A tale from Labrador

Source: 
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo 
by Henry Rink 
[William Blackwood and Sons] 
Edinburgh and London, 1875

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► Themes of the story

Supernatural Beings: Sikuliarsiujuitsok is depicted as a giant with extraordinary strength, capable of catching a whale alone from his kayak.

Conflict with Authority: The community’s fear and eventual ambush of Sikuliarsiujuitsok highlight a struggle against a dominant and oppressive figure.

Revenge and Justice: The plot to kill Sikuliarsiujuitsok, despite his formidable power, reflects the community’s pursuit of justice against his tyranny.

► From the same Region or People

• North America
  • Arctic Region
    • Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

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Abridged version of the story.

Sikuliarsiujuitsok, on account of his great size, was unable to walk upon new ice. He, all by himself, caught a whale from his kayak. But he was much dreaded and hated, and never ventured to sleep in strange places. He was, however, once persuaded to stay for a night in a snow-hut; and being too big to find room in it, he lay all doubled up, and allowed his feet to be tied together. In this condition he was hauled out and killed, but not before he himself had killed four men in the struggle. He had three sisters, one of whom had three sons, likewise powerful men. They had an enclosure, fenced in with stones, into which they enticed all those they intended to kill.