Manibozho (mythical figure)
Manibozho, a significant figure in Ojibwa mythology, is also known by various names such as Nanabozho, Nana, Wenebojo, and the Great Hare. He is recognized as a messenger of Gitche Manitou, or the Great Spirit, and is deeply embedded in the cultural narratives of the Great Lakes region. Born of mystical origins, with a grandmother who is the daughter of the Moon and a father who is the West Wind, Manibozho possesses the ability to shapeshift into any form, including that of a white rabbit.
Among his many contributions, Manibozho is credited with gifting his people fire, creating the kinnikinnick smoking mixture, and founding the Midewiwin, or Grand Medicine Society. He is also known for remaking the earth following a great flood, illustrating his role as a creator. One popular tale recounts his attempt to catch geese, which resulted in the origin of their V formation during flight. Ultimately, Manibozho's story concludes with his transformation into stone by Gitche Manitou, where he is said to rest as an island in Lake Superior. His tales, often shared during winter, reflect the cultural respect and reverence for the natural world and its spirits.
Subject Terms
Manibozho (mythical figure)
Tribe affected: Ojibwa
Significance: Manibozho—legendary wise man, prophet, and messenger from the Great Spirit—was also a trickster who was sometimes outdone by his own tricks
Tales of Manibozho are told throughout the Ojibwa tribe and the Great Lakes region, where he is also known as Nanabozho, Nana, Wenebojo, and the Great Hare. Manibozho was a messenger from Gitche Manitou (Great Spirit). His grandmother, Nokomis, was daughter of the Moon; his father was the West Wind. Shortly after Manibozho’s magical birth near Gitchee Gumee (Lake Superior), he turned himself into a white rabbit. Manibozho changed his form at will—to a tree, a rock, or any animal.
Manibozho was said to have brought his people the gift of fire. He also invented kinnikinnick (smoking mixture), created the Midewiwin (Grand Medicine Society), and remade the earth after the great flood.
According to one story about Manibozho, one day while he was picking berries, a flock of geese landed on the nearby lake. Determined to catch as many as possible, he wove a rope of cedar bark strips. Swimming quietly under the floating birds, he strung them all together by tying their legs. His greedy task took so long he gasped loudly for air when he came up. The geese took flight, with the middle goose in the lead and the others forming a V, with Manibozho dangling at one end. He shouted for them to stop, but they flew on. Letting go, he landed in a swamp. Wild geese have been flying in a V ever since.
People listened respectfully when Manibozho sang of flying far and high, but later they sang, “High in the sky, geese are calling. Down from the sky, Nana is falling.”
Once a great creator and magician, Manibozho was turned to stone by Gitche Manitou and now lies sleeping as an island in Gitchee Gumee. Tales of Manibozho still abound; they are told in the winter, when spirits of the forest are asleep.