Two rivals sought to prove their superior strength. One created an island by throwing a massive rock into the sea. The other pushed it with his foot so forcefully that it landed atop a distant island, leaving a visible footprint. This site became known as Tu kik’ tok, symbolizing their extraordinary contest of power.
Source:
Ethnology of the Ungava District,
Hudson Bay Territory
by Lucien M. Turner
[Smithsonian Institution]
Bureau of American Ethnology
Eleventh Annual Report, 1889-1890
Washington, 1894
► Themes of the story
Conflict with Nature: The rivals manipulate natural elements—rocks and the sea—to showcase their strength.
Cultural Heroes: The protagonists’ extraordinary feats contribute to local lore, embodying traits admired in their culture.
Mythical Creatures: While the story doesn’t feature traditional mythical beings, the rivals themselves perform superhuman acts, elevating them to legendary status.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about Inuit peoples
A tale from Labrador:
Between two men there existed keen rivalry. Each asserted himself to be the stronger and endeavored to prove himself superior to the other.
One of them declared his ability to form an island where none had hitherto existed. He picked up an immense rock and hurled it into the sea where it became an island. The other, with his foot, pushed it so hard that it landed on the top of another island lying far beyond.
The mark of the footprint is visible to this day, and that place is now known as Tu kik’ tok.
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Dreamtime Whispers 