Little People

10/30/2018

The Memegwesi (Little People) can do magnificent things whenever they wish. Legends say that they can fly through the air and even live underwater if they want. Other stories say that they can dig deep into the earth and through the rocks as they please. If a person sees a Memegwesi and is kind to them, the Memegwesi will bring them good luck.

It is said that there are three tribes of Memegwesi — those that live in the banks beside streams and lakes, those live near the flowers and plants, and those who guard the lands under the earth.

The Memegwesi who live in the banks are very strong. They can uproot trees and can hurl great rocks with ease. Sometimes they will challenge people to tests of strength; the Memegwesi who live with the plants help the berries to grow fat, make flowers bloom and medicines to grow, and can show how these can be used to help the people; and the Memegwesi who live under the earth guard against serpents and monsters who live in the darkness below from coming to the surface and harming people.

Sometimes, deep in the woods, you find a tree around which no grass will grow. These trees are sacred to the Memegwesi and are places where their dance ring has been formed. Care must be taken not to cut these trees down or the Memegwesi will curse you.

If you see a Memegwesi, you should thereafter leave a plate of food for them from your table at the spot where you saw them. This will show respect to them and they will favor you with luck for the rest of your days.

6 Comments

lisa ronnquist

10/30/2018 01:43:28 pm

love this

Scott Hjorleifson

11/10/2018 01:42:24 pm

That’s spookily similar to the legend of the hildafolk from Norse mythology. Almost too similar. Being Icelandic Canadian I grew up with this legend from another culture.

I’d be very interested in tracing the history of this legend, I’m betting it traces back Pre-Columbus but specifically on how far back, that’s where my interest lies, if one culture gave it to the other 1000 years ago on first contact and which one gave it to the other.
For this area it might add some validity to a Legond of a Viking ship entering Hudson Bay 800ish years ago and meeting the local inhabitants

Lenora

11/10/2018 05:09:21 pm

we the Anishnaabe/ Ojibway/ chippewas people have been here for thousands of years our stories are just as old too, it is not with the Vikings. we have our stories and sometimes it wasn't respectful/ customary to talk about the little people to others or our other stories we have, depends on what the story is to be shared, no disrespect but that's the way it is in my culture

Stel

11/11/2018 11:59:47 am

Dif cultures dif language,but a common thread,is that most cultures have similar legends because these mythic creatures are universal
Agreed with can't share or talk about the little people with anyone

Oats

11/13/2018 07:38:27 am

As a child i grew up playong with them...i have very vague memories of the encounters ...but i remember them ...somethings you just dont forget and reading this is soo true

warren

11/13/2018 01:17:58 pm

I found their little firepit before on one of the islands surrounding wikwemikong..they were watchin the lunar eclipse the nighjt before...it was really something special to see

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Little People

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This page is maintained by indigenous scholars, educators, and researchers to provide information about indigenous people and stories about the history, culture, and communities of the Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, and the Prairie Provinces of Canada.