Glooskap is an Abenaki culture hero who helped bring the arts of civilization to the Abenakis after they were created. A protector of humans, Glooskap was able to speak with animals and could transform them into more benevolent creatures. Glooskap also had the ability to change the landscape to make it more habitable for the Abenakis, who once occupied the region of the present-day northeastern United States and maritime Canada. While Glooskap can also be understood as a trickster figure, he always protected humans and restored balance within the community.
The story of the origin of Glooskap varies, but two versions are well known. In one version, the Great Spirit finished creating the world, the plants, and the animals, and prepared to make the human race. The Great Spirit rubbed his hands together and the dust and matter that fell to the ground began to form. Glooskap came into being by himself and then remained behind to watch over the Abenaki people. First, Glooskap gathered the animals together so that he could ask them not to harm the people of the world. At this meeting many of the animals agreed not to attack humans without reason. However, a large and intimidating squirrel became unruly and refused. Glooskap had the power to transform animals, and he ensured that the squirrel would not endanger the safety of the newly created human race by shrinking it to a less-threatening size. In this version of the story, Glooskap also had the power to change the shape and layout of the landscape to protect humans.
In another version of the origin story, an Abenaki woman died shortly after giving birth to Glooskap, a baby with extraordinary powers. Now an orphan, Glooskap was raised along with his brother by his grandmother, Woodchuck. Since there are many versions of Glooskap’s creation, some stories assert that Glooskap had a brother or brothers and others do not. However, in almost all of the versions, Glooskap was raised or counseled by Woodchuck, an elderly grandmother figure who kept Glooskap on a humble path. Woodchuck was also able to tell Glooskap the concerns of the Abenaki community.
Other stories suggest that Glooskap is actually the son of the Creator himself. Using his magical powers, Glooskap was able to help create humans and then changed animals and the landscape to fit the people that were wandering the land. In this version of the story, Glooskap had a twin named Malsumis who was the opposite of Glooskap. While Glooskap was benevolent, kind, and sought to better the world, his brother Malsumis was an evil being who continues to cause strife and bring harm upon humans.
Regardless of his origins, Glooskap is considered to be a great hero among the Abenakis because they needed guidance on how to live their lives. Glooskap became an educator who taught the people different aspects of civilization, such as how to use plants for food and medicine. However, Glooskap was also a trickster figure and played jokes to teach lessons. Despite these tendencies, Glooskap was righteous and committed to his role within the community. Glooskap remained a bachelor and did not chase after women, and stories do not mention Glooskap marrying or having any children.
Glooskap’s name means “liar,” which hints at his trickster ways, because he once lied about his weaknesses to an evil spirit (in some stories the spirit is identified as his brother). The evil spirit had a plan to murder him but did not know Glooskap’s weakness. Because Glooskap was always honest, the evil spirit thought that Glooskap would surrender the information, but Glooskap saw through the plan. Instead, Glooskap lied and was able to get away without being murdered. While being a liar is a negative attribute in Abenaki culture, it is acceptable in rare circumstances when used to protect one’s life or community.
During his travels, Glooskap is known to have come across a large eagle that was distressing the Abenaki people. When this large eagle beat its wings in flight, they would create a dangerous wind. The winds continued for days before Glooskap came to the aid of the community. After climbing to the top of a mountain, Glooskap reached out for the giant bird and caught it. Holding the eagle’s wings down, Glooskap transformed the eagle into a smaller bird that would still be majestic, but would not create the kind of winds that could devastate crops and homes. Similar stories depict Glooskap going to communities and responding to the needs of the people and completing other heroic tasks along the way.
Michelle Nicole Boyer
See also Azeban; Corn Hero; Culture Heroes of the Native Americans; Iktomi; Napi; Tricksters, Native American
Further Reading
Bruchac, Joseph. 1988. The Faithful Hunter: Abenaki Stories. New York: Greenfield Review Press.
Bruchac, Joseph. 1990. Gluskabe Stories. Cambridge: Yellow Moon Press.
Runningwolf, Michael B., and Patricia Clark Smith. 2000. On the Trail of Elder Brother: Glous’gap Stories of the Micmac Indians. New York: Persea.
Tsonakwa, Gerard Rancourt, and Wapita’ska Yolai’kia. 2001. Seven Eyes, Seven Legs: Supernatural Stories of the Abenaki. Walnut, CA: Kiva.