The raven and the goose

The raven’s black color is attributed to its obstinacy in a tale about birds painting each other. The raven painted the goose black with elegant white patterns, which the goose admired. However, when the goose painted a similar pattern on the raven, it grew furious, deeming it ugly. Offended, the goose splashed the raven entirely black—explaining its dull color today.

Source:
Eskimo Folk-Tales
collected by Knud Rasmussen
[Copenhagen, Christiania], 1921

► Themes of the story

Transformation: The tale describes the physical change in the raven’s appearance, resulting in its entirely black color.

Cunning and Deception: The story involves elements of trickery and reactions to perceived deceit during the painting process.

Moral Lessons: The narrative imparts a lesson about the consequences of obstinacy and anger, leading to unintended outcomes.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about Inuit peoples

Do you know why the raven is so black, so dull and black in colour? It is all because of its own obstinacy. Now listen.

It happened in the days when all the birds were getting their colours and the pattern in their coats. And the raven and the goose happened to meet, and they agreed to paint each other.

The raven began, and painted the other black, with a nice white pattern showing between.

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The goose thought that very fine indeed, and began to do the same by the raven, painting it a coat exactly like its own.

But then the raven fell into a rage, and declared the pattern was frightfully ugly, and the goose, offended at all the fuss, simply splashed it black all over.

And now you know why the raven is black.

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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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An old bachelor

An old bachelor, pressured to marry, sought a wife from a neighboring hamlet but was refused the only sister of a family there. Returning home, he abandoned the idea of marriage. Later, while quenching his thirst from a rock in his kayak, his mouth became stuck as the tide receded, leaving him trapped until the next tide released him.

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 explores societal pressures on the bachelor to marry and the familial bonds that lead the neighboring family to refuse his marriage proposal, highlighting the complexities of family relationships.

Cunning and Deception: The tale subtly critiques the bachelor’s selective approach to marriage and his eventual entrapment, suggesting a moral lesson about the consequences of one’s choices and actions.

Moral Lessons: The bachelor’s predicament serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing themes of humility and the potential pitfalls of pride or stubbornness.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

An old bachelor, being a very successful hunter, was always worried by his place-fellows about taking to himself a wife. At last he consented; but when about to make a choice, none of the women at the place appeared good enough for him. Starting in his boat for the neighbouring hamlet, he declared he was going to fetch the only sister of some men living there. On his way thither he met with another kayaker, and addressed him, “Art not thou one of the many brothers?” “Yes, I am the middle one of them.” “I come to demand thy only sister in marriage, and if I may have her I will give thee my boat and a new tent.” “We will allow no one to get her, because she is the only woman in our house.” Having got this information the old bachelor instantly made about, went home, and gave up all thoughts of marrying.

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Being once in his kayak, and suffering from thirst, he observed a small stream of water running down a rock. Remaining in his kayak, he merely turned his face upwards, so as to let the water run into his open mouth. When his thirst had been quenched, and he wanted to push off, his mouth clung to the rock, being at the same time gradually prolonged, because the tide was falling; and thus he had to remain hanging until the next tide should float him off again.

A number of stories are found ridiculing bachelors, and all more or less trifling, like this one. Generally their passions are represented as being excited at the sight of a fine woman; but on approaching her, and perhaps even getting hold of her, she proves to be a gull, or perhaps a stone. Others will marry none but a dwarf, or a woman without breasts. One of them out of a piece of ice makes a little island to live upon by himself.

The help from Ingnersuit

An old man befriended an ingnersuak, who promised to provide for him whenever needed. This secret pact brought the man a comfortable life, as the ingnersuak always supplied food. However, when the man hinted to others about the source of his fortune, the ingnersuak withdrew its support, leaving him to fend for himself.

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 ingnersuak is a supernatural entity that directly influences the man’s life by providing sustenance, highlighting interactions between humans and otherworldly beings.

Cunning and Deception: The man’s decision to reveal the secret of his fortune, despite the implicit need for discretion, reflects themes of cunning and the consequences of deceit or indiscretion.

Moral Lessons: The story imparts a lesson about the importance of keeping one’s promises and the repercussions of betraying confidences, emphasizing the value of discretion and trustworthiness.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

An old man once met with an ingnersuak, who invited him to his house, and told him that he had watched in order to have some talk with him that no one else might hear. He wanted to let him know that, if ever he was in want, he only had to apply to him for help — the ingnersuak would at any time provide him with food.

The old man from this time had a comfortable life, always supplied with what he required. But at last he began to hint at the source of his riches to other people, and henceforth the ingnersuak declined to assist him further.

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Angakorsiak was very proud of his angakok wisdom

Angakorsiak, an arrogant angakok, sought to outdo others in displays of shamanic prowess, often mocking his rivals. After performing daring feats, he was bested by a northern angakok in both skill and a kayak-race. Overwhelmed by shame after his failure, he transformed into a reindeer, later reverting to human form. This humbling experience led him to abandon his competitive ways.

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

► Themes of the story

Transformation: Angakorsiak’s shame leads him to transform into a reindeer, symbolizing a profound change in identity and self-perception.

