A mother and daughter, abandoned and starving, were saved by a seal that drifted ashore. Later, a shark appeared, promising to provide for them and staying by their side. When danger approached in the form of inuarutligaks, the shark carried the women to safety on an island, ensuring their survival and protection.
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 shark exhibits extraordinary abilities, communicating with the women and acting as their guardian, embodying the role of a supernatural entity intervening in human affairs.
Guardian Figures: The shark serves as a protector and provider for the mother and daughter, guiding them to safety and ensuring their survival in the face of adversity.
Transformation through Love: The relationship between the shark and the women transforms their dire situation into one of hope and security, highlighting the redemptive power of compassion and care.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about the Inuit peoples
Abridged version of the story.
A mother with her daughter being abandoned by their relatives, and helpless, were saved from starvation by a dead seal which drifted to the shore.
After a time they found another, and a shark appeared to them, rising out of the sea, and saying that now he would supply all their wants.
He took up his abode with them; and afterwards, when some inuarutligaks were approaching, he took the two women on his back, and brought them away to an island.
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Dreamtime Whispers 