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Sarah Dunnell/ “May”
Molly Molasses (or Molly Pelagie) was a famous Penobscot elder who lived from 1775-1867. She was known for her powers as a medicine woman as well as her courage and strength. Among her people, she was believed to have m’teoulin, a magical force that gives one the power to help the sick and needy and to defend against one’s enemies. Molly was married to John Neptune, a “second chief” to the Penobscot nation. Molly Ayer is named after her.
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Molly Molasses Character Timeline in Orphan Train
The timeline below shows where the character Molly Molasses appears in Orphan Train. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 20: Spruce Harbor, Maine, 2011
...culture of the Penobscot tribe [a part of the Wabanaki confederacy]. She was named for Molly Molasses , a Penobscot elder attributed with m’teoulin, a magic that helped her protect her people....
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Chapter 26: Spruce Harbor, Maine, 2011
...the politics of modern Native Americans. Megan tells Molly it’s “cool” that she’s Indian “like Molly Molasses .”
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