Tragic Flaw: His arrogance and competitive nature serve as his downfall, highlighting how personal weaknesses can lead to one’s undoing.

Moral Lessons: The story imparts a lesson on the perils of pride and the value of humility, encouraging self-reflection and personal growth.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Abridged version of the story.

Angakorsiak was very proud of his angakok wisdom, and always roamed about seeking opportunities of emulating other angakut. When he happened to surpass them, he used to mock and ridicule them in a most overbearing manner. Once he visited an angakok far up north, and challenged him to a match, at which, in broad daylight, they were to contend in working the wonders of their art before an assembly.

Angakorsiak began his performance by cutting off his arm near the shoulder, inserting it again and drinking the blood from the wound; after which he swallowed an arrow-point and made it appear again, opened his stomach with a knife, and so on.

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When he had finished, the other angakok repeated the same feats with the utmost perfection, and then remarked, “Well, what we have yet done amounts to nothing; but I should now like to try a kayak-race with thee.” They went down in their kayaks, and the angakok of the place, taking his way to an island, threw his harpoon at a rock with such force as to make it enter the stone and blood to spring from it. Angakorsiak on trying this entirely failed, his harpoon being broken and lost. On their way back to the shore he bent down his head from shame, capsized his kayak, and sank. But directly afterwards a reindeer emerged from the water, and ran up on the beach. Shame having thus transformed him into a reindeer, he afterwards turned a man again, and hastened away, resolved to give up all kind of emulation in future.

The revenging animals

An angakok, craving eggs, stole a merganser’s nest and harpooned a seal. On his return, he encountered seals plotting revenge as umiarissat, disguised as a boat. He repelled them with filth, exposing their illusion as ice. Later, the merganser confronted him, demanding its eggs, which it had made him forget in his kayak through a charm, sparing his life. Another angakok lost his powers for similar theft.

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

► Themes of the story

Divine Intervention: The merganser employs supernatural means to influence the angakok’s actions, reflecting the theme of higher powers affecting mortal affairs.

Revenge and Justice: The animals’ actions serve as retribution for the angakok’s thefts, highlighting the consequences of wrongdoing and the restoration of moral balance.

Moral Lessons: The story imparts ethical teachings about respect for nature and the repercussions of greed, emphasizing the importance of harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

► 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 great angakok, while kayaking about at midsummer, suddenly took a longing for eggs; and landing upon an island, he found a merganser’s nest with plenty of eggs, all of which be carried away. On his way home be met with a flock of seals, of which be harpooned one; but after having taken it, he heard voices from among the rest encouraging each other to go and get hold of a piece of ice, and return as umiarissat. On getting home he walked up to his house, forgetting the eggs in his kayak; but he ordered his housemates to throw down on the beach all manner of filthy stuff to frighten away the umiarissat. In the evening a boat was seen to arrive manned with seals, but as soon as they scented the filth they all jumped into the water, and the boat appeared as a piece of ice.

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Later in the evening a voice was heard outside, and the head of the gooseander emerged from the entrance with dreadfully enlarged eyes. Addressing itself to the angakok, it scolded him for having robbed it of its descendants, but now it had come to fetch its eggs back, having by help of a charm caused him to forget them and leave them in his kayak. If he had not left them it certainly would have frightened them all to death. Another angakok in a similar case was bereft of his angakok power by the merganser.

Aterfio

Two widows and their sons, Aterfio and Sukallassok, endure hardships after losing their providers. Growing strong and skilled hunters, they provide for orphans despite Sukallassok’s treachery toward Aterfio, leading to Sukallassok’s death. Aterfio and his son Akeralik gain renown for their strength and resilience, defeating challengers and surviving harsh conditions. Their legacy of courage and prowess endures, with both living unscathed until their deaths.

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

► Themes of the story

Conflict with Authority: Aterfio faces aggression from Sukallassok, who repeatedly attempts to harm him. Despite initial restraint, Aterfio ultimately defends himself, leading to Sukallassok’s demise.

Trials and Tribulations: Both widows and their sons endure significant hardships after losing their providers. Aterfio and his son, Akeralik, confront various challenges, including hostile relatives and harsh environmental conditions, demonstrating resilience and strength.

Moral Lessons: The narrative imparts lessons on patience, restraint, and the consequences of treachery. Aterfio’s initial forbearance contrasts with Sukallassok’s deceit, highlighting the virtues of integrity and the eventual downfall that befalls those who engage in betrayal.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Two widows, having each a son, had chosen their winter quarters at no great distance from one another. Both of them happened to have several neighbours; but though these principally consisted of rich and prosperous people, they did not think of assisting the poor orphans. Having lost their supporters, the widows suffered much from want, and they therefore admonished their young sons to be wise and kind to the other children, lest they should be deprived of the scanty help they now enjoyed. At last, however, the relatives furnished the orphans with kayaks. He who lived furthest south was named Aterfio, and the other one living to the north was called Sukallassok.

