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Native American Legends: Mandaamin (Mondamin)

Name: Mandaamin
Tribal affiliation: Ojibwa, Potawatomi
Alternate spellings: Mandamin, Mondawmin, Mondamin, Mandamin, Mandaamin, Mon-daw-min, Monda'min, Medamin, Ndamin, Taamin, Taaman
Pronunciation: mun-dah-min
Also known as: Corn Man, Corn Father
Type: Corn spirit
Related figures in other tribes: First Mother (Wabanaki), Selu (Cherokee), Mother Corn (Arikara), Unknown Woman (Choctaw)

 In Anishinabe tradition, Mandaamin is the spirit of the corn. Unlike corn spirits in most Algonquian tribes, Mandaamin is usually portrayed as male. In most legends Mandaamin sacrifices himself to bring corn to the people, but in some Potawatomi versions, he marries First Woman and becomes the father of humankind. The name Mandaamin literally means "Corn."

Mandaamin Stories

*Wunzh, Father of Indian Corn * Mon-Daw-Min and the Corn * Mondawmin:
    Three variants of the legend of Mondawmin, spirit of the corn, and how he sacrificed himself to the Ojibwe people.
*Taaman, the Maize Bridegroom * Mandamin and the Origin of Corn:
    Potawatomi versions of the corn legend in which Mandamin becomes the husband of First Woman.

Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
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Ojibway Tales:
    A good collection of traditional folktales retold by an Ojibway author.
The Mishomis Book: Voice of the Ojibway:
    Excellent book by a Native author exploring Ojibway legends and traditions.
Algonquian Spirit:
    Excellent anthology of stories, songs, and oral history from the Ojibwe and other Algonquian tribes.

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Additional Resources

 Anishinaabe mythology
 Chippewa tribe
 Potawatomi Indians
 Minnesota languages
 Eastern Woodlands food
 Algic



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