Mishepishu

Mishepishu is a horned water spirit from North America’s Great Lakes region. He lives at the bottom of rivers and lakes. If Mishepishu was an Asian or European spirit, he would automatically be classified as a water dragon. Mishepishu must be propitiated and appeased so he won’t cause storms or sink boats.

Mishepishu is the guardian of copper. He punishes those who collect copper without obtaining his permission. However, he sometimes does allow people to cut copper from his horns. Hunters invoke Mishepishu’s assistance via copper charms. (The charms are then ritually destroyed.)

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Mishupishu

ORIGIN:

Cree, Ojibwa

CLASSIFICATION:

Manitou

MANIFESTATION:

Mishepishu is described as having a cat-like face. His horns are copper.

ICONOGRAPHY:

Mishepishu appears on rock paintings. Traders and merchants learned that the Native people north of the Great Lakes liked guns with brass side plates ornamented with images of dragons—they interpreted these as Mishepishu.

OFFERING:

Tobacco

SEE ALSO:

• Manitou

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.