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They grew up to be much renowned for their strength and vigour. They always chose their hunting-places far off the coast; and even in hard weather and heavy gales went out, and never came home empty-handed. On their return they always used to give the orphans a plentiful repast, and had special stores of provisions set apart for orphan children against hard times. One day Aterfio had gone out hunting beyond the skerries and islands; the wind was northerly and the sky clear. He had already got two seals, and, expecting to catch some more, he still rowed on, till all of a sudden he heard a noise, and turning round, beheld Sukalassok with raised arm aiming his harpoon at him. Not being able to make any resistance, he was obliged to await his fate; keeping his eyes on him, he capsized his kayak towards him so as make the harpoon only touch the side of it. As soon as he again had risen, the thought flashed through him to revenge himself on Sukalassok; but be gave up the idea and turned towards home. On his arrival he did not mention the matter at all; but sometime later, in a gale from the north, the same thing happened over again. He forebore to take revenge; but this time told those at home that Sukalassok had twice attempted to kill him. But his mother bade him not to take revenge. “Never mind,” she went on; “let him go on as be likes, only thou shun his companionship.” Soon after, however, Aterfio being busy in his hunting-grounds, suddenly heard a whizzing sound close by, and presently afterwards was grazed by an arrow, which fell into the water alongside of him. His wrath was now up, and be could not resist paying him back. In less than no time, he levelled his harpoon at Sukalassok and killed him right off. At home he reported his deed, and said be would flee to the south, thinking it probable that the relatives of Sukalassok might take part with the slain and pursue him. But his mother told him he need not fear his new enemies, and he remained at the old place as before. Soon after be married and got a son, whom be called Akeralik. One day an old man came to visit them, who reported that the relatives of Sukalossok were ill-minded towards Aterfio; to which he rejoined, “They are quite welcome to anything; and thou mayst tell them that I myself, my little son, and the rest of the household, are ready to receive them whenever they like.” But from that day they grew suspicious, and not long afterwards a great many strange boats appeared off the coast. At the sight Aterfio went in, relieved himself of his jacket, went straight down to the beach, and seated himself on a flat stone with his back turned to the sea. Rowing on, the kayakers deliberated among themselves who should be the first to wound him. Some of them quickly gained upon the rest, and on coming quite close to him, the foremost took up his harpoon to strike him; although it hit the mark, it did him no harm, but the harpoon broke in three pieces. The next kayakers likewise unlaunched their harpoons at him, but had them broken in the same manner without wounding him in the least. They now held a council, and agreed in landing to try a match with him on shore. Aterfio willingly attended. The strangers stayed the night over; and early the next morning four stout and powerful men made their way through the entrance; but Aterfio said, “My house is too small, let us fight in the open air.” Having reached the meadow above, one of the strong men instantly rushed in upon Aterfio to try a wrestling-match with him; but Aterfio only turned to him and thrust him down as easily as if he had been a fox, upon which he soon died. The foreigners now made a general assault on him, but he shook them off like children, and on the way home he killed the whole of them. After this Aterfio trained his son to all kinds of daring feats on land as well as at sea; and thus Akeralik grew to be a man, and was still stronger and even more fearless than his father. His hunting-ground was far out at sea, and he hunted seals and white whales alike, and could keep his breath under water as well as any seal. One day when they were a long way off the coast, a small-topped cloud rose on the horizon. Aterfio asked his son, “Dost thou see the cloud yonder? When the mists come up from that side it will not be child’s-play; let us put back with all speed.” They put their seals on the top of their kayaks and made them fast with the harpoon-lines, and headed for the shore. Each of them had captured two seals. Scarcely had they put about, before a heavy gale came rushing down upon them, turning the sea into one mass of foam, and completely hiding the land. A roaring noise was now heard, and Aterfio said, “Take care we don’t smash together; keep further away from me.” At the same time he saw a great sea topped with foam close upon them, and turning side on, bolted across them; but notwithstanding, they kept their breath and rowed away under water until they soon afterwards both emerged on the surface. At last his son got a tear in his thick outer jacket; then he spoke to his father, “Now mind thine own self, I must needs speed on;” and he skimmed the surface like a falcon pursuing his prey, and was lost to sight in less than a moment. Both safely reached home. About this time the Southlanders happened to hear the fame of the mighty Aterfio and of his son Akeralik, who with his kayak matched a falcon in speed. Among this people of the south there was a strong man named Tajarnek, who greatly longed to have an encounter with Aterfio. One day Aterfio and all his family remained at home. The air was clear and the weather fine. They saw a great many boats and kayaks apparently passing by their place; but Aterfio came down to the water’s edge, and hailed them, shouting, “Where are ye for? It is late in the evening; ye had better put in and take shelter with us for the night.” One of the men replied, “We have heard of the mighty Aterfio, and have come to offer him a match.” Aterfio replied, “He whom ye see is nothing extraordinary, but his son is a man of great strength;” so saying, he pointed to him as he stood at his side, to let them know of whom he was speaking. The kayakers stopped short in great amazement, never thinking him to be the person in question. But Aterfio went on, “But here is a first-rate landing-place, and ye can pass the night here.” Accordingly they landed; and after a needful rest, they all resorted to a level spot above the houses. Tajarnek first seized Aterfio, but was soon thrown over — without being hurt, however. Several times they closed with him, but Aterfio was as staunch as a rock. Akeralik now thought it time for him to interfere; every man he touched was soon thrown down. At first they turned them over without injuring them further; but at length they slew Tajarnek and all the rest. All the Southlanders, women and children included, were thus put to death. From this time upwards Aterfio roamed all along the coast-side, and father and son were equally renowned; and they both ended their days without ever having been wounded.

