Ordlavarsuk

Ordlavarsuk, who initially despised the angakut, was captivated by a women’s song during a shamanic ritual and decided to become an angakok himself. Venturing into solitude to summon a tornak, he encountered a giant demon but fled in terror. After rejecting the tornak’s offer, he regretted his decision and tried to recall it, but it never returned, marking the end of his shamanic aspirations.

Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875

► Themes of the story

Forbidden Knowledge: Ordlavarsuk’s desire to become an angakok leads him to seek out a tornak (spirit), a pursuit that involves hidden or restricted truths within shamanic practices.

Supernatural Beings: His encounter with the giant-like tornak highlights interactions with spirits, central to the narrative.

Transformation: The tale reflects Ordlavarsuk’s emotional and spiritual journey from skepticism to a desire for deeper understanding, though ultimately unfulfilled.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

Ordlavarsuk despised the angakut, and never used to attend their conjurations. But once spending an evening at another place, in a house where an angakok went on performing his art, he became so fond of the women’s song, that suddenly he took a fancy to become an angakok himself. Imitating the angakut’s fashion, he betook himself to lonely places, and called for a tornak. At length a giant-like man appeared, armed with a long staff, with which he would touch him. But Ordlavarsuk got terrified, and turning round to the beach walked through some shallow water to an island, whither the demon was unable to follow him. The tornak having in vain offered himself to his disposal, turned back and disappeared. Ordlavarsuk then repenting his foolishness, called out for him again, but received no answer, and never more succeeded in calling forth a tornak.

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Katigagse

Katigagse, skeptical of the angakut, often disrupted their conjurations. During one ceremony, he tore down the curtain and fled outside, only to encounter a terrifying flame rushing through the air. Shaken, he returned to the hut, clinging to the rafters until exhaustion overcame him. After the ritual ended, Katigagse was found filthy and humiliated, vowing never to attend another angakok ceremony.

Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875

► Themes of the story

Supernatural Beings: Katigagse’s encounter with the mysterious flame during the angakok (shaman) ceremony highlights interactions with otherworldly forces.

Cunning and Deception: His initial skepticism and disruptive actions during the ritual suggest themes of trickery and the consequences of deceit.

Divine Punishment: The terrifying experience serves as retribution for his irreverence toward sacred practices, leading to his vow never to attend such ceremonies again.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

Katigagse had no faith in the angakut, and sometimes, when attending their conjurations, he tore away the window-curtain, and thereby dispelled all their doings.

But once when an angakok had begun his conjuration, and announced his tornak to be approaching in the shape of a fire, Katigagse tore away the curtain which covered the entrance, and ran outside.

Suddenly he discovered a great flame rushing through the air, which struck him with terror, and made him re-enter the house, and trembling from head to foot cling to the rafters of the hut, from whence fatigue soon made him fall to the ground.

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When the conjuration had been finished, and the fire kept off, Katigagse was missed. At length they brought him forth from underneath the ledge, all covered with filth, in which state he left the house, never to attend angakok service any more.

This and the following tale are only interesting as showing the deeply-seated fear of, and belief in, the angakut.

A woman who was mated with a dog

A woman mated with a dog and bore ten children. As they grew, she commanded them to devour her father. Dividing them into two groups, she sent five inland, where they became erkileks, while the other five received an old boot. Placed in the sea, it transformed into a ship, leading them away, where they became kavdlunaks (Europeans).

Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875

► Themes of the story

Transformation: The woman’s offspring undergo significant changes, with some becoming erkileks and others transforming into Europeans (kavdlunaks).

Origin of Things: This narrative offers an explanation for the emergence of different groups, such as Europeans, within Inuit mythology.

Supernatural Beings: The story features elements beyond the natural world, including the woman’s union with a dog and the subsequent birth of extraordinary children.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

A woman who was mated with a dog got ten children.

When they had grown larger, she ordered them to devour her father, whereupon she divided them into two parties and sent them off from home to seek their subsistence henceforth by themselves.

Five of them, who were sent up the country, grew erkileks; and to the other five she gave the sole of an old boot, and put it in the sea, where it rapidly expanded and grew a ship, in which they went off, turning into kavdlunaks (Europeans).

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The Ocean-Spider

A kayaker in Godthaab’s fjord encountered a mysterious, perilous phenomenon. Paddling over unexpectedly shallow waters, he recalled legends of the dangerous ocean-spider. Spotting two enormous eyes and a menacing gap below, he realized the creature’s presence. Escaping required exceptional skill, as lesser kayakers might not have survived this harrowing experience. This tale underscores the enduring power of sea myths and the perils of the deep.

Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875

► Themes of the story

Mythical Creatures: The ocean-spider represents a formidable and legendary sea creature within Inuit mythology.

Conflict with Nature: The kayaker’s perilous encounter highlights the challenges humans face when confronting the unpredictable and dangerous forces of the natural world.

Moral Lessons: The tale serves as a cautionary narrative, emphasizing the importance of respecting nature and heeding traditional wisdom to avoid peril.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

A kayaker in the firth of Godthaab once, at a place where no shoal was known to exist, saw the bottom quite close to him.

He then suddenly recollected to have heard old people talking of the ocean-spider, a most dangerous animal to the kayakers.

Presently he discovered a monstrous eye, and at the distance of about a kayak-paddle’s length from it a similar one, and on tearing away from the spot a terrible gap made its appearance.

Indeed, if he had been a less skilled kayaker, he would never have got off alive.

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A woman named Alekakukiak

Alekakukiak, allied to enemies through marriage, learned from a kind old woman that her brothers-in-law planned to kill her. She fled inland, bravely confronting a bear and an amarok by cracking her hood string like a whip to subdue them. Eventually, she reached the sea and reunited with her relatives, demonstrating resilience and ingenuity in her escape.

Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875

► Themes of the story

Cunning and Deception: Alekakukiak’s resourcefulness is evident when she uses her hood string, cracking it like a whip to intimidate a bear and an amarok, allowing her to continue her escape.

Conflict with Authority: Facing a threat from her brothers-in-law, Alekakukiak challenges their authority by fleeing and surviving against the odds, ultimately seeking refuge with her own relatives.

Trials and Tribulations: Throughout her journey, Alekakukiak confronts multiple challenges, including dangerous animals and the harsh environment, demonstrating resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

A woman named Alekakukiak had been allied to her enemies by the bands of marriage. A poor old wife, to whom she had shown much kindness, once informed her of her brothers-in-law intending to kill her. On hearing this she fled to the inland, where she first met with a bear.

Having no sort of weapon whatever, she took a string from her hood, and cracking it like a whip in the front of the animal, she made it fall to the ground.

She proceeded in the same manner with an amarok, and at length she reached the sea on the other side, and came to her relatives.

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The shark as provider

A mother and daughter, abandoned and starving, were saved by a seal that drifted ashore. Later, a shark appeared, promising to provide for them and staying by their side. When danger approached in the form of inuarutligaks, the shark carried the women to safety on an island, ensuring their survival and protection.

Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875

► Themes of the story

Supernatural Beings: The shark exhibits extraordinary abilities, communicating with the women and acting as their guardian, embodying the role of a supernatural entity intervening in human affairs.

Guardian Figures: The shark serves as a protector and provider for the mother and daughter, guiding them to safety and ensuring their survival in the face of adversity.

Transformation through Love: The relationship between the shark and the women transforms their dire situation into one of hope and security, highlighting the redemptive power of compassion and care.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

A mother with her daughter being abandoned by their relatives, and helpless, were saved from starvation by a dead seal which drifted to the shore.

After a time they found another, and a shark appeared to them, rising out of the sea, and saying that now he would supply all their wants.

He took up his abode with them; and afterwards, when some inuarutligaks were approaching, he took the two women on his back, and brought them away to an island.

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The natives of Labrador

The Labrador natives recount how their ancestors once coexisted with the tunneks (or tunnit), who later fled north to Killinek out of fear. Known for their strength and tools made from slate, hornstone, and crystal, the tunneks lived distinct lives, using sealskins and constructing stone houses. Their legacy endures in folklore and ruins, reflecting their formidable abilities and unique culture.

Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875

► Themes of the story

Cultural Heroes: The narrative highlights the Tunnit as foundational figures whose legacy influences the Labrador Inuit’s cultural history.

Conflict with Authority: The story depicts the tensions and eventual displacement of the Tunnit due to conflicts with the Inuit, reflecting challenges to established groups.

Ancestral Spirits: The tale underscores the enduring impact of the Tunnit on the Inuit, with their stories and remnants influencing present cultural identity.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

The natives of Labrador tell how our ancestors and the tunneks (or tunnit, in Greenlandish tornit, plural of tunek) in days of yore lived together; but the tunneks fled from fear of our people, who used to drill holes in their foreheads while yet alive. With this view they removed from here to the north, crossing over to Killinek (Cape Chudleigh). While dwelling among us they had sealskins with the blubber attached for bedrobes. Their clothes were made in the same way. Their weapons were formed of slate and hornstone, and their drills of crystal. They were strong and formidable, especially one of them, called Jauranat, from which is formed javianarpok (Greenlandish, navianarpok).

