A basic reader of native Ojibwa myths of the Mackinac Straits region, with a special emphasis on Mackinac Island. This was the first book I read which got me started in this area of interest; even though it was years before I would pick up another book on the subject, this was influential in sparking my interest on the topic. It's not heavy reading, and would be good for younger readers (the references to cannibalism and violence are very tame and nothing more than would be found in any "monster" stories kids tell each other around a campfire), which is what made it best for me to read this at the time I did--when I was in elementary school and junior high. --- Contents include: 1. Birth Of The Island --- 2. Michibou & The First Man --- 3. Sugar Loaf Rock --- 4. Arch Rock --- 5. Devil's Kitchen --- 6. Devil's Lake --- 7. Skull Cave --- 8. Lover's Leap --- 9. The Giant's Fingers --- 10. The Voice Of The Great Turtle --- 11. The Summer Maker --- 12. The Seasons --- 13. The Corn Spirit --- 14. The Turtle Spirits --- 15. The Robin --- 16. The Raccoon & The Crawfish --- 17. The Whitefish --- 18. The Moose & The Woodpecker --- 19. The Golden Eagle

Getting a basic introduction to the myths that shaped the Mackinac Straits and Island region. Whereas most of the other books I've been reviewing have been about Ojibwa and Great Lakes Woodland mythology in general, this book focuses primarily on the island itself, and tells a few stories that can't be found in other, more general works.

The tales about the cannibal Geebis and about the Mitchi Manitou of Devil's Lake--these stories were the reason why I bought the book in the first place! It was interesting to see the exact stories that were once told about a place I visit so often.

There was nothing I seriously disliked, though I would have loved MORE stories focusing on the island. Seeing as there aren't a huge number of such stories in existence, the author of course had to "pad" the book with myths more general to Ojibwa belief. This could help introduce the first-time reader to a broader understanding of the subject, though. --- I also would have liked more tales regarding the local culture hero, Manabozho--he's only briefly utilized in this book--but then again, there are lots of stories about him elsewhere.

Write my own versions of these stories! In fact, that was somewhat what I did. I bought this book back when I first got into creating my own "legends of Manitou Island," my own fantasy version of Mackinac Island, and I found it highly inspiring. (I even included a few of the author's stories in my own collection, without permission but giving him full credit...shh!)

Inspired to live near such an area steeped in mythological tradition--yearly I can go and see some of the places which in this book were once the stomping grounds of giants, fairies, and all sorts of spirits! (And maybe still are!) This book also made me feel like WRITING!

Was Dirk Gringhuis, who also wrote (and illustrated) many other books about Mackinac Island and the Straits region. (I also recommend "Were-Wolves & Will-O-The-Wisps.") Unfortunately, Mr. Gringhuis passed away before I was even born.

Perhaps it can help inspire others as it inspired me, to learn yet more about both the northern Michigan region and Ojibwa mythology. As I said, it took quite a while for me to broaden my interests outside the island, but I owe all of that to this book for starters.

I have no real reason not to recommend it...unless you're just not interested in this subject!

This book is currently on "special order" at Amazon. You would do well to procure it from a northern Michigan bookstore if you find yourself in the area, as it's widely available up here; I bought my copy long ago at Old Mill Creek, which is part of the Mackinac State Historic Parks system. In fact, it looks like you can even order a copy straight through the Parks system itself: http://www.mackinacparks.com/books/books_113/lore-of-the-great-turtle/ --- I first gained my interest in Mackinac Island's myths through visits to their Haunted Theater or wax museum. Inside were displays featuring the "cannibal Gee-bees" and "Mitchi Manitou." I made up stories about these characters without even truly knowing who they were. When I discovered Gringhuis's book on a visit to Old Mill Creek with a friend, I was thrilled and just had to buy it; this helped me understand the actual stories behind these characters, and the two of us began writing our own stories about them. Years later, in 2001, I dusted off my old creation, Manitou Island, and began writing about it anew; around 2002-3, I decided I'd better start learning more about the mythology I was so ignorantly appropriating! I didn't even know it was Ojibwa mythology! I started looking into more indepth works not specific to the Mackinac Straits area, and didn't peek at Gringhuis's book for a long time, as it's a basic reader for beginners...but I still credit it for starting all this in the first place. Without this book, I might never have even realized there WAS a real mythology behind these characters. --- An additional note: I recently found a listing I'd made of the displays in the Haunted Theater and one of them sparked a memory of a drawing I'd seen in Gringhuis's book. I dug it out and looked at it for the first time in years. And BAM, there it was--a drawing almost exactly like the display I'd described. I'd never had ANY idea there even was a story associated with that display--the museum itself gave no description. Leave it to Gringhuis to teach me something new after all these years!

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Created Apr 30, 2006 at 9:38am • Submit your own review...