Kasiagsak, the great liar

Kasiagsak, an unlucky and deceitful seal hunter, repeatedly tricks his wife and community with fabricated tales of success, stealing seals, and staging false adventures. Despite temporary rewards, his lies unravel, bringing shame and scorn upon him. In his final deceit, promising a whale carcass, his companions lose patience, ending his life. This tale underscores themes of dishonesty, community trust, and consequences of deceit.

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: Kasiagsak’s repeated fabrications and trickery, such as stealing seals and staging false adventures, highlight the use of deceit to achieve personal gain.

Moral Lessons: The narrative underscores the consequences of dishonesty within a community, illustrating how deceit leads to shame, loss of trust, and ultimately, dire repercussions.

Community and Isolation: Kasiagsak’s actions alienate him from his peers, emphasizing the importance of trust and integrity in maintaining communal bonds and the isolation that results from betrayal.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

Kasiagsak, who was living with a group of skilful seal-hunters, always returned in the evening without a catch of his own. When he was out, his wife, named Kitlagsuak, was always restless and fidgety, running out and in looking out for him, in the hope that he might be bringing home something; but he generally returned empty-handed. One day, being out in his kayak, he observed a black spot on a piece of ice, and it soon turned to be a little seal. His first intention was to harpoon it, but he changed his mind, and broke out, saying, “Poor little thing! it is almost a pity. Perhaps it has already been wounded by somebody else; perhaps it will slide down in the water when I approach it, and then I need only take hold of it with my hands.”

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So saying he gave a shout, at which the seal was not slow to get down. Presently it appeared close before the point of his kayak; but he called out still louder than before, and the seal went on diving up and down quite close to him. At length he made up his mind to chase and harpoon it; but somehow it always rose at a greater distance, and was soon entirely lost to him. Kasiagsak now put back, merely observing, “Ye silly thing! ye are not easy to get at; but just wait till next time.”

Another day he went seaward in bright, fine weather. Looking towards land he got sight of the other kayakers, and observed that one of them had just harpooned a seal, and that the others were all hurrying on to his assistance. As to himself, he never stirred, but remained quite unconcerned in his former place. He also noticed that the one who had caught the seal tugged it to the shore, and made it fast to a rock on the beach, intending to return in pursuit of others. He instantly put further out to sea; but when he had got quite out of sight he returned to the beach by a roundabout way, and made straight for the other man’s seal, and carried it off. The towing-line was all around ornamented with walrus-teeth, and he was greatly delighted at the prospect of getting home with this prize. Meanwhile his wife had been wandering about in expectation of him, and looking out for the returning kayakers. She at length cried out, “There is a kayak!” — at which more people came running out; and shading her eyes with her hand, she continued, “It looks like Kasiagsak, and he moves his arms like one tugging something along with him. Well, I suppose it will now be my turn to give you a share, and ye shall all get a nice piece of blubber.” As soon as he landed she hastened to ask him, “Where didst thou get that beautiful tugging-line?” He answered, “This morning at setting out I thought it might come in handy, as I was bent on having a catch, and so I brought it out with me; I have kept it in store this long time.” “Hast thou, indeed?” she rejoined, and then began the flensing and carving business. She put the head, the back, and the skin aside; all the rest, as well as the blubber, she intended to make a grand feast upon. The other kayakers successively returned, and she took care to inform each of them separately that a seal was already brought home; and when some of the women came back from a ramble on the beach, she repeated the whole thing over to them. But while they were sitting down to supper in the evening, a boy entered, saying, “I have been sent to ask for the towing-line; as to the seal, that is no matter.” Turning to Kasiagsak, his wife now put in, “Didst thou tell me an untruth?” He only answered, “To be sure I did;” whereto his wife remarked, “What a shame it is that Kasiagsak behaves thus!” but he only made a wry face, saying, “Bah!” which made her quite frightened; and when they lay down to rest he went on pinching her and whistling until they both fell asleep.

Another day, rowing about in his kayak, he happened to observe a black spot away on a flake of ice. On nearing it he made it out to be only a stone. He glanced round towards the other kayakers, and then suddenly feigned to be rowing hard up to a seal, at the same time lifting the harpoon ready to lance it; but presently went to hide himself behind a projecting point of the ice, from which he managed to climb it and roll the stone into the sea with a splash, making it all froth and foam. Meanwhile he got into his kayak again, making a great roar in order to call the others to his assistance. When they came up to him they observed that he had no bladder, and he said, “A walrus has just gone down with my bladder; do help me to catch sight of him; meantime I will turn back and tell that I have lanced a walrus.” He hurried landwards, and his wife, who happened to be on the look-out, again shouted, “A kayaker!” He called out that he had made a lucky hit. “I almost do believe it is Kasiagsak; do ye hear him in there?” Meantime he had approached the shore, and said, “In chasing a walrus I lost my bladder; I only came home to tell you this.” His wife now came running into the house, but being in such a hurry she broke the handle of her knife. However, she did not mind this, but merely said, “Now I can get a handle of walrus-tooth for my knife, and a new hook for my kettle.” In the evening Kasiagsak had chosen a seat on the hindermost part of the ledge, so that only his heels were to be seen. The other kayakers stayed out rather long; but the last of them on entering brought a harpoon-line and a bladder along with him, and turning to Kasiagsak observed, “I think it is thine; it must have been tied round some stone and have slipped off; here it is.” His wife exclaimed, “Hast thou been telling us new lies?” at which he only answered her, “Why, yes; I wanted to play you a trick, you see.”

