Saugak arrived at a house so vast it could wear out a man’s boots. The master, with many daughters and abundant provisions, served Saugak meat and forced him to eat beyond satiety, threatening him with a knife. When Saugak stopped twinkling his eyes, indicating he could no longer eat, they presented him with dried human flesh, revealing the sinister nature of his host.
Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875
► Themes of the story
Supernatural Beings:– The host’s sinister behavior and the presentation of dried human flesh suggest an encounter with a being beyond the ordinary, possibly with malevolent supernatural traits.
Cunning and Deception: The host deceives Saugak by initially offering hospitality, only to reveal a more sinister intent, forcing him into a perilous situation.
Conflict with Authority: Saugak faces an oppressive figure who imposes his will through threats and coercion, highlighting a struggle against unjust authority.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about the Inuit peoples
Abridged version of the story.
Saugak came to a house of such length that a man could wear out the soles of his boots wandering from one end to the other. The master of the house had a crowd of daughters, and an immense stock of provisions. He ordered meat to be served up for Saugak, and forced him to eat.
When Saugak declared that he was satiated, his host went on to point his knife at his eyes, saying that as long as he could twinkle them he could also eat.
When he finally left off twinkling they served up dried human flesh before him.
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Dreamtime Whispers 