But the most remarkable point is
that the general immoral character of the Lox, [Footnote: The
coincidence of name amounts to nothing, as Lox is not, I believe, an
Indian word.] or Wolverine, is so much like that of Loki, consisting of
evil or mischief of the worst kind, always tempered by humor, which
provokes a laugh. Now to find a similar and very singular character
supported by several coincidences of incident is, if nothing more, at
least very remarkable.
Loki is fire, and Lox, when killed in another tale, is revived by heat.
He is carried off by the Culloo, or cloud, and let fall, typifying fire
or lightning coming from a cloud. Again, in another story he dies for
want of fire. And he twice dies by drowning; that is, the fire is
quenched by water.
In one of the Passamaquoddy versions of this tale, which is, though
less detailed, far superior in humor to the Micmac, the Loon is cheated
by his two nephews, the _Assoops_, a species of loon, who steal
the Weasels from him. He revenges himself, not by murdering, but by
merely frightening them. He fills a bladder with blood, puts it under
his shirt, and then stabs himself. They, thinking he is killed, lament,
when he grandly comes to life, and is regarded as a great magician.
_Of the Wolverine and the Wolves, or how Master Lox Froze to
Death._
(Passamaquoddy.)
Of old times it came to pass that Master Lox, the Wolverine, or Indian
Devil, he who was slain many times and as often rose from the dead, found
himself deeply down in luck; for he was crossing a wide and dismal heath
in winter-time, being but poorly provided in any way for travel.
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