Another day, when he was kayaking along the coast, he remarked some loose pieces of ice away on a sandy beach at some distance; he rowed up to them and went ashore. Two women, gathering berries, watched his doings all along. They saw him fill his kayak with bits of broken ice; and this done, he waded down into the water till it reached his very neck, and then turned back and got upon the beach, where he set to hammering his kayak all over with stones; and having finally stuffed his coat with ice, he turned towards home. At some distance he commenced shrieking aloud and crying, “Ah me! a big iceberg went calving (bursting and capsizing) right across my kayak, and came down on the top of me;” and his wife repeated his ejaculations, adding, “I must go and see about some dry clothes for him.” At last they got him up on shore, and large bits of ice came tumbling out of his clothes, while he went on lamenting and groaning as if with pain, saying, “I had a very narrow escape.” His wife repeated the tale of his misfortunes to every kayaker on his return home; but at last it so happened that the two women who had seen him likewise returned, and they at once exclaimed, “Is not that he whom we saw down below the sand-cliffs, stuffing his clothes with ice.” On this, the wife cried out, “Dear me! has Kasiagsak again been lying to us?” Subsequently Kasiagsak went to pay a visit to his father-in-law. On entering the house he exclaimed, “Why, what’s the matter with you that your lamps are not burning, and ye are boiling dog’s flesh?” “Alas!” answered the master, pointing to his little son, “he was hungry, poor fellow! and having nothing else to eat we killed the dog.” Kasiagsak boastingly answered him, “Yesterday we had a hard job at home. One of the women and I had our hands full with the great heaps of seals and walruses that have been caught. I have got both my storehouses choke-full with them; my arms are quite sore with the work.” The father-in-law now rejoined, “Who would ever have thought that the poor little orphan boy Kasiagsak should turn out such a rich man!” and so saying, he began crying with emotion; and Kasiagsak feigned crying likewise. On parting from them the following day, he proposed that his little brother-in-law should accompany him in order to bring back some victuals, adding, “I will see thee home again;” and his father said, “Well, dostn’t thou hear what thy brother-in-law is saying? thou hadst better go.” On reaching home, Kasiagsak took hold of a string and brought it into the house, where he busied himself in making a trap, and taking some scraps of frizzled blubber from his wife’s lamp, he thrust them out as baits for the ravens. Suddenly be gave a pull at the string, crying out, “Two! — alas! one made its escape;” and then be ran out and brought back a raven, which his wife skinned and boiled. But his brother-in-law had to look to the other people for some food; and at his departure the next day, he likewise received all his presents from them, and not from Kasiagsak.

Another day, he set off in his kayak to visit some people at a neighbouring station. Having entered one of the houses, be soon noticed that some of the inmates were mourning the loss of some one deceased. He questioned the others, and on hearing that they had lost a little daughter named Nepisanguak, he hastened in a loud voice to state, “We have just got a little daughter at home, whom we have called Nepisanguak;” on which the mourning parents and relations exclaimed, “Thanks be to thee that ye have called her by that name;” and then they wept, and Kasiagsak also made believe to be weeping; but he peeped through his fingers all the while. Later in the day they treated him richly with plenty of good things to eat. Kasiagsak went on saying, “Our little daughter cannot speak plainly as yet; she only cries ‘apangaja!’” but the others said, “She surely means ‘sapangaja’”(sapangat, beads); “we will give thee some for her;” and at his departure he was loaded with gifts — such as beads, a plate, and some seal-paws. Just as be was going to start, one of the men cried out to him, “I would fain buy a kayak, and I can pay it back with a good pot; make it known to the people in thy place.” But Kasiagsak said, “Give it to me; I have got a new kayak, but it is a little too narrow for my size.” At length be started along with his presents, and the pot stuck upon the front part of his kayak. At home be said, “Such a dreadful accident! a boat must surely have been lost; all these things I bring you here, I have found tossed about on the ice;” and his wife hastened into the house to give her cracked old pot a smash, and threw away the shoulder-blades that till now had served her instead of plates, and ornamented her coat with beads, and proudly walked to and fro to make the pearls rattle. The next day a great many kayakers were announced. Kasiagsak instantly kept as far back on the ledge as possible. As soon as the kayakers put in to shore, they called out, “Tell Kasiagsak to come down and fetch off some victuals we have brought for their little daughter;” but all the reply was, “Why, they have got no daughter at all.” Another of the men now put in, “Go and ask Kasiagsak for the new kayak I bought of him;” but the answer was, “He certainly has no new kayak.” At this information they quickly got up to the house, which they entered, taking their several gifts back, and last of all cutting the flaps ornamented with beads away from the wife’s jacket. When the strangers were gone she said as before, “Kasiagsak has indeed been telling a lie again.” His last invention was this: he one day found a small bit of whale-skin floating on the top of the water, and bringing it home he said, “I have found the carcass of a whale; follow me and I will show you it:” and the boat was got out, and they started. After a good while they asked him, “Whereabout is it?” but he merely answered them, “Away yonder;” and then a little bit further, “we shall soon get at it.” But when they had gone a long way from home without seeing anything like a floating whale, they got tired of Kasiagsak, and put a stop to all his fibs by killing him then and there.

