Long ago, a sudden oceanic flood submerged the land, covering mountains and leaving ice stranded as caps on their peaks. Shells and bones of marine life remain as evidence of this event. Many Inuit perished, but those who escaped in kayaks survived. This tale reflects resilience and adaptation during a catastrophic natural event, preserved in Inuit oral history.
Source:
The Central Eskimo
by Franz Boas
[Bureau of American Ethnology]
Sixth Annual Report
Washington, 1888
► Themes of the story
Conflict with Nature: The sudden and overwhelming flood represents a direct struggle against natural forces, highlighting humanity’s vulnerability and resilience.
Loss and Renewal: The narrative describes widespread loss of life due to the flood, followed by the survival and continuation of the Inuit people, symbolizing a cycle of destruction and rebirth.
Transformation: The landscape is irrevocably changed by the flood, with ice caps forming on mountain peaks and marine life remains left ashore, indicating physical transformations in the natural world.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about Inuit peoples
A long time ago the ocean suddenly began to rise, until it covered the whole land. The water even rose to the top of the mountains and the ice drifted over them.
When the flood had subsided the ice stranded and ever since forms an ice cap on the top of the mountains. Many shellfish, fish, seal, and whales were left high and dry and their shells and bones may be seen to this day.
A great number of Inuit died during this period, but many others, who had taken to their kayaks when the water commenced to rise, were saved.
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Dreamtime Whispers 