Legends of Our Nation

Continued from last week

Upon reaching the hill, they were led to a lodge in which a woman was cooking a meal, she asked the children to sit down on the logs near the fire.

“How is it that you have strayed so far from home,” she asked the strange children.

Kaikaik (meaning Hawk) the eldest grandchild told them of their unlucky hunting and fishing trips which took them further and further away from home.

As, Kaikaik finished the story, the lady squawked, “You have just come in time,” she gave them bowls and squawked again, “eat all you want. In the larger pot you will find boiled eagle eggs and in the smaller kettle is tea made from cedar greens and yolk from the eagles’ eggs.”

The boys were quite startled by the woman’s voice but even more alarmed by the yellow fire in her eyes and her jagged hook nose. Due to their hunger, they overcame the fright of her looks and voice.

The grandchildren found the eggs very delicious and the tea sweet and they continued to eat and drink.

After hearing the dream, the medicine man poured a liquid into a bowl and after gazing into it, he finally spoke, “After you left Wahsauksing (Parry Sound) your grandchildren had to go hunting because they ran out of food. After searching the entire woods, no game was found, and the waters seemed empty. So that evening they went to bed hungry.

The next day, the children again went hunting and fishing and again returned tired and hungry.

On the third morning, very hungry they again went out hunting and resolved not to return to the lodge until they had killed some game. Regardless of the dangers, they were determined to go toward the Great Hill. Exhausted, hungry and tired, they finally reached the foot of the hill.

Preparing the camp at the foot of the hill, two strange Indian children appeared, just watching until one spoke, “Who are you?”

“We are the grandchildren of Zhingwauk,” replied the grandchildren.

“We have been waiting, for you to come to our lodge,” said the strangers.

The grand children were quite surprised to be expected but said nothing. Gathering their belongings, they followed the two strangers.

“Look at your legs,” screamed Binessi (meaning Little Bird) to Kaikaik. Kaikaik looked down at his legs, noticed the birdlike limbs and claws; he turned to his other brother and sisters, then he too screamed, “We are all turning into birds.” Their cries only became screeches.

Your grandchildren looked about for the friendly children but saw only two eagles perches on a tree and the lady also became an eagle.

Within moments your grandchildren also became eaglets.

After the interpretation, the medicine man turned to Zhingwauk.

“What am I to do now?” said the grandfather.

The medicine man said, “You must take your arrows to the river, wash them, then dry them with the sand. You must do this three times during the day, in the morning, noon, and finally at sunset.

To retain their powers, bundle up the arrows. I will give you this medicine, which you must take with you. Next day, you must return to Wahsauksing. Upon your return go directly to the Great Hill and shoot the Eagles that sit together. These eagles will not fly away. Do not be afraid of their screams or the wounds which you inflict with your arrows. After you have killed them quickly give them the medicine and it will restore them to life. They may die as eagles but will be reborn as your grandchildren.”

As instructed, Zhingwauk washed and wiped the arrows in sand until they were keen, shining and powerful. To retain the power, he wrapped them in soft buckskin,

He stopped only long enough to bank his canoe. He went directly toward the Great Hill and when he reached the crest of the hill, he strung his bow, wrapped the arrows and prayed for true aim.

He advanced cautiously toward the clearing, watching and listening for the birds. He saw his quarry perched on a branch of a lifeless tree. Pointing the shaft at the nearest birds, he released the arrow. The eagle squawked, flapped its wings and fell to the earth. One after another, Zhingwauk let the remaining arrows go. The remaining eagles also fell to the ground as if lifeless.

Quickly Zhingwauk ran to where the birds fell and poured the healing medicine into their beaks. While he waited, he said a prayer to the Great Spirit, Kotchi Manitou. Watching the medicine work its wonder and power, he saw the dying eaglets become his grandchildren. He again thanked Kitchi Manitou for life and the great restoration of his grandchildren.

Recovering, the grandchildren got to their feet and ran to their grandfather. They flung their arms around him and tears of happiness flowed like sap in spring.

From then on, Zhingwauk’s grandchildren learned to have more respect and valued the traditional ways and belief of their grandfather.