Inukpan

Source: 
Tales of the Smith Sound Eskimo 
by Alfred L. Kroeber 
[The American Folklore Society] 
Journal of American Folklore 
Vol.12, No.46, pp.166-182 
July-September, 1899

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► Themes of the story

Mythical Creatures: Inukpan himself is a colossal being, so immense that humans could walk on his toe or use his boot-string as a kayak cover. His interactions, such as mistaking bears for foxes and effortlessly crushing them, highlight the presence of extraordinary beings within the narrative.

Supernatural Beings: Inukpan’s existence and actions transcend the natural world, showcasing the influence of supernatural entities in Inuit mythology. His ability to capture five kayakers in his hand and his enormous dwelling further emphasize this theme.

Cunning and Deception: The captured kayakers exhibit resourcefulness by escaping from Inukpan’s giant home while he sleeps, demonstrating human ingenuity and the use of wit to overcome formidable challenges.

► From the same Region or People

• North America
  • Arctic Region
    • Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

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The same tale is found among the central tribes. The Greenlanders also tell of Inugpait, giants that live across the sea.

Inukpan, also called Inukpakssua, was a very large man, who did not really exist, but whom stories tell about. It is said that he was so large that people could stand on his big toe, and walk about on it, and that the flat skin-thong of his boot-string could be used as a kayak-covering by ordinary men. It is also said that, seeing several bears, he called them only foxes, and, picking them up between his fingers, crushed them dead.

At one time, when he was out in his kayak, he saw five kayakers some distance away. He went after them, soon reached them, and then scooped up all five, kayaks and all, in the hollow of his hand. He took them to his house, which was enormously large, and put them over the lamp. Then, however, he fell asleep, and the men climbed down, went out, and ran home before he awoke.