Mikmaq Legends


Mi’kmaq Legends

Characters and Gods frequently found in Mi’ kmaq legends

Glooscap: The Creator God of the Mi’kmaq people. He is often seen as a benevolent figure, and he is sometimes prayed to for good weather and bountiful harvests.

Gluskabis: The Trickster God of the Mi’kmaq people. He is often portrayed as being mischievous and cunning, but he can also be helpful and wise.

Kepek: The God of the Sky. He is often seen as a benevolent figure, and he is sometimes prayed to for good weather and bountiful harvests.

Malsum: The God of the Underworld. He is often seen as a malevolent figure, and he is sometimes prayed to for protection from evil.

Pijeewanog: The God of the Sea. He is often seen as a benevolent figure, and he is sometimes prayed to for good fishing and safe travels.

Wendigo: A malevolent spirit that is said to inhabit the wilderness. The Wendigo is often described as a giant cannibalistic creature that can drive people mad.

Moshup: A giant sea creature that is said to inhabit the Atlantic Ocean. Moshup is often described as a benevolent creature that helps lost sailors find their way home.

Owl: A sacred animal to the Mi’kmaq people. The Owl is often seen as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge.

Turtle: A sacred animal to the Mi’kmaq people. The Turtle is often seen as a symbol of protection and guidance.

Here are a list of traditional Mi’kmaq oral story titles:

  • The Creation of the World
  • The First People
  • The Coming of the White Man
  • The Battle of the Gods
  • Glooscap’s Adventures
  • Gluskabis’s Mischief
  • Kepek and Malsum
  • Pijeewanog
  • The Wendigo
  • Moshup
  • Owl
  • Turtle
  • The Wabanaki Confederacy
  • Ableegumooch and Keoonik
  • The Girl-Chenoo
  • Mooin, the Bear’s Child
  • The Great Flood
  • The Origin of Fire
  • The Story of the Corn
  • The Story of the Maple Tree
  • The Story of the Bear
  • The Story of the Snake

Wabanaki Confederacy – A political and cultural alliance of Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki peoples. The Wabanaki Confederacy was formed in the 17th century to protect their land and way of life from European settlers.

 

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MicMac Creation Story

This story has been passed down from generation to generation since time immemorial and it explains how Mik’Maq people came into existence in North America. The story tells about the relationship between the Great Spirit Creator and Human Beings and the Environment.

It also explains a philosophical view of life which is indigenous to North America. This way of thinking is evident in the Native Languages and Cultures and in the spiritual practices.