Ottawa Legends


 

Figures Frequently Featured in Ottawa Legends

Nanabush: A trickster figure who is often portrayed as a mischievous but lovable character. He is known for his clever pranks and his ability to outwit his opponents.

Kitchi-Manitou: The Supreme Being in Ottawa cosmology. Kitchi-Manitou is often depicted as a benevolent creator who watches over the Ottawa people.

The White Buffalo Calf Woman: A sacred figure who is said to have brought the sacred pipe to the Ottawa people. The White Buffalo Calf Woman is often depicted as a beautiful young woman who is accompanied by a herd of white buffalo.

The Four Winds are often seen as guardians of the Ottawa people. Each wind is associated with a different direction and a different color.

The Thunderers are a group of powerful beings who are said to control the weather. The Thunderers are often depicted as a group of men who ride on horseback and carry lightning bolts.

The Water Spirits are a group of powerful beings who are said to live in the water. The Water Spirits are often depicted as beautiful women who lure men to their deaths.

Traditional Ottawa Legends

The Creation Story
The Story of Nanabush
The Story of Kitchi-Manitou
The Story of the White Buffalo Calf Woman
The Story of the Four Winds
The Story of the Thunderers
The Story of the Water Spirits
The Story of the Great Flood
The Story of the Lost Tribe
The Story of the Talking Rocks
The Story of the Magic Water
The Story of the Golden Eagle
The Story of the White Buffalo
The Sun Dance
The Ghost Dance

More Ottawa Links:
Famous Ottawa Indians

Ottawa Indians

Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma

 

Article Index:

How Arch Rock on Mackinac Island was formed

Arch Rock is a natural rock bridge above the eastern shoreline of Mackinac Island in northern Michigan. From certain angles, the arch, which is about 150 feet above the lake, appears to be suspended in the air. This mythical explanation of its origin was recorded in 1850.

Many, many winters ago, the sun descended into an immense hole every evening, as soon as the stars appeared in the sky. This hole was thought to be somewhere off in the distant west.

One time a chief of the Ottawa nation committed a shameful act. It was so shameful that the Master of Life was greatly offended and angered. In punishment, he sent a powerful wind upon the earth. The rocky hills trembled because of the wind, and the waters surrounding the hills roared with a dreadful roar.