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Huge blocks of stone are still to be seen which they were able to move. Some ruins of their houses are also to be found here and there in our country, chiefly upon the islands, having been built of stones, and differing from the abodes of our people. One of our ancestors when kayaking had a tunnek for his companion, who had a bird-spear, the points of which were made of walrus-tooth.

This tradition is compiled from several manuscripts in German from the missionaries in Labrador, in which the alien nation, expelled by the present inhabitants, are called partly “Die Tunnit,” and partly “Die Grönlaender.” Very probably these denominations have arisen from a misunderstanding, induced by inquiries put to the natives as to their knowing anything about the Greenlanders. The tunnit are almost certainly identical with the tornit or inlanders of the Greenland tales. The Eskimo of Cumberland Inlet speak about the tunudlermiut, which signifies people living in the inland. The present Indians of Labrador are called by the Eskimo of the same country aullak; but it is possible they distinguish between these and the traditional or fabulous inlanders. However, the most striking incongruity is that of the tunnit having had their abodes on the islands, which looks as if ancient settlers of European race are hinted at. Be this as it may, the tradition of the Labradorans should be more closely examined.

The swimmer, a tale from Labrador

A grieving mother, having lost all her children to enemies, raises her last son to live like a seal in the water. When the enemies return to kill him, she sends him into the sea. The son lures them far out, and the mother summons a storm by whipping the water’s surface, drowning the attackers while her son survives.

Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875

► Themes of the story

Transformation: The son is raised to adapt to life in the water, embodying a seal’s abilities, which is a significant physical transformation.

Revenge and Justice: The mother’s actions lead to the demise of her enemies, serving as retribution for the loss of her other children.

Supernatural Beings: The mother’s ability to summon a storm by whipping the water’s surface suggests a connection to supernatural powers.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

A mother, who lived at a solitary place, successively lost all her children, who were killed by enemies. Finally, she got a son, whom from his babyhood she brought up with the aim of making him fit for dwelling in the water like a seal. The enemies once went to the place with the intention of killing him also. But the mother, seeing the kayakers approach, told him to make his escape through the water. The enemies, who observed him jumping into the water, had no doubt they would get hold of him; but, swimming like a seal, he seduced them far out to sea, when the mother whipped the surface of the water with a string, causing a storm, by which they all perished, her son being the only one saved.

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Another tale from East Greenland

A widow and her son, Kongajuk, faced neglect and hunger from their housemates. After the widow’s death, the ailing Kongajuk was left alone, hearing eerie grave sounds. The spirits of his mother, father, and others emerged, taking him to join them in their otherworldly realm. The tale intertwines themes of suffering, abandonment, and reunion in the afterlife.

Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875

► Themes of the story

Underworld Journey: Kongajuk is visited by the spirits of his deceased family members, who take him to their otherworldly realm, indicating a journey into the afterlife.

Family Dynamics: The narrative centers on Kongajuk’s relationship with his mother and father, highlighting themes of familial neglect and eventual reunion in the afterlife.

Community and Isolation: Kongajuk and his mother experience neglect and isolation from their community, leading to their suffering and abandonment.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

A widow and her son were despised by their housemates, and suffered want of food.

At last she died, and the child, named Kongajuk, being very sick, was left alone in the house.

There it heard the bones of the graves rattling, and in came its mother, leading another child in her hand, and afterwards its father, accompanied by other deceased people, who took Kongajuk along with them to their abodes.

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A tale from East Greenland

Two cousins shared a bond, but envy consumed one when the other excelled in milestones like marriage, fatherhood, and hunting. Driven by resentment, he moved away and trained a vicious dog to kill travelers by feeding it food touched by human bones. However, the cousin and his son bravely confronted the beast and ultimately killed it together.

Source:
Tales and Traditions of the Eskimo
by Henry Rink
[William Blackwood and Sons]
Edinburgh and London, 1875

► Themes of the story

Family Dynamics: The story centers on two cousins whose relationship is strained by envy and competition, highlighting complex familial relationships.

Cunning and Deception: One cousin’s deceitful act of training a dog to attack travelers using human bones exemplifies the use of cunning and deceit to achieve malicious goals.

Revenge and Justice: The narrative concludes with the targeted cousin and his son confronting and killing the dangerous dog, serving as retribution and the restoration of justice.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

Two cousins loved each other, but one of them having a passion for outdoing other people, grew irritated at seeing the other not only getting first married, but also having the first son, and that one catching seals before his own son had got a bird.

He then removed to another place, and his son trained a dog to tear men to pieces, by feeding it with food that had been in contact with human bones.

It had already devoured several travellers when the cousin and his son came and attacked the dangerous animal, and killed it between them.

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