Tradition: Wabanaki Mythology, American Mythology
Alternative Names: Aglabemu, Akwulabemu, Aglebemoo, Hahk-lee-be-mo, Ablegemoo, Ablegemu, Mitche-hant, Kci Cekolhs, Kci-Coqols, Giant Frog, Monster Frog
Category: Frog
The Myth
Aglebemu is a gigantic frog-like monster from the traditions of the Penobscot, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy peoples. Known as the Giant Frog or Monster Frog, it is associated with great lakes and rivers. Its immense size and supernatural power allow it to obstruct entire waterways, making it a dangerous creature capable of bringing disaster to the surrounding lands.
In one of the creature’s most notorious deeds, Aglebemu dammed a great river, often identified as either the St. John River or the Penobscot River. By blocking the flow of water, the monster caused the river to run dry and brought a devastating drought upon the land. The people suffered as the water disappeared, and the creature’s power threatened their survival.
The culture hero Glooskap eventually confronted and defeated Aglebemu, ending the threat it posed to the river and the surrounding people. After its defeat, the enormous monster was transformed into an ordinary bullfrog. Some traditions call the creature Kci Cekolhs or Kci-Coqols, meaning Giant Frog, while Mitche-hant is a broader name meaning evil creature that can refer to various monsters.
Sources
“Aglebemu: The Giant Frog.” Native Languages of the Americas. https://www.native-languages.org/aglebemu.htm