G is for Grass vs. Hunters

We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Finding Resilience & Strength through Traditional Tales.

Grass –

From Ojibwe

There is a difference between grass and Whispering Grass. Besides the capitalization. Whispering Grass looks out for the animals and gives warning when hunters approach. If someone was to accidentally (or purposely) eat Whispering Grass, then they will not be able to find their mark when hunting.

The Ojibwe People is the most populous tribe of North America. Ojibwe is also seen as Chippewa, though Ojibwe is preferred. The land around the Great Lakes as well as much of the Northeastern part of the the continent was where they resided. There are many animals to hunt in this land of green and blue.

Whispering Grass must be extra diligent.

Gitche Manitou is a Great Spirit and Giver of Life. He is often sought by the animals for wisdom. He teaches where they can hide during different seasons. He does so much more. There are so many spellings for his name. See link under “Finding the Story” for alternate spellings.

50-word-or-less summary:

Whispering Grass warned Animals of Hunters. Summoned through butterflies. Saved! Hunters stayed. Double-checked if grass whispered. Ate grass. But was Whispering Grass. Cursed. Hit no game. Revenge! Animals sought Gitche Manitou. Take stones and form circle. Glowed but did not burn. Hunters afraid. Animals not protected from fire onward. Peace.

Finding the Story: 

Book “The Songs My Paddle Sings” with Story – here

Version of “The Whispering Grass” on Project Gutenberg – here

About Gitche Manitou (alternate spellings) – here

About Gitche Manitou from Wikipedia – here

Historic Fort Snelling and Ojibwe People – here

Finding Resilience & Strength:

Being constantly hunted automatically means that animals are strong and resilient. I do love that the butterflies served as messengers–back and forth–between the animals and Whispering Grass. Perhaps these butterflies are friends, parents, teachers, counselors, therapists, etc. Or perhaps you see Whispering Grass as all these roles. Yet, Whispering Grass has a divine role, or at least an advocate. Gitche Manitou is officially of a divine role here. Many people rely on faith to be strong and resilient and following what the Spirit shares within.

Here’s an article from the International Journal for Philosophy of Religion called “Faith and Resilience” to explore mental health and strategies.

Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See quick list of programs here.

As for our past A to Z Challenges…

While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been resilient and strong during these past years and looks forward to the next hybrid summit & festival on May 8-11, 2023. We would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival

Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Ashton Family Foundation; and people like you.