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Native American Legends: Mikumwess (Mikm)
Name: Mikumwess
Tribal affiliation: Malécite,
Passamaquoddy,
Penobscot,
Micmac
Alternate spellings: Mikamwes, Mikumwes, Mikum-wasus, Mikumwasus, Mikomwasos,
Mihkomuwehs, Mihkomuwehsis, Migamawesu, Míkm, Mikmuwessu, Mi'kmuesu, Mikumwees, Megumooweso,
Megumoowesoo, Megumawessos, Mikumwessos, Mik'am, Mukmues, Mickamwes, Mikumwes, Mickemnise
Pronunciation: mee-kum-wess or mee-kum-oo-wess
Also known as: The plural form of their name is Mikumwesuk, Mikumwesuck, Mihkomuwehsok, Mikumwessuk,
Mekumwasuck, Mekumwasuk, Mihkomuwehsisok, Meckumasuck, Míkmwesúk, Mekemwasuk, Mikumweswak, etc.
Type: Little people,
nature spirits
Related figures in other tribes: Bagwajinini (Anishinabe),
Makiaweesug (Mohegan),
Paissa (Miami)
Mikumwesuk are little people like sprites or dwarves, said to be about as tall as a man's waist.
They are generally benevolent forest spirits
but can be dangerous if they are disrespected.
Some Maliseet traditions provide the Mikumwesuk with an origin story: they are the descendants of a tiny hero called
Mikumwesu, who was the brother and companion
of the culture hero Glooskap.
How Glooskap made a Magician of a Young Man:
In this Micmac story, Glooskap turns a man into a Mikumwes.
The Mournful Mystery of the Partridge-Witch:
Penobscot story of a young man who fell in love with a Mikumwess girl and died when he had to marry another.
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
Giants of the Dawnland:
A good collection of Wabanaki legends told by a Penobscot Indian author.
On the Trail of Elder Brother:
More traditional Wabanaki stories, told by a Mi'kmaq author and illustrator.
Algonquian Spirit:
Excellent anthology of stories, songs, and oral history from the Mi'kmaq and other Algonquian tribes.
The Deetkatoo:
Traditional tales about little people from the Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, and other Native American tribes.
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Additional Resources
Passamaquoddy mythology
Passamaquoddy Indians
Penobscot Indians
Micmac Indian tribe
New Brunswick language
Northeastern Native Americans
Algonquian dictionary
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Learn more about the Micmac tribe.
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Comanche games
Plains Indian moccasins
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Beadwork jewelry
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