THE THUNDERERS AND THE ORIGIN OF FIRE
Menomini
WHEN the Great Mystery created the earth, he made also many manidos. Those of animal form were People of the Underground, and evil. But the bird manidos were Eagles and Hawks. They were the Thunderers. The golden eagle was the Thunder-which-no-one-could-see.
Now when Masha Manido, the Good Mystery, saw that Bear was still an animal, he permitted him to change his form. Thus Bear became an Indian, with light skin. All this happened near Menomini River, near where it empties into Green Bay. At this place also Bear first came out of the ground.
Bear found himself alone, so he called to Eagle, “Ho, Eagle! come to me and be my brother.” So Eagle came down to earth and became an Indian.
While the Thunderers stood there, Beaver came near. Now as Beaver was a woman, she became a younger brother of the Thunderers. Soon after, as Bear and Eagle stood on a river bank, they saw a stranger, Sturgeon. They called to him. Therefore Sturgeon became Bear’s younger brother and his servant. So also Elk was adopted by the Thunderers. He became a younger brother and water carrier.
At another time, Bear was going up Wisconsin River and sat down to rest. Out from beneath a waterfall came Wolf.
Wolf said, “What are you doing in this place?”
Bear said, “I am traveling to the source of the river. I am resting.”
Just then Crane came flying by. Bear called, “Ho, Crane. Carry me to my people at the head of the river. Then will I make you my younger brother.”