Story Summary
Discover the tale of Nanabush the Trickster, a clever Anishinaabe figure. Learn how his plan to trick dancing ducks teaches a vital lesson on greed and deceit.
One day, the trickster Nanabush was wandering through the woods, his stomach growling with hunger. He came upon a lake filled with fat, happy ducks. Knowing they would fly away if he approached, he devised a cunning plan. He gathered a large bundle of cedar bark and carried it on his back. When the ducks asked what he was carrying, he replied, 'These are my sacred songs, but they are so powerful they must only be heard by those who dance with their eyes shut.' Intrigued, the ducks gathered around. Nanabush began to drum and sing a mesmerizing rhythm. 'Close your eyes! Dance harder!' he shouted. As the ducks spun blindly, Nanabush reached out and began wringing their necks one by one. However, a small diver duck sensed something was wrong and peeked. Seeing the carnage, he cried out, 'Nanabush is killing us!' The remaining ducks opened their eyes and flew to safety. Nanabush had enough for a feast, but his greed had ensured the ducks would never trust him again.
The Moral
Greed and deception may provide a temporary gain, but they ultimately destroy trust and lead to long-term isolation.
“Close your eyes and dance to the rhythm of my song, for the music is only for those who believe.”
Fun Fact
Nanabush is often depicted as having a grandmother, Nokomis, who helped raise him and taught him the secrets of the earth. Many natural landmarks in the Great Lakes region are attributed to his legendary exploits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Nanabush the Trickster?
The story teaches that using deceit for personal gain is short-sighted. While Nanabush catches some ducks, his greed alerts the rest, proving that trickery eventually backfires and ruins one's reputation.
Who is Nanabush in Native American mythology?
Nanabush, also known as Nanabozho, is a prominent trickster figure and culture hero in Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) mythology. He is a shapeshifter who often oscillates between being a benefactor to humanity and a mischievous rule-breaker.
Which tribe does the story of Nanabush come from?
Nanabush is a central figure for the Anishinaabe people, which includes the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi tribes located primarily in the Great Lakes region of North America.
Why did Nanabush tell the ducks to close their eyes?
He told them the songs were too sacred to see so that they wouldn't notice him killing their companions. It was a calculated ploy to exploit their curiosity and spiritual reverence for his own benefit.
Is Nanabush considered a god?
He is generally considered a 'Manitou' or spirit rather than a supreme deity. He acts as a mediator between the spiritual world and the human world, often teaching humans essential life skills through his mistakes.
What happened to the duck that peeked?
The diver duck, often said to be the grebe, escaped and warned the others. In some versions of the legend, his eyes remained red forever as a mark of the fear he felt when he saw Nanabush's trickery.
