A Micmac Legend
In the distant past, before Glooscap, the powerful Magician, embarked on his journey in a stone canoe to the Land of the Red Sunrise, Fairies and Elves inhabited the lush forests of Wabanaki. They created enchanting music with magical reed flutes that could captivate both humans and animals.
When these Fairies favored an Indian brave, they gifted him a magic flute. If their affection grew deeper, they transformed him into a Fairy like themselves and called him a Mikumwess.
During this time lived two young men in a Wabanaki village.One was named Little Thunder; he was full of laughter and song and longed to meet the Fairies to become a Mikumwess. The other youth was known as Badger; he loved Brown Fawn, the lovely daughter of a great Chief. Badger wished to marry her but knew her father was cruel and set unachievable tasks for her suitors that led them all to perish.
One day, a Loon arrived at their village as Glooscap’s messenger. It announced that Glooscap promised to grant one wish to each Indian youth who sought his magical lodge.
Upon hearing this news, Little Thunder and Badger adorned themselves with their finest feathers and armed with strong bows and arrows set out on the perilous trail leading to Glooscap’s lodge. Despite its dangers, they bravely pressed on for seven years until they finally reached it.
Glooscap welcomed them warmly while Martin the Fairy served food and drink. Then Glooscap asked what each desired most.”Make me a Mikumwess,” requested Little Thunder so he could help his brother Badger win his bride.”
“All I desire is Brown Fawn as my wife,” replied Badger as he felt lonely in his lodge.”
Glooscap smiled again; weaving magic hair-strings into Little Thunder’s locks transformed him into an empowered Mikumwess endowed with Fairy power along with gifting him an enchanting flute made from reeds capable of charming all living things around it!
To Badger: “The maiden can be yours through assistance from this newly-made Mikumwess! Enter my stone canoe sailing across seas towards her father’s dwelling—but return it once your adventure concludes—for never before have I lent such transport!”
Taking both youths down towards seashore pointing out small granite island amidst crashing waves surrounded by tall Pines where white Gulls soared above—”There lies my canoe!” instructed swimming forth entering upon reaching rocky surface transforming entire island itself large vessel complete towering masts replacing former trees!
Rejoicing together aboard newfound craft setting sail across vast oceans eventually arriving land housing cruel Chief’s village drawing up beach hiding beneath bushes seeking entrance within chief’s abode receiving grave welcome seated honorably questioned purpose visit:
Mikumwess answered: “This brother mine—the Badger—seeks companionship desiring Brown Fawn accompany back homeward journey.”
Chief courteously responded granting permission provided next day brought forth head Yellow Horned Serpent residing nearby sea cave—a challenge accepted retiring nightfall lodging offered rest awaiting dawn task ahead…
Under cover darkness alone ventured fearless newly-made-Mikumwessto cavernous lair laying log entrance performing mesmerizing dance accompanied haunting melody played upon fairy flute luring serpent outside resting head atop timber swiftly severing hatchet blow carrying trophy triumphantly returning slumbering companion morning light revealing prize presented astonished chief fearing loss daughter yet issuing further trial:
“Youthful suitor must descend yonder hill alongside bravest warriors proving worthiness hand marriage!”
Mountainous terrain daunting jagged rocks treacherous roots icy slopes sleds prepared ascent summit seating pairs respective conveyances signal given launching downward plummeting speed seemingly toward doom…
Badgers’ sudden tumble delighted rival magicians unaware intentional maneuver allowing favorable position overtaking adversaries mid-descent soaring airborne landing opposite slope colliding directly against chieftain’s dwelling tearing structure apart realization impending defeat lamentation voiced internally conceding inevitable outcome reluctantly proposing final contest:
“Race unmatched runner renowned throughout lands surpassing prowess securing victory ultimate reward!”
