The sunrise

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

Sacred Spaces: The man’s deep connection to his homeland and the significance of watching the sunrise over the ocean highlight the spiritual importance of this specific location to him.

Transformation through Love: The son’s love for his father motivates him to persuade his father to explore new places, leading to a transformative journey that ultimately brings the father back to his cherished homeland.

Loss and Renewal: The father’s departure from his homeland represents a loss, and his return signifies renewal. However, the overwhelming joy upon his return leads to his death, intertwining the themes of loss and renewal in a poignant manner.

► 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.

A man from the east coast of Greenland from love for his home never left it even during the summer-time; and among his principal enjoyments was that of gazing at the sun rising out of the ocean. But when his son grew up he became desirous of seeing other countries, and, above all, accompanying his countrymen to the west coast. At length he persuaded his father to go with him. No sooner, however, had he passed Cape Farewell, and saw the sun about to rise behind the land, than he insisted upon returning immediately. Having again reached their home island, he went out from his tent early next morning, and when his people had in vain waited for his return, they went out and found him dead. His delight at again seeing the sunrise had overpowered and killed him.