The death of Edalakone

Source: 
Chipewyan Texts
by Pliny Earle Goddard
The American Museum of Natural History – Anthropological Papers
Volume X, Part 1
New York, 1912

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► Themes of the story

Family Dynamics: The narrative begins with Edalakone becoming angry with his wife and daughter, leading to his departure. This highlights complex relationships within the family.

Tragic Flaw: Edalakone’s anger drives him to isolate himself, ultimately leading to his demise, suggesting a personal weakness contributing to his fate.

Community and Isolation: Edalakone’s decision to leave his family results in his isolation, contrasting with the community’s collective effort to search for him.

► From the same Region or People

• North America
  • Sub-Arctic Region
    • Chipewyan Lore

Learn more about the Chipewyan people

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Edalakone became angry with his wife and daughter. He went away from them in his canoe, saying, “I will not live with you longer.” After he had been gone two days, we went to look for him. Then next day, many joined in the search. Although it was summer, we found his tracks which we followed until noon. While we were stopping for lunch one of the two dogs which had left with him returned to our fire. There were eight men and two women in the company. When we had eaten, we again followed the tracks. After we had gone about half a mile, the three of us who were ahead, thought we saw something. An old man named Samuel Egu asked us to wait for him while he went ahead. When he had gone forward about twenty paces, he stopped. There was Edalakone with one of the dogs lying at his back. Samuel started to laugh but did not. Edalakone lay there dead. His going away angry into the brush did not turn out well for him. The others came there where we were.