the Great Spirit

Also known as: God / the Holder of Heaven / the Master of Life · Role: spirit · First appears: Hiawatha; or, Manabozho · Part 1

In The Jeebi; or, Two Ghosts, the Master of Life sent two females from the land of the dead to test the living. In the Iroquois version told in Pauguk, and the Mythological Interpretation of Hiawatha, he deputed Tarenyawagon to prepare the earth for human residence, teach the tribes, and rid the land of giants and monsters.

In The White Stone Canoe, he let the handsome young man (White Stone Canoe legend) and the very beautiful young girl (White Stone Canoe legend) cross the lake, since neither had done wrong. He accepted the girl but sent the young man back to his people to complete his duties and rule his tribe. In Bosh-kwa-dosh; or, the Mastodon · Part 2, Bosh-kwa-dosh said the Great Spirit had created him to show his power and gave Anish-in-á-ba the animals for food.

In Eroneniera; or, an Indian Visit to the Great Spirit · Part 2, the Master of Life welcomed the Indian (Eroneniera legend), gave him a gold-bordered hat for a seat and a written prayer, and instructed him to teach it to the Indians and children. The Indian promised to carry out his will and delivered the prayer and laws to the chief.