Legends of the Menominee

As with any legend there are many versions to this story. This version was written after consulting a number of written sources on Menominee Legends.

The following is a story featuring Manabus. Manabus has been described as a culture-hero and/or a God of the Menominee. He is featured in many Menominee Legends. Spirit Rock is just one example.

One night long ago a young Menominee man was approached by Manabus. Manabus asked the young man if he would bring some friends and come and visit him. He told the man that he would give each of them something.

So the young men set off on a journey to visit Manabus. When the men arrived after their long journey Manabus fed them and let them rest. After the men were rested Manabus asked each man what he wished for.

Each of the men took a turn asking Manabus what he wished for. One asked to be a great warrior, another asked to be a great hunter, and another asked for a medicine bag to be able to cure the sick.

When the last man came with his request it was that he could live forever, to last as long as the earth.

Manabus granted the request by picking up the young man and telling him "You shall have your wish." As he placed him on the ground the other young men saw that he had been transformed into a rock, where he would remain for all time, just as he had requested.

The rock is known today as "Spirit Rock." It is located on Highway 55 where there is a historical marker to explain the story and the significance.

The legend is that when the rock finally crumbles away the Menominee will be extinct.

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How The Porcupine Got His Quills

As with any legend there are many versions. This version was written after consulting a number of written sources on Menominee Legends.

Long ago when the first porcupine was placed on the earth by the Great Spirit he had no quills. Porcupine was a gift to the Menominee Tribe and he was given a beautiful coat of fur.

Porcupine's beauty made the other animals jealous. Every day the animals would come to Porcupine and tell him how much they wished their fur looked like his.

Now Porcupine knew he was beautiful but he didn't pay any attention to the other animals. As time went by and every day he heard how wonderful he looked he decided to see for himself.

While Porcupine was taking his morning walk he stopped by the stream to admire his fur.

Now the Great Spirit noticed Porcupine gazing at himself in the stream. The Great Spirit watched Porcupine for ten moons as he sat by the clear water admiring his own beauty.

The Great Spirit had a system of rewards and punishment for every creature. The Great Spirit knew that the time had come to punish Porcupine. The Great Spirit decided to take away Porcupine's beautiful fur and cover his body with ugly sharp quills.

Porcupine wears his coat of quills yet today. This is why he hides during the day and will only come out at night.

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Origin of Day And Night--
The Legend of Rabbit & Owl

As with any legend there are many versions to this story. This version was written after consulting a number of written sources on Menominee Legends.

In the following story the origin of day and night is explained.

One day long ago Rabbit was walking through the forest. He saw Owl sitting on a branch of a tree. There were bits of light coming through the trees but it was hard for Rabbit to see. Rabbit asked Owl why he liked it so dark. Rabbit told Owl he didn't like the dark and he was going to make it bright like the daylight.

Owl told Rabbit that if he was powerful enough to do it. Owl told Rabbit that they should have a contest to see who could make it dark or light all the time.

Rabbit and Owl called together all of the birds and animals to witness. Rabbit and Owl explained to the animals what they were trying to do. Some of the animals wanted Rabbit to win but didn't know if they wanted it to be light all of the time. Some of the animals wanted Owl to win so it could stay dark all of the time.

The contest began. Rabbit repeated "Light, Light" and Owl repeated "Night, Night." The trick was not to repeat the other's words. If they repeated the wrong word they would lose.

Rabbit and Owl kept on saying their words. The animals were cheering them on. All of a sudden Owl said "Light" and lost the contest.

Rabbit was the winner and he had his wish for daylight. He decided to let there be night as well for the benefit of all the animals. This made everyone happy.

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Links To Other Menominee Legends

Menominee Tribe's Culture Section of their Web Site
Stories surrounding the Annual Sturgeon Feast & celebration.

Menominee Tribe's Historic Preservation Web Site
To understand a legend you need to understand the history. Historic preservation offers a wealth of information on Menominee history. Historical periods are covered as well as biographies of former Menominee Chiefs.

Menominee Tribe's Web Site
For more information on the Menominee Tribe check out their website! For more information and links to other Menominee Topics see the CMN Library Website's section on the Menominee Tribe.

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