The Crow and the Gull quarreled over allegiance: the Crow sided with the Eskimo, while the Gull supported the white man. They fought to determine whose side would prevail in strength and numbers. The Gull emerged victorious, explaining why white men became more numerous and powerful than the Eskimo in this tale.
Source:
The Labrador Eskimo
by E.W. Hawkes
[Canada, Department of Mines]
Geological Survey, Memoir 91
Anthropological Series no. 14
Ottawa, 1916
► Themes of the story
Good vs. Evil: The Crow and the Gull represent opposing forces, each advocating for a different group, highlighting the universal struggle between conflicting allegiances.
Prophecy and Fate: The outcome of their quarrel dictates the future strength and numbers of the Eskimo and white men, suggesting a predestined order resulting from their confrontation.
Cultural Heroes: The Crow and the Gull act as symbolic champions for their respective peoples, embodying the traits and destinies of the groups they represent.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about Inuit peoples
The Crow and the Gull had a quarrel.
The Crow was for the Eskimo, and the Gull for the white man. Whichever won the fight, his side was to be the strongest.
So they fought.
The Gull won.
That is why the white men are more numerous and stronger than the Eskimo.
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Dreamtime Whispers 