Kagsagsuk

The following tale has been constructed from nine different copies, received partly from various places in Greenland, and partly from Labrador, all, however, agreeing upon every principal point. It does not appear to rest upon any historical basis, but merely to have a moral tendency, bringing before us the idea of a superior power protecting the helpless, and avenging mercilessness and cruelty.

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

► Themes of the story

Transformation: Kagsagsuk undergoes a significant change from a mistreated orphan to a powerful individual, highlighting themes of personal growth and metamorphosis.

Cunning and Deception: The tale illustrates how Kagsagsuk uses his newfound strength and cleverness to overcome those who previously oppressed him, showcasing the use of wit to achieve one’s goals.

Moral Lessons: The narrative imparts ethical teachings about the consequences of cruelty and the virtues of resilience and self-improvement.

► From the same Region or People

North America
- Arctic Region
  - Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Learn more about the Inuit peoples

There was once a poor orphan boy who lived among a lot of uncharitable men. His name was Kagsagsuk, and his foster-mother was a miserable old woman. These poor people had a wretched little shed adjoining the house-passage [or doorway, a long and very narrow, sometimes half-subterranean, tunnel, leading by an upward step to the main, or rather the only, room of the winter hut, and adapted to keeping out the cold air. Its ends we have called the outer and the inner entrance], and they were not allowed to enter the main room. Kagsagsuk did not even venture to enter the shed, but lay in the passage, seeking to warm himself among the dogs.

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In the morning, when the men were rousing their sledge-dogs with their whips, they often hit the poor boy as well as the dogs. He then would cry out, “Na-ah! Na-ah!” mocking himself in imitating the dogs. When the men were feasting upon various frozen dishes, such as the hide of the walrus and frozen meat, the little Kagsagsuk used to peep over the threshold, and sometimes the men lifted him up above it, but only by putting their fingers into his nostrils; these accordingly enlarged, but otherwise he did not grow at all. They would give the poor wretch frozen meat, without allowing him a knife to cut it with, saying his teeth might do instead; and sometimes they pulled out a couple of teeth, complaining of his eating too much. His poor foster-mother procured him boots and a small bird-spear, in order to enable him to go outside the house and play with the other children; but they would turn him over and roll him in the snow, filling his clothes with it, and treating him most cruelly in various ways: the girls sometimes covered him all over with filth. Thus the little boy was always tormented and mocked, and did not grow except about the nostrils. At length he ventured out among the mountains by himself, choosing solitary places, and meditating how to get strength. His foster-mother had taught him how to manage this. Once, standing between two high mountains, he called out: “Lord of strength, come forth! Lord of strength, come to me!” A large animal now appeared in the shape of an amarok (now a fabulous animal, originally a wolf), and Kagsagsuk got very terrified, and was on the point of taking to his heels; but the beast soon overtook him, and, twisting its tail round his body, threw him down. Totally unable to rise, he heard the while a rustling sound, and saw a number of seal-bones, like small toys, falling from his own body. The amarok now said: “It is because of these bones that thy growth has been stopped.” Again it wound its tail round the boy, and again they fell down, but the little bones were fewer this time; and when the beast threw him down the third time, the last bones fell off. The fourth time he did not quite fall, and at the fifth he did not fall at all, but jumped along the ground. The amarok now said: “If it be thy wish to become strong and vigorous, thou mayst come every day to me.” On his way home, Kagsagsuk felt very much lighter, and could even run home, meanwhile kicking and striking the stones on his way. Approaching the house, the girls who nursed the babies met him, and shouted, “Kagsagsuk is coming — let us pelt him with mud;” and the boys beat him and tormented him as before: but he made no opposition, and following his old habits, he went to sleep among the dogs. Afterwards, he met the amarok every day, and always underwent the same process. The boy felt stronger every day, and on his way home he kicked the very rocks, and rolling himself on the ground, made the stones fly about him. At last the beast was not able to overthrow him, and then it spoke: “Now, that will do; human beings will not be able to conquer thee any more. Still, thou hast better stick to thy old habits. When winter sets in, and the sea is frozen, then is thy time to show thyself; three great bears will then appear, and they shall be killed by thy hand.” That day Kagsagsuk ran all the way back, kicking the stones right and left, as was his wont. But at home he went on as usual, and the people tormented him more than ever. One day, in the autumn, the kayakers [men in their kayaks, or skin canoes, made for the purpose of seal-hunting, with room only for a single person] returned home with a large piece of driftwood, which they only made fast to some large stones on the beach, finding it too heavy to be carried up to the house at once. At nightfall, Kagsagsuk said to his mother, “Let me have thy boots, mother, that I too may go down and have a look at the large piece of timber.” When all had gone to rest, he slipped out of the house, and having reached the beach, and loosened the moorings, he flung the piece of timber on his shoulders and carried it up behind the house, where he buried it deep in the ground. In the morning, when the first of the men came out, he cried, “The driftwood is gone!” and when he was joined by the rest, and they saw the strings cut, they wondered how it could possibly have drifted away, there being neither wind nor tide. But an old woman, who happened to go behind the house, cried, “Just look! here is the spar!” whereat they all rushed to the spot, making a fearful noise, shouting, “Who can have done this? there surely must be a man of extraordinary strength among us!” and the young men all gave themselves great airs, that each might be believed to be the great unknown strong man — the impostors!

