Grand Portage is a historical site located in Minnesota, United States. It holds great significance in Native American history and has been a hub of trade and cultural exchange for centuries. One interesting aspect of Grand Portage is the legend of the witch trew. According to local folklore, the witch trew was a powerful and enigmatic figure who roamed the wilderness around Grand Portage. It is said that she possessed magical abilities and could shape-shift into various animal forms. The witch trew was feared by many, as she was believed to have the ability to bring misfortune and sickness upon those who crossed her path.
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The witch trew was feared by many, as she was believed to have the ability to bring misfortune and sickness upon those who crossed her path. The legend of the witch trew has deep roots in the Ojibwe culture, as it is believed that she was an ancient Ojibwe spirit. The Ojibwe people had a complex relationship with the witch trew, often seeking her guidance and protection, while also fearing her powers.
Spirit of Lake Superior
On Hat Point along the northwest shore of Lake Superior stands a gnarled elder of the Grand Portage Band of Minnesota’s Ojibwe people: Manido Gee-zhi gance, Spirit Little Cedar Tree. To reach it, one must pass through a grove shrouded by old man’s beard, an ethereal, light-green lichen. The lichen is “very sensitive to air pollution, so we’re happy that it grows so well here,” says Seth Moore, wildlife biologist for the Grand Portage Band.
At the bottom of a steep trail waits the tribe’s sentinel, a northern white cedar, or arborvitae, in which a spirit is said to dwell. The species, Thuja occidentalis, grows slowly on cliff faces and in northern swamp forests. The earliest written record of this aged specimen is from the French Canadian explorer Sieur de la Vérendrye in 1731, who called it a mature cedar at the time.
The Witch Tree, as it was later named, likely began life in a fissure in the granite rock that lines the lake. There it survived gales, ice floes, and blizzards—for a time. Then an unknown event, perhaps a lightning strike, damaged the tree’s crown but left its main root alive. A root sprout arose, entwining the original trunk.
As the rock fissure in which the cedar grew slowly weathered, a deep path cracked open. The tree’s roots followed, extending into the lake. Manido Gee-zhi-gance became halfland, half-water. Beneath the surface, fish dart among the roots. Above the waves, the tree’s branches offer a safe haven to the eagle and the raven.
“When you go to the Witch Tree,” says Don Hoaglund, a Grand Portage Band member, “you’re stepping into a different world.” The tree was the sacred ground for prayers for a safe crossing of Lake Superior and for fishing success, writes Timothy Cochrane in Minong—The Good Place: Ojibwe and Isle Royale. Offerings of tobacco and ribbon—and earlier, vermilion—were placed in its tortuous branches. The gifts, it was hoped, would appease Mishipizheu, the Underwater Lynx. Mishipizheu, the Ojibwe whispered, dwelled in a lair in the lake’s depths. The tradition continues today. Visitors—who must be accompanied by a member of the Grand Portage Band—leave tokens in the tree’s arms.
For all its powers, the Witch Tree nearly met its end some thirty years ago: its rocky promontory, which was in private hands, came up for sale. “The guy who owned the land had a little shack where he used to sell souvenirs of the tree,” says Hoaglund. "People were taking pieces of it, destroying the Spirit Tree little by little.”
Hoaglund and fellow band member Bill Corcoran teamed up with Rick Novitsky, then-director of the Grand Portage Band’s natural resources department, to rescue the tree. Forming the “Friends of the Witch Tree,” they raised $85,000 to purchase the land. The last payment was made in May 1990. “We had to save it,” says Novitsky. “It embodies the determination and resilience of the Ojibwe people.”
Where there is life, however wizened, there remains spirit.
Wayswaugoing Bay Overlook
It is said that the witch trew used her magic to assist those who showed her respect and lived in harmony with the natural world, but she could also be vengeful towards those who disrespected her or caused harm to the land. Many stories and myths have been passed down through generations about encounters with the witch trew. Some claim to have seen her in the form of a wolf, while others say she appeared as a tall woman with piercing eyes and a cloak made of animal hides. It is believed that she would often test the character and integrity of individuals who ventured into her territory, and those who passed her tests would receive her favor and protection. The legend of the witch trew serves as a reminder of the deep spiritual connection Native American tribes had with the natural world. It highlights the reverence and respect they had for nature and the belief in powerful spirits that inhabited the land. Even to this day, the story of the witch trew continues to be passed down in the Ojibwe community, ensuring that the ancient traditions and beliefs are preserved. Grand Portage holds a special place in Native American history, and the legend of the witch trew adds to its mystique. This historical site not only represents the rich cultural heritage of the Ojibwe people but also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of folklore and mythology..
Reviews for "The Grand Portage Witch Trew: A Witchcraft Legacy"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I found "Grand Portage Witch Trew" to be incredibly boring and slow-paced. The storyline lacked depth, and the characters were not well-developed. The writing style was also quite repetitive, with the same descriptions and phrases being used over and over again. Overall, I was highly disappointed and would not recommend this book to others.
2. Mark - 2 stars - "Grand Portage Witch Trew" left me feeling underwhelmed. The plot seemed promising at first, but it quickly lost its momentum and failed to hold my interest. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. I also found the pacing to be inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, I was expecting more from this book and was left feeling unsatisfied.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Grand Portage Witch Trew," but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The writing style was confusing at times, making it hard to follow the story. The characters lacked depth and were quite one-dimensional. The plot was also predictable, and I found myself guessing the outcomes long before they happened. While the concept had potential, the execution fell flat, and I was left feeling disappointed.
4. Alex - 1 star - I struggled to finish "Grand Portage Witch Trew" as I found the writing style to be pretentious and overly flowery. The author seemed to prioritize descriptive language over substance, which made the storyline meandering and uninteresting. The characters were forgettable, and I had a hard time connecting with any of them. Overall, I regretted picking up this book and would not recommend it to others.
5. Emily - 2 stars - "Grand Portage Witch Trew" had an intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The pacing was slow for most of the book, and the action scenes were few and far between. The characters lacked depth, and I found it difficult to care about their fates. The world-building also felt incomplete, leaving many questions unanswered. While there were some interesting elements, overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this book.