself from the pot." Odjibwa was surprised on

looking into it to see it full; he kept on taking all out, and as

soon as it was done, it was again filled, till he had amply satisfied

his hunger. The magician then spoke, and the pot occupied its accustomed

place in one part of the lodge. The young man then leisurely reclined

back, and listened to the predictions of his entertainer, who told him

to keep on, and he would obtain his object. "To tell you more," said he,

"I am not permitted; but go on as you have commenced, and you will not

be disappointed; to-morrow you will again reach one of my fellow old

men; but the one you will see after him will tell you all, and the

manner in which you will proceed to accomplish your journey. Often has

this Red Swan passed, and those who have followed it have never

returned: but you must be firm in your resolution, and be prepared for

all events." "So will it be," answered Odjibwa, and they both laid down

to sleep. Early in the morning, the old man had his magic kettle

prepared, so that his guest should eat before leaving. When leaving, the

old man gave him his parting advice.

Odjibwa set out in better spirits than he had done since leaving home.

Night again found him in company with an old man, who received him

kindly, and directed him on his way in the morning. He travelled with a

light heart, expecting to meet the one who was to give him directions

how to proceed to get the Red Swan. Toward nightfall, he reached the

third old man's lodge. Before coming to the door, he heard him saying,

"Nosis, come in," and going in immediately, he felt quite at home. The

old man prepared him something to eat, acting as the other magicians

had done, and his kettle was of the same dimensions and material. The

old man waited till he had done eating, when he commenced addressing

him. "Young man, the errand you are on is very difficult. Numbers of

young men have passed with the same purpose, but never returned. Be

careful, and if your guardian spirits are powerful, you may succeed.

This Red Swan you are following, is the daughter of a magician, who has

plenty of everything, but he values his daughter but little less than

wampum. He wore a cap of wampum, which was attached to his scalp; but

powerful Indians--warriors of a distant chief, came and told him, that

their chief's daughter was on the brink of the grave, and she herself

requested his scalp of wampum to effect a cure. 'If I can only see it,

I will recover,' she said, and it was for this reason they came, and

after long urging the magician, he at last consented to part with it,

only from the idea of restoring the young woman to health; although

when he took it off, it left his head bare and bloody. Several years

have passed since, and it has not healed. The warriors' coming for it,

was only a cheat, and they now are constantly making sport of it,

dancing it about from village to village; and on every insult it

receives, the old man groans from pain. Those Indians are too powerful

for the magician, and numbers have sacrificed themselves to recover it

for him, but without success. The Red Swan has enticed many a young

man, as she has done you, in order to get them to procure it, and

whoever is the fortunate one that succeeds, will receive the Red Swan

as his reward. In the morning you will proceed on your way, and toward

evening you will come to the magician's lodge, but before you enter you

will hear his groans; he will immediately ask you in, and you will see

no one but himself; he will make inquiries of you, as regards your

dreams, and the powers of your guardian spirits; he will then ask you

to attempt the recovery of his scalp; he will show you the direction,

and if you feel inclined, as I dare say you do, go forward, my son,

with a strong heart, persevere, and I have a presentiment you will

succeed." The young man answered, "I will try." Early next morning,

after having eaten from the magic kettle, he started off on his

journey. Toward evening he came to the lodge as he was told, and soon










his leggings and moccasins off, and eaten, the old magician commenced





most probable way of getting it; touching the young man on his pride

and ambition, by the proposed adventure, and last, he spoke of such

things as would make an Indian rich. He would interrupt his discourse

by now and then groaning, and saying, "Oh, how shamefully they are

treating it." Odjibwa listened with solemn attention. The old man then

asked him about his dreams--his dreams (or as he saw when asleep[69])

at the particular time he had fasted and blackened his face to procure

guardian spirits.

The young man then told him one dream; the magician groaned; "No, that

is not it," he said. The young man told him another. He groaned again;

"That is not it," he said. The young man told him of two or three

others. The magician groaned at each recital, and said, rather

peevishly, "No, those are not them." The young man then thought to

himself, Who are you? you may groan as much as you please; I am

inclined not to tell you any more dreams. The magician then spoke in

rather a supplicating tone. "Have you no more dreams of another kind?"