In the beginning of the winter, the housemates of Kagsaguk ill-treated him even worse than before; but he stuck to his old habits, and did not let them suspect anything. At last the sea was quite frozen over, and seal-hunting out of the question. But when the days began to lengthen, the men one day came running in to report that three bears were seen climbing an iceberg. Nobody, however, ventured to go out and attack them. Now was Kagsagsuk’s time to be up and doing. “Mother,” he said, “let me have thy boots, that I too may go out and have a look at the bears!” She did not like it much, but, however, she threw her boots to him, at the same time mocking him, saying, “Then fetch me a skin for my couch, and another for my coverlet, in return.” He took the boots, fastened his ragged clothes around him, and then was off for the bears. Those who were standing outside cried, “Well, if that is not Kagsagsuk! What can he be about? Kick him away!” and the girls went on, “He must surely be out of his wits!” But Kagsagsuk came running right through the crowd, as if they had been a shoal of small fish; his heels seemed almost to be touching his neck, while the snow, foaming about, sparkled in rainbow colours. He ascended the iceberg by taking hold with his hands, and instantly the largest bear lifted his paw, but Kagsagsuk turned round to make himself hard (viz., invulnerable by charm), and seizing hold of the animal by the fore-paws, flung it against the iceberg, so that the haunches were severed from the body, and then threw it down on the ice to the bystanders, crying, “This was my first catch; now, flense away [take off the skin and blubber] and divide!” The others now thought, “The next bear will be sure to kill him.” The former process, however, was repeated, and the beast thrown down on the ice; but the third bear he merely caught hold of by the fore-paws, and, swinging it above his head, he hurled it at the bystanders, crying, “This fellow behaved shamefully towards me!” and then, smiting another, “That one treated me still worse!” until they all fled before him, making for the house in great consternation. On entering it himself he went straight to his foster-mother with the two bear-skins, crying, “There is one for thy couch, and another for thy coverlet!” after which he ordered the flesh of the bears to be dressed and cooked. Kagsagsuk was now requested to enter the main room; in answer to which request he, as was his wont, only peeped above the threshold, saying, “I really can’t get across, unless some one will lift me up by the nostrils;” but nobody else venturing to do so now, his old foster-mother came and lifted him up as he desired. All the men had now become very civil to him. One would say, “Step forward;” another, “Come and sit down, friend.” “No, not there where the ledge has no cover,” cried another; “here is a nice seat for Kagsagsuk.” [The main ledge or bench; a low and broad bench for sitting and sleeping places, occupying the whole length of the wall opposite to the windows, the narrower side-ledge and window-ledge bordering the other walls. It is generally known in Greenland as the “brix.”] But rejecting their offers, he sat down, as usual, on the side-ledge. Some of them went on, “We have got boots for Kagsagsuk;” and others, “Here are breeches for him!” and the girls rivalled each other in offering to make clothes for him. After supper, one of the inmates of the house told a girl to go and fetch some water for “dear Kagsagsuk.” When she had returned and he had taken a drink, he drew her tenderly towards him, praising her for being so smart for fetching water; but, all of a sudden, he squeezed her so hard that the blood rushed out of her mouth. But he only remarked, “Why, I think she is burst!” The parents, however, quite meekly rejoined, “Never mind, she was good for nothing but fetching water.” Later on, when the boys came in, he called out to them, “What great seal-hunters ye will make!” at the same time seizing hold of them and crushing them to death; others he killed by tearing their limbs asunder. But the parents only said, “It does not signify — he was a good-for-nothing; he only played a little at shooting.” Thus Kagsagsuk went on attacking and putting to death all the inmates of the house, never stopping until the whole of them had perished by his hand. Only the poor people who had been kind to him he spared, and lived with them upon the provisions that had been set by as stores for the winter. Taking also the best of the kayaks left, he trained himself to the use of it, at first keeping close to the shore; but after some time he ventured farther out to sea, and soon went south and northwards in his kayak. In the pride of his heart he roamed all over the country to show off his strength; therefore, even nowadays he is known all along the coast, and on many places there are marks of his great deeds still shown, and this is why the history of Kagsagsuk is supposed to be true.

