Legend of Passaconaway

Legend of Passaconaway

The Passaconaway Legend has many different variations. Some of the variations of the Legend of Passaconaway are below but there have been many stories and legends of Passaconway who was known to be not only a genius, but a giant who had many magical powers.

Passaconaway, The Bashaba (Chief of Chiefs), was chief of the Pennacook Indian Tribe. Passaconaway was born between 1550’s and 1570’s and said to have died around 1679 at nearly 120 years old. Having been known as other names such as “Papisse Conewa”, his native name which meant “Son of the Bear” and later in life he was sometimes called “St. Aspenquid.” Passaconaway’s grandson was named Kancamagus, which is how the Kancamagus Highway got its name.

Legend of Passaconaway #1: Passaconaway possessed magical powers and could make water burn, make dead vegetation alive again and even dead animals return to life. Passaconaway is attributed with creating the bare peak “The Old Horn” of Mt. Chocorua. It is said that Passaconaway started a forest fire that made the peak of Mt. Chocorua bare and to never grow vegetation again. The reason for Passaconaway’s destruction was unknown in the legend.

Legend of Passaconaway #2: Passaconaway, led by a pack of wild animals (wolves) sped across the ice over Lake Winnipesaukee and to Mt. Washington, where he was quickly whisked up the mountain side so fast that he was launched into the sky in a ball of fire. Passaconaway was never seen again. Indian tribes believed that he had gone to heaven.