Atlunguaq, once a ridiculed and idle figure dependent on others, transformed into a hero through acts of remarkable courage. Despite being mocked for his uselessness, he faced dangers others avoided. He ultimately slew an ice-covered bear, an amarok, and a kilivfak—legendary creatures—proving his bravery and earning respect through his extraordinary feats.
Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875
► Themes of the story
Transformation: Atlunguak evolves from a ridiculed, idle figure into a courageous hero, showcasing a profound personal change.
Hero’s Journey: His adventures involve facing and overcoming formidable challenges, aligning with the classic narrative of a protagonist’s transformative quest.
Cultural Heroes: Through his extraordinary feats, Atlunguak becomes a foundational figure, embodying the values and aspirations of his community.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about the Inuit peoples
For this tale, only the principal parts have been selected, and are given here in a very fragmentary form.
Atlunguak was a miserable hunter, despised and mocked by his housemates, who only saw in him a poor wretch always sitting behind his mother’s lamp, and feeding upon what the others brought home. But when some deed of special daring, which no one else cared to undertake, was on hand, he at length bestirred himself, and braved the danger alone. Thus, he first killed an ice-covered bear, then an amarok, and finally a kilivfak (all fabulous animals).
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