The Sea Panther of Lake Superior

Also, looking back on the chaos of 2024 and thinking of a calm 2025.

WHAT ARE WE DISCOVERING THIS MONTH?

• Wrapping up 2024!

• Mishipeshu

We are just about to the end of the year. How did that happen? It’s been a roller coaster of a year for me with some great high and nasty lows. Hubby is still job hunting. He had a few promising nibbles and one that was a huge scam. If you are job hunting online, watch out for people trying to steal your money. I gotta do a bit of thinking about how to approach 2025 and keep what little sanity I have.

Are you a first time visitor to Twisting the Myths? Join me and over 500 myth hunters to discover more mysteries and monsters like the one below, enjoy a quick tale, or get inspired.

In my opinion, you can not talk about Michigan without discussing the native people who have lived here much, much longer. The cultures and histories are rich with fascinating events that range from uplifting to tragic. But they are also full of mythical beings and creatures that are fascinating to learn about.

Mishipeshu: The Sea Panther of Lake Superior

This powerful creature is part of many mythical traditions of Native American tribes of the Great Lakes regions in American and Canada like the Anishinaabe, the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi tribes. The Cree tribe also have a version of the creature. Often called an underwater panther, the direction translation is “The Great Lynx”. This cryptid is said to leave near Manitoulin Island and Michipicoten in Lake Superior. It is considered a symbol of Lake Superior’s power. Mishipeshu is able to cause storms, whirlwinds, and massive waves when angered. If you invoke Mishipeshu’s anger, you are not doomed. An offering of tobacco is said to calm the mighty beast.

Photo by Robert Sachowski on Unsplash

Mishipeshu is said to be made up of many different animals. The head and paws of an enormous cat. Horns of a bison. Sometimes the body is scaly like a snake and other times it is feathered. Spikes along the back and on the tail. His size can vary depending on who you talk to. Some say the size is that of a lynx or mountain lion and others declare he is unfathomably large. Whatever the case, Mishipeshu is a sight to behold.

If you cross paths.

DEADLY ENCOUNTERS

There are few stories of encounters with Mishipeshu. One came from a Jesuit missionary. He told of four Ojibwas who had embarked on a journey to Mishipeshu’s home. They had planned to take some copper and bring it back to their tribes to use to heat water. But as they left in their canoe, Mishipeshu came after them, growling and accusing them of stealing the playthings of his children. Only one survived long enough to tell the tale to others before dying.

Another harrowing tale tells of a man who fell overboard in 1897 and was attacked by a beast that coiled around him like a snake. It squeezed him in the same manner as a constrictor would. His fellow crew mates could do nothing but watch in horror. The man was able to escape and get back on the ship, shaken, but alive.

Mishipeshu is an important part of Michigan’s Native history and culture. You can find his image in bead work, pottery, and other Native artwork. He tells of the power of Lake Superior. He is a creature to be respected. And maybe feared.

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE LEGEND OF MISHIPESHU?

Do you find Mishipshu as fascinating as I do? Do you have any local Native legends where you live?

My next email will drop on the 20th. Since Christmas is around the corner, I decided to schedule the story a week early as I’m sure most everyone will be busy the next week. Keep your eyes peeled because I will be sharing a special vampy Christmas story!

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Thank you for reading.

Until next time, stay spooked!

~Patricia J.L.