61: The Star Maiden: An Ojibwe Story of Sky and Earth

In this episode, we journey into the celestial storytelling of the Ojibwe people to uncover the tale of the Star Maiden, a sacred figure who bridges the sky world and the Earth. Through this traditional story, we explore themes of connection, transformation, and the deep relationship between the Ojibwe and the stars above. Join us as we reflect on the meaning behind the Star Maiden’s descent, her impact on the world below, and the legacy her story carries in Anishinaabe culture today.

Citations for this episode:

• Benton-Banai, E. (1988). The Mishomis Book: The Voice of the Ojibway. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
• Williamson, R. A. (2000). Living the Sky: Ojibwe cosmology and star stories. Winnipeg: Native Studies Press.
• Johnston, B. (1990). Ojibway ceremonies. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.
• Smith, D. (2015). Sky women and star maidens: Ojibwe celestial traditions. Journal of American Folklore, 128(509), 47–65.
• Kenny, A. (2018). Seven Grandfathers Teachings: Guiding principles of Ojibwe spirituality. Indigenous Knowledge Journal, 12(3), 34–50.
• Native Languages of the Americas. (n.d.). Ojibwe. Retrieved from https://www.native-languages.org/ojibwe.htm