Indian languages * Indian cultures * Native ancestry

Native American Legends: Michabo (Michabou), the Great Hare

Name: Michabo
Also spelled: Mishàbòz, Michabou, Michabous, Michaboo, Mishabo, Michebo, Messou, Missabos, Misabos, Misabooz, Missiwabun, Messon
Tribal affiliation: Algonquins, Menominee
Pronunciation: In Algonquin, the name is pronounced mih-shah-boze. The Anglicized version is usually pronounced mih-chah-bo.
Also known as: The Great Hare, Michabo Ovisaketchak
Type: Culture hero, rabbit

In Algonquin mythology, Michabo is another aspect of the culture hero Nanabozho. Nanabozho is associated with rabbits in all the Anishinabe cultures (having first appeared to his grandmother in the form of a rabbit), but in Algonquin legends-- especially in folktales and children's stories-- he often goes off on adventures in the actual form of a rabbit, known by the name "Michabo" or "Michabou" (which comes from the Algonquin word for "Great Rabbit.") In some Algonquin communities, the name "Michabo" is used interchangeably with "Nanabozho" even when the demigod is in human form.

Michabo Stories

Michabo and the Muskrat:
    Algonquin legend about Michabo rebuilding the earth after a flood.
About The Algonquin Myth of Michabo:
    Anthropology article analyzing the Algonquin Michabou legends.

Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
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Great Rabbit and the Long-Tailed Wildcat:
    Children's book illustrating an Algonquin legend about Wildcat unwisely picking a fight with Michabo.
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 Anishinabe and related tribes.

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Additional Resources

 Algonquian legends
 Algonquin language
 Menomini language
 Menominee Indian tribe
 Ontario tribes
 Northeastern languages
 Algonquian word list



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