How Glooskap became friendly to the Loons, and made them his messengers
As Glooskap pursued Win-pe, he noticed the Kwe-moo, or Loons, flying over the water on Uktukamkw. Their chief circled the lake three times, each time drawing closer to the land of humans and animals, as if seeking something. Curious, Glooskap asked the Loon chief what he desired. The Loon replied that he wished to be Glooskap’s servant and friend. In response, Glooskap taught him a unique call, reminiscent of a dog’s howl, which the loons could use whenever they needed Glooskap or wished to call upon him.
Later, while Glooskap was in Newfoundland, he arrived at a village inhabited by Kwee-moo-uk, or Loons in human form. They were delighted to see their lord, who had blessed them as birds, and they endeavored to please him. Glooskap appointed them as his huntsmen and messengers, and throughout his stories, the Kwe-moo are consistently portrayed as loyal to him.
To this day, when people hear the call of the Loon, they say, “Kwemoo el-komik-too-ajul Gloocapal,” meaning, “He is calling upon Glooskap.” This retelling honors the traditions and beliefs of the people to whom it belongs.
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