The old myths of years ago are repeated in Indian homes, and many of the stories, like those told in the poem of Hiawatha, are familiar tales to little children in western teepees. Hiawatha the Wise we now know is an Iroquois hero; Menabozho, who is called the Foolish or Sly One, is an Algonquin hero, and they are two very different characters in the lore of two different Indian nations. Hiawatha the Iroquois is always dignified; Menabozho the Algonquin is very powerful but full of boyish tricks. MENABOZHO, OR THE GREAT WHITE HARE From the east side to the west side of America the Algonquin Indians all have their stories of Menabozho. When the story is of some great deed of Nanabush, or of Missaba, you must remember that these names are only another way of speaking of Menabozho. In the different Indian tribes the languages are different; but those who have been most among these many tribes of red men find that nearly all have some name for this Great Manitou, or Spirit. Whatever was the first cause of their belief in such a being, there is no way of knowing. All people, no matter how wild, believe in God; but the wilder the people the more gods they believe in. It is so with the Indian. The red man seemed to believe every stone, every bush, and almost every animal had its manitou or spirit. These manitous were something to be feared, and to which prayer ought to be offered. So we will call them the gods of the Indians. But these gods were ruled over by greater ones that had wonderful powers. The Indians watch the sun, moon, and stars a great deal and know much more about them than many white people who have no time for such study. When they saw the power of the sun in bringing life out of the earth in the shape of growing plants from hidden seeds, then the sun seemed like a living spirit to them. The name Menabozho has been found to mean in the Indian language the Great White Hare. It has been found to mean more than that. Some one who has studied into the meanings of Indian words says that it means the “god of light,” or “ruler of the sun.” When you read marvelous stories of Menabozho remember then that the Indians who told these tales first had in mind one of their strong gods,—one who was swift and powerful as the light of the sun; one who was as kind as the sun is to the earth, bringing food and blessing to every one. The sun hides away every night; so Menabozho often rested. The sun is often troubled by clouds and storms; and Menabozho has many troubles, but usually comes out very bravely from every hindrance. This manitou could take many forms. He very often appeared upon the earth as a man, for that is the highest form of all life. He is said to have many homes. Some say Menabozho’s home is in the east. He rules over the east wind and watches the sun that it may follow the right path through the sky. He rules the sun. It could not leave the east without him.