Aklaujak, a man of extraordinary strength, was betrayed by his brothers, who stole his wife during a reindeer hunt. Witnessing Aklaujak’s incredible feat of drowning two reindeer by their antlers, his mother urged the wife to return to him. Awed and fearful, the brothers fled, leaving Aklaujak’s strength and determination undisputed.
Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875
► Themes of the story
Good vs. Evil: Aklaujak’s brothers betray him by stealing his wife, representing the conflict between treachery and righteousness.
Transformation: The narrative highlights Aklaujak’s demonstration of immense strength, which leads to a change in his wife’s perception and prompts her return, showcasing a shift in relationships and personal dynamics.
Family Dynamics: The tale delves into complex familial relationships, including sibling betrayal and the reconciliation between Aklaujak and his wife, emphasizing the intricate nature of family bonds.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about the Inuit peoples
A tale from Labrador
A man named Aklaujak was of immense strength. Once, when away on a reindeer-hunt, his brothers robbed him of his wife. But the mother, who from a high hill observed him sitting in his kayak and seizing two large reindeers by the antlers and drowning them by holding them under water, hastened down and persuaded the wife to return to him, on which the brothers took flight.
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