The Man in the Moon

Source: 
Chipewyan Tales
by Robert Harry Lowie
The American Museum of Natural History – Anthropological Papers
Volume X, Part 3
New York, 1912

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► Themes of the story

Origin of Things: The tale provides an explanation for the lunar image, detailing how the figure of a man and his dog came to be seen on the moon.

Conflict with Authority: The hunter’s reaction to the community’s disrespect reflects a challenge to societal norms or leadership, highlighting tensions between individual actions and communal expectations.

Sacred Spaces: The moon becomes a significant location in the narrative, serving as the final abode of the hunter and his dog, and holding symbolic meaning within the tale.

► From the same Region or People

• North America
  • Sub-Arctic Region
    • Chipewyan Lore

Learn more about the Chipewyan people

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In another version the final statement is to the effect that one can see the kettle with beaver grease and the little dog.

Once there was a great beaver hunter. Returning from the chase one day, he made a lot of grease and forbade the people to touch it. Nevertheless, one man put his finger in, and tasted of the fat while the hunter was pulling down his leggings. When the beaver hunter noticed what had occurred, he was furious. He went outside, followed by his little dog, and announced to the people, “Henceforth you can look for me in the moon.” That is where one can see him, with his leggings down and a little dog sitting on his lap.