the grandmother of Manabozho

Role: grandmother of Manabozho · First appears: Hiawatha; or, Manabozho · Part 1

In Hiawatha; or, Manabozho · Part 1, Schoolcraft reports that Manabozho’s grandmother was the daughter of the moon. She had a daughter, Manabozho’s mother, and carefully warned her to beware of the west wind. Schoolcraft’s introduction tells that, not long after the grandmother married, her rival lured her to a grape-vine swing and pitched her through its centre down to earth.

In Hiawatha; or, Manabozho · Part 2, she tells Manabozho that his mother died giving birth to him after his father mistreated her, and that she had nourished him from infancy: “Your mother was my only child, and you are my only hope.” She also tells him that her husband, Manabozho’s grandfather, came to earth in search of her and was killed by Megissogwon.

In Hiawatha; or, Manabozho · Part 3, she receives fish oil from Manabozho, who tells her to prepare as much as she wants and keeps the rest for himself. At her advice, he fasts for several days, then secretly watches her lodge. There, the bear (Manabozho legend) visits her, and they behave improperly familiarly.