Maushop

Maushop (sometimes Moshup) is a mythical hero and giant from Wampanoag folklore. He is said to have several companions, including a giant frog and his wife Granny Squannit.

Mythology

Like most myths, Maushop served as an explanation for geographical locations. According to legend, he came from Cape Cod (Specifically Aquinnah) and lived there from before the Wampanoag. Maushop was so large that his diet consisted mainly of whales. In order to catch them, he would throw boulders into the water in order to make stepping stones. During a celebration, he emptied the ashes of his pipe into the ocean, which became Nantucket.[1]

At one point, a crab bites his toe causing him to stomp around, leaving large footprints in the ground. Moshup's Rock is named after this story, before Christian missionaries renamed it to "Devil's Footprint" as a part of their demonization tribal traditions.[2]

Maushop was seen as a provider for the Wampanoag, teaching them how to hunt and fish. The Wampanoag apparently became too reliant on him, so he left in order for them to learn how to survive on their own.[3]

References
  1. "Moshup the Giant - A Wampanoag Legend". www.firstpeople.us.
  2. "Moshup The Giant | Mohegan Tribe Story | The Mohegan Tribe". www.mohegan.nsn.us.
  3. "The Circle of Life and the Clambake | Learning to Give". www.learningtogive.org.


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