"Yes," said the young man, and told him one. "That is it, that is it,"

he cried; "you will cause me to live. That was what I was wishing you

to say;" and he rejoiced greatly. "Will you then go and see if you

cannot procure my scalp?" "Yes," said the young man, "I will go; and

the day after to-morrow,[70] when you hear the cries of the Kakak,[71]

you will know, by this sign, that I am successful, and you must prepare

your head, and lean it out through the door, so that the moment I

arrive, I may place your scalp on." "Yes, yes," said the magician; "as

you say, it will be done." Early next morning, he set out on his

perilous adventure, and about the time that the sun hangs toward home,

(afternoon) he heard the shouts of a great many people. He was in a

wood at the time, and saw, as he thought, only a few men; but the

further he went, the more numerous they appeared. On emerging into a

plain, their heads appeared like the hanging leaves for number. In the

centre he perceived a post, and something waving on it, which was the

scalp. Now and then the air was rent with the Sau-sau-quan, for they

were dancing the war dance around it. Before he could be perceived, he

turned himself into a No-noskau-see (hummingbird), and flew toward the


As he passed some of those who were standing by, he flew close to their

ears, making the humming noise which this bird does when it flies. They

jumped on one side, and asked each other what it could be. By this time

he had nearly reached the scalp, but fearing he should be perceived

while untying it, he changed himself into a Me-sau-be-wau-aun (the down

of anything that floats lightly on the air), and then floated slowly

and lightly on to the scalp. He untied it, and moved off slowly, as the

weight was almost too great. It was as much as he could do to keep it

up, and prevent the Indians from snatching it away. The moment they saw

it was moving, they filled the air with their cries of "It is taken

from us; it is taken from us." He continued moving a few feet above

them; the rush and hum of the people was like the dead beating surges

after a storm. He soon gained on them, and they gave up the pursuit.

After going a little further he changed himself into a Kakak, and flew

off with his prize, making that peculiar noise which this bird makes.

In the mean time, the magician had followed his instructions, placing

his head outside of the lodge, as soon as he heard the cry of the

Kakak, and soon after he heard the rustling of its wings. In a moment

Odjibwa stood before him. He immediately gave the magician a severe

blow on the head with the wampum scalp: his limbs extended and quivered

in agony from the effects of the blow: the scalp adhered, and the young

man walked in and sat down, feeling perfectly at home. The magician was

so long in recovering from the stunning blow, that the young man feared

he had killed him. He was however pleased to see him show signs of

life; he first commenced moving, and soon sat up. But how surprised was

Odjibwa to see, not an aged man, far in years and decrepitude, but one

of the handsomest young men he ever saw stand up before him.

"Thank you, my friend," he said; "you see that your kindness and

bravery have restored me to my former shape. It was so ordained, and

you have now accomplished the victory." The young magician urged the

stay of his deliverer for a few days; and they soon formed a warm

attachment for each other. The magician never alluded to the Red Swan

in their conversations.

At last, the day arrived when Odjibwa made preparations to return. The

young magician amply repaid him for his kindness and bravery, by

various kinds of wampum, robes, and all such things as he had need of

to make him an influential man. But though the young man's curiosity

was at its height about the Red Swan, he controlled his feelings, and

never so much as even hinted of her; feeling that he would surrender a

point of propriety in so doing; while the one he had rendered such

service to, whose hospitality he was now enjoying, and who had richly

rewarded him, had never so much as even mentioned anything about her,

but studiously concealed her.

Odjibwa's pack for travelling was ready, and he was taking his farewell

smoke, when the young magician thus addressed him: "Friend, you know

for what cause you came thus far. You have accomplished your object,

and conferred a lasting obligation on me. Your perseverance shall not

go unrewarded; and if you undertake other things with the same spirit

you have this, you will never fail to accomplish them. My duty renders

it necessary for me to remain where I am, although I should feel happy

to go with you. I have given you all you will need as long as you live;

but I see you feel backward to speak about the Red Swan. I vowed that

whoever procured me my scalp, should be rewarded by possessing the Red

Swan." He then spoke, and knocked on the partition. The door

immediately opened, and the Red Swan met his eager gaze. She was a most

beautiful female, and as she stood majestically before him, it would be

impossible to describe her charms, for she looked as if she did not

belong to earth. "Take her," the young magician said; "she is my

sister, treat her well; she is worthy of you, and what you have done

for me merits more. She is ready to go with you to your kindred and

friends, and has been so ever since your arrival, and my good wishes go

with you both." She then looked very kindly on her husband, who now bid

farewell to his friend indeed, and accompanied by the object of his

wishes, he commenced retracing his footsteps.

