On the Trail of Elder Brother: Glous'gap Stories of the Micmac Indians

by Patricia Clark Smith, Patricia Clark Smith

Stories of Glous'gap, the embodiment of the Great Spirit, are told by the many Algonquin tribes of North America--from the Dakotas through New England, and south to Delaware. Among them is the Micmac of Maine, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces. Since the seventeenth century, anthropologists have listened to Micmac storytellers and recorded their tales. Finally, here is a book devoted entirely to Glous'gap's adventures, told to us firsthand in the traditional Micmac versions by two Micmac authors.

On the Trail of Elder Brother follows Glous'gap during the time he lived among the Micmac. When he arrives, the earth is barely formed. Glous'gap helps to shape it and populate it with creatures and plants. He teaches his people the right way to live, and how to live together harmoniously in the natural world. He battles the monsters who threaten them--a water-hoarding monster, a fearsome lake serpent, a giant bird of prey, and an evil sorceress, among them. By the time he leaves, the world has become a more settled place.


With their pipe-smoking whales, irascible porcupines, witches, and the like, these stories are wondrous and magical. But they are also wise, immersed in what it means to be fully human in a fragile world. The sixteen accompanying pen-and-ink drawings enhance their appeal. Every reader, from the uninitiated to the specialist, will fall under the spell of this powerful, joy-filled volume.

Genres: Native American, Mythology

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2000

Reviews

[Ashley Knight]

I’ve been reading this to my son after finding out we are ancestors of the Micmac people. The stories were so beautiful! Reading this along with teaching my son about our home state of Maine gives us both a good look at the land as it was during the time our Native ancestors lived. I think my son will be reading this one again on his own. He had a lot of fun hearing each story about how the mighty Glous’gap created all beings and helped man live amounts each other and with the land.

[Ruth York]

I didn't enjoy this book of Native American stories quite as much as others I've read recently. But it was still good enough for me to give 4 stars. This book was made up entirely of stories about Glous'gap, the Great Spirit. Some of the stories had obvious morals, told with humor. Others were darker. But overall, very nice. I enjoy reading traditional stories of various Native American tribes.