Waazhask - The Story of the Muskrat

It’s said that a long time ago, the original people became out of balance. To cleanse the earth, a great flood came and washed away all the evil. Nanaboozhoo and the other animals saved themselves by resting on a giant log floating in the water. “I’ll swim to the bottom” exclaimed Nanaboozhoo, the trickster, “there I will find some earth, and create a new land for us all, with the help of the four winds and the Creator.” Deep he went, but only to return gasping for air. Great swimmers volunteered: Maang (Loon), Zhingibis (the Hell-diver), Nigig, the Otter, all tried and failed. At long last a soft muffled voice was heard: “I will try.” said Waazhask, the Muskrat. Many of the animals laughed, seeing that the Waazhask was puny and pitiful. But the little muskrat dove deep and was gone for a long time, until the animals gave up hope. Finally, his limp body came to the surface. Nanaboozhoo said, “Our little brother has gone too long without air and he is dead.” Only then did Nanaboozhoo looked inside the paw of the Waazhask and found was a small amount of Earth. Mikinak, the turtle, said, “Place this earth on my back and we will make a new land.”

So it is, that even if you are feeling pitiful you may do a great thing. And for those of us who may need that extra help in the morning or mid-day, the Muskrat, Waazhask, is one to consider as a good friend and example.