Igimassuxssuq

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

Supernatural Beings: Igimassuxssuq is depicted as a giant, a being of extraordinary size and strength, which sets him apart from ordinary humans and aligns with the theme of encounters with supernatural entities.

Conflict with Nature: The narrative unfolds in the harsh Arctic environment, where survival is a constant challenge. Igimassuxssuq’s journey over the ice to pursue his wife highlights the struggle against natural elements inherent in Inuit life.

Revenge and Justice: The villagers, along with Igimassuxssuq’s wife, take decisive action to end his reign of terror. Their collective effort to bind and kill him serves as a form of communal justice, restoring peace to their society.

► From the same Region or People

• North America
  • Arctic Region
    • Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

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Labrador and Greenland story

Igimassuxssuq, or Igimarassuxssuq, was a very large man, who lived at Oangaxssut (Cape Parry), and killed and ate people. His wife became afraid, and weeping ran away to Akpan (Saunders Island). He followed her, going over the ice, until he also reached the house. “Let me come into the house,” he said. The door of the house was small, and Igimassuxssuq was a large man, but at last he managed to squeeze into the house. When the people asked him where those were whom he had eaten, he said, “Some one else has eaten them.” Then his wife tied his hands with thongs, and the people said: “Let his wife stab him with a knife.” Then his wife stabbed and killed him.

It is also said that another man later strangled her, and slashed her open in front.