THE LEGEND OF CORN (OJIBWAY)

An Ojibway legend that tells how the Great Manitou sent Mandamin—corn—to keep the Indian people from hunger. This is the story of how Zhomin was raised after his parents died in a terrible storm. He became an excellent hunter and fisherman, and learned to value effort, endurance, and perseverance, to kill only for food, and to understand that everything in nature is sacred. When Zhomin was a grown man, a stranger arrived one day and challenged the strongest warrior to a duel. Zhomin resolved to face whatever might lie ahead, and painted his face with the sign meaning that he would not utter a sound if hurt. But Zhomin was the victor, and from the stranger’s grave came a plant. The stranger had chosen to give his life and then be reborn as corn for the good of the people, and as a reward for obedience. (26 minutes)