Irdlirvirisissong

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: Irdlirvirisissong is a celestial entity residing in the sky, interacting with humans and otherworldly figures like her cousin Aningan.

Divine Punishment: She enforces a strict code, punishing those who laugh during her eerie dance by feeding their entrails to her dogs, highlighting the consequences of disrespecting sacred rituals.

Underworld Journey: The narrative involves encounters with the deceased, as Irdlirvirisissong awaits souls to determine their fate, reflecting themes of life after death and the journey into the unknown.

► From the same Region or People

• North America
  • Arctic Region
    • Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

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Erdlaveersissok in Greenland;
Ululiernang in Baffin Land;
in Angmagsalik she is the sun’s mother (Jupiter)

Irdlirvirisissong has a house in the sky, and sometimes visits her cousin, Aningan. Her nose is turned up on the sides, and she carries a plate called qengmerping for her dogs, of whom she has a number. She waits for people who die, so that when they come she can feed her dogs on their intestines.

She dances about, saying, “Qimitiaka nexessaqtaqpaka” (“I look for food for my dear dogs”). If the people laugh, she cuts them open, and gives their entrails to the clogs. Otherwise they are spared. Aningan warns the people not to laugh.

When an angakok comes up to visit Aningan, he turns his head aside so that his laughter may not be seen. If he begins to laugh, Aqoq says, “Qongujukpouq” (“He laughs”). Irdlirvirisissong goes driving with her dogs.