The contest between the giant and the plover

Source
The Jessup North Pacific Expedition
edited by Franz Boas
Memoir of the American Museum
of Natural History – New York
Volume VIII
3. The Eskimo of Siberia
by Waldemar Bogoras
Leiden & New York, 1913

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► Themes of the story

Good vs. Evil: The narrative portrays a classic confrontation between two opposing forces—the formidable Giant and the seemingly insignificant Plover. This dichotomy underscores the universal struggle between might and perceived weakness.

Conflict with Nature: The story reflects a struggle against natural forces, with the Giant representing brute strength and the Plover symbolizing adaptability. Their contest signifies the broader human experience of confronting and navigating the challenges posed by nature.

Cunning and Deception: The Plover’s success is achieved through cleverness and strategic deception. By feigning vulnerability and then delivering a decisive blow, the Plover demonstrates how wit can triumph over sheer power.

► From the same Region or People

• North Asia
  • Yupik Lore

Learn more about the Yupik peoples

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Told by Ale’qat, an Asiatic Eskimo man, on St. Lawrence Island, May, 1901.

A Giant and a small Plover had a contest to ascertain which was the stronger. They took large stones. Plover said, “You throw first!” The Giant threw, and hit the Plover on the hip. The little bird just stretched its leg. Then he gathered a few berries of Empetrum nigrum (blackberry), and rubbed the wounded hip with their juice. After that the Plover threw the stone. He closed his eyes and then cast the stone. He hit the Giant and broke both his hips.

That is all.