Kitchi-Gami by Johann Georg Kohl

Author:Johann Georg Kohl [Kohl, Johann Georg]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780873516761
Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press
Published: 2009-08-31T22:00:00+00:00

“Listen, now,” he said, “and see. This is the earth (A, a rectangular parallelogram). On the earth God has planted his law, like a tree straight upwards, or like a path straight forward. Some wander the right path (B), but many get on to the side-paths of the lane (a a a a). These run into the desert.

“When men die, they all go, after death, along the path of souls (C). On the centre of this path (at D) thou seest the strawberry lying on one side. It is extraordinarily large, and is said to taste very sweet. A man stands by it, who invites all passers-by to taste it. But they must not accept it, for whatever soul does so is lost at once. Those that resist continue their journey prosperously till they come near paradise. It is altogether a journey of from three to four days. Then a large broad river bars the way. Over it there is no regular bridge. Something that looks like a great tree-stump lies across it. Its roots are firmly fastened on the opposite shore. On this side it raises its head, but it does not reach quite to the land. There is a small gap, over which the souls must hop. The log, too, is constantly shaking. Most of the souls spring across, balance themselves properly, and save themselves. Those, however, that jump short, or slip off the bridge, fall into the water, and are converted into toads or fishes. Hence it is not good when the deceased are bound to a board, for otherwise they might move freely, and, perchance, save themselves by swimming. If fastened to a board, they can be easily carried down with the stream. Little children, too, fare very badly here, because they are not good jumpers, and so they perish in great numbers at the bridge. Hence our mothers can never be consoled when their children die before the time when they could help themselves along the road to paradise.

“Paradise (Wakui, or Wakwi) was made by Menaboju.* He aided the Great Spirit in the creation of the world, and at first neither of them thought of a Paradise. Men, such was their decree, should be happy on this earth, and find a satisfaction in this life. But, as the Evil Spirit interfered, and produced wickedness, illness, death, and misfortunes of every description among them, the poor souls wandered about, deserted and hopeless. When the Great Spirit saw this, He grieved for them, and ordered Menaboju to prepare a paradise for them in the west, where they might assemble. Menaboju made it very beautiful, and he was himself appointed to receive them there. They are always merry, happy, and contented there, play the drum the whole day, and dance. They live on a variety of mushroom, and a species of wood that resembles the phosphorescent wood that is seen shining in our forests.”

I. “Is there any hunting there?”

My Indian. “No, war and hunting are at an end.”

I.

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