An Aboriginal Presence

Our Origins

Wealth of Stories - Mishebeshu (Ojibwa)

Sure I saw the water monster!
Why do you think I got back here so fast?
Yes, that was me
sitting in a tree by the lake
wishing myself into a walking stick
and making cracking-leaves sounds
and making wishes on myself.
That's when I saw him!
I couldn't think straight so thought crooked,
which is how I got to be
a snake
come winding out
and safe at home.
All because I saw him.

Jacob Nibenegenesabe quoted in Theresa S. Smith, The Island of the Anishnaabeg: Thunderers and Water Monsters in the Traditional Ojibwe Life-World

Mishebeshu refers to underwater monsters that can be underwater lynxes or serpents. "Mishebeshu is the uncanny element in this world, the hidden form beneath the ice, which may suddenly crack in winter. He is the one who pulls boaters and swimmers to their deaths and the one who makes the ground go soft beneath your feet."

Theresa S. Smith, The Island of the Anishnaabeg: Thunderers and Water Monsters in the Traditional Ojibwe Life-World