American Indian languages
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Native American Legends: Hare (Little Hare)
Name: Hare
Tribal affiliation: Ho-Chunk,
Iowa,
Omaha,
Ponca
Also known as: Little Hare
Native names: Wašjįge, Washjinge, Wash-ching-geka, Waščįgega, Wacjingega, Wacdjîgéga, Mischinye, Mastshingke, Woniŋhšiñe, Woniŋhšiŋe, Mashchíngeín
Pronunciation: varies by language; Wašjįge is pronounced wash-jin-gay
Type: Culture hero,
Trickster
Related figures in other tribes: Nanabozho (Ojibway),
Wiske (Fox),
Gluskabe (Wabanaki)
Hare, or Little Hare, is the culture hero and trickster figure of the central and southern Siouan tribes.
Names such as Washjinge or Mischinye literally mean "hare" or "little hare."
In many myths Hare was created by the Great Spirit specifically to teach humankind; in others, Hare
was the grandson of the earth or the son of the west wind. In some Hochunk legends, Hare is identified as
the son of the creator god
Earthmaker, and in the peyote religion, Hare was associated with Jesus.
Little Hare Stories
Some Adventures of the Little Hare:
Hochunk legends about Wash-Ching-Geka slaying monsters and exploring the countryside.
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
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Folklore of the Winnebago Tribe:
Good collection of Ho-Chunk legends and folktales.
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Additional Resources
Winnebago mythology
Ho-Chunk language
Ponca language
Omaha Indians
Wisconsin Native Americans
Woodland Indian tribes
Siouan language

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