The Creation

The Creation Story of Kitche Manitou
(The Great Spirit) of the Ojibwe

Out of nothing he made rock, water, fire, and wind. Into each he
breathed the breath of life. On each he bestowed with his breath a
different essence and nature. Each substance had its own power
which became its soul-spirit.
From these four substances Kitche Manitou created the physical
world of sun, stars, moon and earth.
Then Kitche Manitou made the plant beings. These were four
kinds: flowers, grasses, trees and vegetables. To each he gave a
spirit of life, growth, healing and beauty. Each he placed where it
would be most beneficial, and lend to earth the greatest beauty
and harmony and order.
After plants, Kitche Manitou created animal beings conferring on
each special powers and natures. There were two-leggeds, four-
leggeds, wingeds and swimmers.
Last of al he made man. Though last in order of creation, least in
the order of dependence, and weakest in bodily powers, man had
the greatest gift, the power to dream.
Kitche Manitou then made The Great Laws of Nature for the well
being and harmony of al things and al creatures. The Great Laws
governed the place and movement of sun, moon, earth and stars;
governed the powers of wind, water, fire and rock; governed the
rhythm and continuity of life, birth, growth and decay. All things
lived and worked by these laws.
Adapted from Basil Johnston: Ojibway Heritage: The ceremonies, rituals, songs,
dances, prayers and legends of the Ojibway. McCleland and Stewart 1976,
reprinted 1998; Toronto.
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