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Native American Legends: Gwelab'hot (Turn Over)
Name: Gwelab'hot
Tribal affiliation: Wabanaki
Alternate spellings: Gwelahb'hot, Gwelhb'hot, Gwelebat, Gwelebato, Kelphit, Koolpejot, Gulbajut, Kulpajut, Kulpujot, Cool-puj-ot, Kjoolput
Pronunciation: Varies by language. In Penobscot, his name is pronounced gwuh-luh-bott.
Also known as: Turn Over, Father of Medicine
Type: Nature spirit,
herbs
Gwelab'hot was a medicine child
born to a Wabanaki maiden after she swallowed a magical root. His Penobscot name means "Turn Over," and
he is sometimes known by this English name, or as Father of Medicine. He cured the sick and taught the people
the secrets of herbalism. In the Mi'kmaq tribe, Turn Over is also associated with the changing of the seasons.
Gwelab'hot Stories
Arrowhead Finger:
Penobscot story of Gwelab'hot and his mother.
Origin of the Medicine Man:
Passamaquoddy legends about Turn Over.
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
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Giants of the Dawnland:
A good collection of Wabanaki legends told by a Penobscot Indian author.
Seven Eyes, Seven Legs:
Another good book of myths and folktales, told and illustrated by an Abenaki author.
Turtle Island: Tales of the Algonquian Nations:
Anthology of legends from the Penobscot and other Algonquian tribes.
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Additional Resources
Mi'kmaq legends
Micmac language
Micmac Indians
Wabanaki
Indian tribes in Maine
Woodland
Algonquian translation
Learn more about the Mi'kmaq people
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