Epilogue: Nanaboozhoo's Journey of the Four Teachings

Having walked the earth with a heart full of questions, Nanaboozhoo had seen both the goodness and the foolishness of humankind. He had laughed and wept with the people. And he knew that for them to live in balance, they too needed to learn the teachings of the Four Directions.

So he climbed the tallest hill he could find, where the wind spoke in all directions, and he prayed to the spirits for guidance.

From the East, the spirit of Migizi—the eagle—came flying.

Migizi said, “I give you vision. The ability to see far, not just with your eyes, but with your heart. Carry the fire of seeking and the courage of new beginnings.”

Nanaboozhoo bowed his head. He placed the feather of Migizi in his bundle.

From the South, came Waawaashkeshi—the deer—stepping lightly through the tall grasses.

Waawaashkeshi said, “I give you gentleness. The blessing of softness in a hard world. Carry compassion for yourself and others.”

Nanaboozhoo placed a strand of deer fur into his pouch.

From the West, through the mist of the setting sun, came Makwa—the bear.

Makwa said, “I give you strength. The power to carry burdens and enter the cave of your own heart. Carry the teaching of healing and introspection.”

Nanaboozhoo pressed a claw of Makwa to his chest and tucked it into his medicine bag.

From the North, when all was still, came Ma’iingan—the wolf—emerging from the snow in silence.

Ma’iingan said, “I give you wisdom. The knowledge that comes from walking long with others. Carry loyalty, humility, and the way of the pack.”

Nanaboozhoo offered a song in return and added a tuft of wolf fur to his bundle.

With these four teachings—vision, compassion, healing, and wisdom—Nanaboozhoo descended the hill and returned to the people. He didn’t shout or boast. Instead, he walked with the spirit of each animal in his heart, teaching by the way he listened, laughed, wept, and walked.

And wherever his footsteps touched the earth, the people remembered: The journey is not just outward—it is a circle. 

To live well is to carry all four directions in balance, just as Nanaboozhoo did.