The Algonquin Legends of New England: Glooskap The Divinity: How Glooskap became friendly to the Loons, and made them his Messengers

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The Algonquin Legends of New England, by Charles G. Leland, [1884], at sacred-texts.com

How Glooskap became friendly to the Loons, and made them his Messengers.

(Micmac.)

When Glooskap, was pursuing Win-pe, he one day on Uktukamkw saw from afar flying over water the Kwe-moo (M.), or Loons. And thrice did their chief make the circle of the lake, coming near to the land of men and beasts every time, as if he would fain seek somewhat. Then Glooskap asking him what he wanted, Kwe-moo replied that he would be his servant and friend. So Glooskap taught him a strange long cry like the howl of a dog, and when the loons were in need of him or would pray to him they were to utter this cry.

And it came to pass that when he was in Newfoundland he came to an Indian town, and they who dwelt therein were all Kwee-moo-uk, or Loons. And they, as men, were exceeding glad to see their lord, who had blessed them as birds, and did their best to

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please him. So he made them his huntsmen and messengers, and in all the tales of Glooskap the Kweemoo ever appears as faithful to him. Whence to this day, when the Indians hear the cry of the Loon, they say, "Kwemoo el-komik-too-ajul Gloocapal" (He is calling upon Glooskap).

Next: How Glooskap made his Uncle Mikchich the Turtle into a Great Man, and got him a Wife. Of Turtles' Eggs, and how Glooskap vanquished a Sorcerer by smoking Tobacco.