ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the basis of Anishinaabe humor. It examines the comic tradition in Native American cultures as a whole to demonstrate that Anishinaabe culture is part of the rich comic tradition in Native American cultures. The comic vision, the mind of humor, can also form the basis for a number of other minds as well, including the mind of survival and the mind of healing, among others. Although not every element can be found in Anishinaabe myths, the comic vision as outlined by Morreall appears to be almost an exact description of those myths. Thus, Anishinaabe myths seem to invite a questioning of authority and tradition. Certainly, the existence of divergent versions of Anishinaabe myths would be evidence of divergent thinking in the comic vision of Anishinaabe religion. The comic vision is an integral part of Anishinaabe culture. The comic vision gives witness to and helps support the ongoing efforts by the Anishinaabeg to rebuild their world.