They travelled slowly, and after two or three days reached the lodge of

the third old man, who had fed him from his small magic pot. He was

very kind, and said, "You see what your perseverance has procured you;

do so always and you will succeed in all things you undertake."

On the following morning when they were going to start, he pulled from

the side of the lodge a bag, which he presented to the young man,

saying, "Nosis, I give you this; it contains a present for you; and I

hope you will live happily till old age." They then bid farewell to him

and proceeded on.

They soon reached the second old man's lodge. Their reception there was

the same as at the first; he also gave them a present, with the old

man's wishes that they would be happy. They went on and reached the

first town, which the young man had passed in his pursuit. The watchman

gave notice, and he was shown into the chief's lodge. "Sit down there,

son-in-law," said the chief, pointing to a place near his daughter.

"And you also," he said to the Red Swan.

The young woman of the lodge was busy in making something, but she

tried to show her indifference about what was taking place, for she did

not even raise her head to see who was come. Soon the chief said, "Let

some one bring in the bundle of our son-in-law." When it was brought

in, the young man opened one of the bags, which he had received from

one of the old men; it contained wampum, robes, and various other

articles; he presented them to his father-in-law, and all expressed

their surprise at the value and richness of the gift. The chief's

daughter then only stole a glance at the present, then at Odjibwa and

his beautiful wife; she stopped working, and remained silent and

thoughtful all the evening. They conversed about his adventures; after

this the chief told him that he should take his daughter along with him

in the morning; the young man said "Yes." The chief then spoke out,

saying, "Daughter, be ready to go with him in the morning."

There was a Maujeekewis in the lodge, who thought to have got the young

woman to wife; he jumped up, saying, "Who is he (meaning the young

man), that he should take her for a few presents. I will kill him," and

he raised a knife which he had in his hand. But he only waited till

some one held him back, and then sat down, for he was too great a

coward to do as he had threatened. Early they took their departure,

amid the greetings of their new friends, and toward evening reached the

other town. The watchman gave the signal, and numbers of men, women,

and children stood out to see them. They were again shown into the

chief's lodge, who welcomed them by saying, "Son-in-law, you are

welcome," and requested him to take a seat by his daughter; and the two

women did the same.

After the usual formalities of smoking and eating, the chief requested

the young man to relate his travels in the hearing of all the inmates

of the lodge, and those who came to see. They looked with admiration

and astonishment at the Red Swan, for she was so beautiful. Odjibwa

gave them his whole history. The chief then told him that his brothers

had been to their town in search of him, but had returned, and given up

all hopes of ever seeing him again. He concluded by saying that since

he had been so fortunate and so manly, he should take his daughter with

him; "for although your brothers," said he, "were here, they were too

timid to enter any of our lodges, and merely inquired for you and

returned. You will take my daughter, treat her well, and that will bind

us more closely together."

It is always the case in towns, that some one in it is foolish or

clownish. It happened to be so here; for a Maujeekewis was in the

lodge; and after the young man had given his father-in-law presents, as

he did to the first, this Maujeekewis jumped up in a passion, saying,

"Who is this stranger, that he should have her? I want her myself." The

chief told him to be quiet, and not to disturb or quarrel with one who

was enjoying their hospitality. "No, no," he boisterously cried, and

made an attempt to strike the stranger. Odjibwa was above fearing his

threats, and paid no attention to him. He cried the louder, "I will

have her; I will have her." In an instant he was laid flat on the

ground from a blow of a war club given by the chief. After he came to

himself, the chief upbraided him for his foolishness, and told him to

go out and tell stories to the old women.

Their arrangements were then made, and the stranger invited a number of

families to go and visit their hunting grounds, as there was plenty of

game. They consented, and in the morning a large party were assembled

to accompany the young man; and the chief with a large party of

warriors escorted them a long distance. When ready to return the chief

made a speech, and invoked the blessing of the great good Spirit on his

son-in-law and party.

