Stirring scenes in savage lands : $b An account of the manners, customs, habits and recreations, peaceful and warlike, of the uncivilised worldGreenwood, James
History
Stirring scenes in savage lands : $b An account of the manners, customs, habits and recreations, peaceful and warlike, of the uncivilised world
Greenwood, James
Anthropology
“Manabozho wandered for a long time on the banks of the lake, calling
his beloved brother; his voice trembling with fear and hope, was
heard from afar. When he had no longer any doubt of the misfortune
which had befallen him, his fury knew no bounds; he declared war
against the wicked Manitous, killed a great number of them, and his
rage no less than his despair spread consternation through the whole
desert. After the first moments devoted to revenge, he painted his
face black, covered his head with a veil of the same colour, then sat
down on the shore of the lake and mourned the deceased for six years,
making the neighbouring echoes incessantly ring with the cherished
name of Chibiabos. The Manitous deeply moved by his profound grief,
assembled to consult on the means they should take to console the
unhappy mourner. The oldest and wisest of them all, who had not been
concerned in the death of Chibiabos, took the task of reconciliation
on himself. Aided by the other spirits, he built a sacred lodge near
that of Manabozho, and prepared a great feast. He procured the best
tobacco imaginable, and put it in a beautiful calumet; then placing
himself at the head of the Manitous, who walked in procession, each
carrying under his arm a bag made of the skins of various animals,
and filled with precious medicine, he went to invite Manabozho to the
festival. Manabozho uncovered his head, washed his face, and followed
the Manitous to the sacred lodge. On his entrance he was offered a
drink composed of the most exquisite medicines, a rite initiatory to
propitiation. Manabozho drank it in a single draught, and immediately
felt the grief and sadness lifted from his soul. The Manitous then
began their dances and songs, which were succeeded by several
ceremonies and by feats of address and magic, performed with the
intention of restoring serenity of mind to the unconsolable protector
and friend of the human race. It was thus the mysteries of the dance
and of medicine were introduced on the earth.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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