Nabagon

            Legends and lore are a very significant part of any culture, especially those cultures with a history involving Native Americans. The legend of the Nabagon is one of those poignant stories worth telling.

            Legend tells us that Nabagon was a brave, young Ottawa Indian warrior who prized courage and valor; and was loved and respected by his tribe. Nabagon’s adventures were known by all those who knew him and his prowess was never in doubt.

            The young brave had an encounter with a panther that proved to be his demise. Nabagon saved a youngster from an attack by the panther. Nabagon was grievously wounded with deep cuts across his chest and back from the panther’s claws. Nabagon became feverish from the infection in his wounds. Nabagon died a few days after the attack from the infections.

            After the attack, the tribal chief asked the tribe prophet to pray to the Great Spirit to save Nabagon’s life. The following is the final part of the Nabagon legend: after the panther attack, the young brave helped Nabagon to his feet. Nabagon went to remove his tomahawk from the panther and it took all of his strength to remove the tomahawk. The legend states that it was the Great Spirit in the form of the panther trying to call Nabagon to the Great Spirit. For it is also stated that the body of the panther was never found and thus it was never killed.

            Days after the death of Nabagon a cliff (outcropping) of limestone took on the appearance of Nabagon; just as though he had posed for the carving. The tribe looked on his visage and knew that forever more he would stand as The Watcher to keep his tribe safe and those who would come after him.

Sources:

Holt, Pamela. The Legend of the Indian Head. Catawba Island Magazine, October 6, 2009.

Heinsen, Victoria King. Ghosts and Legends of Lake Erie's North Coast (OH) (Haunted America). August 2010.