After a number of days' travel, Odjibwa and his party came in sight of

his home. The party rested while he went alone in advance to see his

brothers. When he entered the lodge he found it all dirty and covered

with ashes: on one side was his eldest brother, with his face

blackened, and sitting amid ashes, crying aloud. On the other side was

Maujeekewis, his other brother; his face was also blackened, but his

head was covered with feathers and swan's down; he looked so odd, that

the young man could not keep from laughing, for he appeared and

pretended to be so absorbed with grief that he did not notice his

brother's arrival. The eldest jumped up and shook hands with him, and

kissed him, and felt very happy to see him again.

Odjibwa, after seeing all things put to rights, told them that he had

brought each of them a wife. When Maujeekewis heard about the wife, he

jumped up and said, "Why is it just now that you have come?" and made

for the door and peeped out to see the woman. He then commenced jumping

and laughing, saying, "Women! women!" That was the only reception he

gave his brother. Odjibwa then told them to wash themselves and

prepare, for he would go and fetch them in. Maujeekewis jumped and

washed himself, but would every now and then go and peep out to see the

women. When they came near, he said, "I will have this one, and that

one;" he did not exactly know which--he would go and sit down for an

instant, and then go and peep and laugh; he acted like a madman.

As soon as order was restored, and all seated, Odjibwa presented one of

the women to his eldest brother, saying, "These women were given to me;

I now give one to each; I intended so from the first." Maujeekewis

spoke, and said, "I think three wives would have been enough for

you." The young man led one to Maujeekewis, saying, "My brother, here

is one for you, and live happily." Maujeekewis hung down his head as if

he was ashamed, but would every now and then steal a glance at his

wife, and also at the other women. By and by he turned toward his wife,

and acted as if he had been married for years. "Wife," he said, "I will

go and hunt," and off he started.

All lived peaceably for some time, and their town prospered, the

inhabitants increased, and everything was abundant among them. One day

dissatisfaction was manifested in the conduct of the two elder

brothers, on account of Odjibwa's having taken their deceased father's

magic arrows: they upbraided and urged him to procure others if he

could. Their object was to get him away, so that one of them might

afterward get his wife. One day, after listening to them, he told them

he would go. Maujeekewis and himself went together into a sweating

lodge to purify themselves. Even there, although it was held sacred,

Maujeekewis upbraided him for the arrows. He told him again he would

go; and next day, true to his word, he left them. After travelling a

long way he came to an opening in the earth, and descending, it led him

to the abode of departed spirits. The country appeared beautiful, the

extent of it was lost in the distance: he saw animals of various kinds

in abundance. The first he came near to were buffalo; his surprise was

great when these animals addressed him as human beings. They asked him

what he came for, how he descended, why he was so bold as to visit the

abode of the dead. He told them he was in search of magic arrows to

appease his brothers. "Very well," said the leader of the buffaloes,

whose whole form was nothing but bone. "Yes, we know it," and he and

his followers moved off a little space as if they were afraid of him.

"You have come," resumed the Buffalo Spirit, "to a place where a living

man has never before been. You will return immediately to your tribe,

for your brothers are trying to dishonor your wife; and you will live

to a very old age, and live and die happily; you can go no further in

these abodes of ours." Odjibwa looked, as he thought to the west, and

saw a bright light, as if the sun was shining in its splendor, but he

saw no sun. "What light is that I see yonder?" he asked. The all-boned

buffalo answered, "It is the place where those who were good dwell."

"And that dark cloud?" Odjibwa again asked. "Mud-jee-izzhi-wabezewin,"

(wickedness) answered the buffalo. He asked no more questions, and,

with the aid of his guardian spirits, again stood on this earth and saw

the sun giving light as usual, and breathed the pure air. All else he

saw in the abodes of the dead, and his travels and actions previous to

his return, are unknown. After wandering a long time in quest of

information to make his people happy, he one evening drew near to his

village or town; passing all the other lodges and coming to his own, he

heard his brothers at high words with each other; they were quarrelling

for the possession of his wife. She had, however, remained constant,

and mourned the absence and probable loss of her husband; but she had

mourned him with the dignity of virtue. The noble youth listened till

he was satisfied of the base principles of his brothers. He then

entered the lodge, with the stern air and conscious dignity of a brave

and honest man. He spoke not a word, but placing the magic arrows to

his bow, drew them to their length and laid the brothers dead at his

feet. Thus ended the contest between the hermit's sons, and a firm and

happy union was consummated between Odjibwa, or him of the primitive or

intonated voice, and the Red Swan.

The Rebellion Of Kamiole The Red Swan facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail