Native American Legends
How Glooskap became friendly to the Loons, and made them his messengers
A Micmac Legend
When Glooskap, was pursuing Win-pe, he one day on Uktukamkw saw
from afar flying over water the Kwe-moo, or Loons. And thrice did
their chief make the circle of the lake, coming near to the land
of men and beasts every time, as if he would fain seek somewhat.
Then Glooskap asking him what he wanted, Kwe-moo replied that he
would be his servant and friend. So Glooskap taught him a strange
long cry like the howl of a dog, and when the loons were in need
of him or would pray to him they were to utter this cry.
And it came to pass that when he was in Newfoundland he came to
an Indian town, and they who dwelt therein were all Kwee-moo-uk,
or Loons. And they, as men, were exceeding glad to see their lord,
who had blessed them as birds, and did their best to please him.
So he made them his huntsmen and messengers, and in all the tales
of Glooskap the Kweemoo ever appears as faithful to him. Whence
to this day, when the Indians hear the cry of the Loon, they say,
"Kwemoo el-komik-too-ajul Gloocapal" (He is calling upon
Glooskap).
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