In the Labrador tale, the name of the champion is called Kaujakjuk, and in different copies from Greenland, Kausaksuk, Kassaksuk, Kausasuk, and Kauksaksuk. Several parts of Greenland claim the honour of pointing out the ruins of his house. A remarkable ruin on cape Noogsuak, of a very doubtful origin, is supposed to have been his bear-trap. In one of the writings, the relater, hinting at the European fancy for curiosities, observes: “I wonder why the masters, or even the king himself, who all seem so very fond of collecting rare things, if they really believe in the tale, have not taken one of the stones from this trap to be brought away with some ship, if possible.”

The Fountain of Giant Land

A blind king seeks a cure from the fountain of Giantland. His three sons attempt the perilous journey, but only the youngest prince succeeds through courage and wisdom. Betrayed by his brothers, he is later rescued and reunited with his family. The prince weds an enchanted princess he freed and is hailed as the kingdom’s rightful heir for his bravery and integrity.

Source
Tales of Giants from Brazil
by Elsie Spicer Eells
Dodd, Mead and Co. – New York, 1918

► Themes of the story

Trials and Tribulations: Throughout his journey, the prince faces numerous challenges, including navigating treacherous terrain, confronting giants, and outsmarting a dragon, highlighting his resilience and determination.

Transformation through Love: The prince’s bravery leads to the liberation of an enchanted princess, and their ensuing marriage signifies personal growth and the transformative power of love.

Moral Lessons: The narrative imparts lessons on virtues such as courage, integrity, and perseverance, demonstrating that true heroism is rewarded, while deceit faces consequences.

► From the same Region or People

South America
- Brazil

Learn more about Brazilian peoples

Long ago there lived a king who was blind. He had employed all the wise physicians in the kingdom, but all to no avail. Not one of them did a single thing to restore his lost eyesight.

One day a little old woman came to the door of the palace begging alms. She said to the servant at the door, “I wish to say a word to the king who is blind. I know a sure cure for his blindness.”

The servant led the little old woman into the king’s presence.

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He was sitting upon the royal throne with his royal crown upon his head, but his blind eyes were bandaged and his royal face was sad because he could no longer see the bright sunlight shining upon the deep blue sea from the window of the palace, nor the lords and ladies of the court before him in their gorgeous garments of purple and cloth of silver and cloth of gold, nor of the face of the queen.

“O royal majesty,” said the little old woman as she bowed low before him, “there is only one thing in the whole world which will restore your lost eyesight. It is the water of the fountain of Giantland. Bathe your eyes in that water and your lost eyesight will be restored at once.”

“How can I obtain this wonderful water?” asked the king. “Giantland is a long distance from my kingdom and I do not know the way there.” The king, the queen, and all the courtiers held their breaths to listen to the reply of the little old woman.

“Your Majesty will need to build a strong fleet to sail up the great river which leads to Giantland,” she said. “The expedition will need as its leader a prince with a brave heart, for there will be many perils on the way to test his mettle. The fountain of Giantland is at the summit of a long steep rocky mountain, and it can be reached only by a prince who ascends the mountain looking neither to the right nor to the left. All along the way stand huge giants ready to enslave one the moment he stops looking straight ahead. If one should succeed in climbing the mountain the fountain is there at the summit, but it is guarded by a dragon. One can approach it only when the dragon is asleep. Many princes have tried this quest and all have failed. If you should be able to send a prince brave enough and wise enough to succeed, there at the top of the mountain he will find a little old woman who will tell him whether or not the dragon is asleep.”

With these words the little old woman withdrew from the royal presence. The king pondered over her advice. Then he sent for the three princes and told them the story.

“O my father, I am brave and wise,” said the eldest prince as soon as he had heard his father’s words. “I will go upon this quest. I will bring you a bottle of the water of the fountain of Giantland that your sight may be restored.”

The king ordered a great fleet to be prepared to sail up the river to Giantland. He collected an enormous sum of money to provide for the prince. The whole kingdom buzzed with preparation for the journey.

The prince planted an orange tree in the palace garden and said to his younger brother, “Keep close watch of this tree. If its leaves begin to wither you will know that some evil has befallen me. Come to my aid.”

The eldest prince set out with a great fleet and his pockets lined with gold. He anchored in many harbors along the way. The prince was very fond of gaming and there were many opportunities to play. Before he had reached Giantland he had lost the golden linings from his pockets.

After the prince had sailed up the great river which leads to Giantland he saw the steep rocky mountain towering before him. He set a bottle for the water of the fountain of Giantland carefully upon his head and slowly ascended the steep path. He kept his eyes fixed straight ahead.

Soon, however, he heard giant voices shouting at him. From the corners of his eyes he could see giant forms along the pathway. He forgot that he must look neither to the right nor to the left.

The moment the prince turned his eyes a giant immediately seized him and made him his slave. “You shall be my slave for ever and a day,” said the giant, “unless you have gold enough in your pockets to pay your ransom.” The prince had no gold.

At home in the palace garden the leaves of the orange tree which the eldest prince had planted began to wither. His younger brother noticed it at once and went to the king. “O my father,” said he, “I know that my brother has fallen into trouble. I must go to his aid.”

The king at once prepared another great fleet. He provided the prince with even more gold than his brother had taken with him. Every one in the whole kingdom did his best to hasten the preparations.

In the palace garden the prince planted a lemon tree and called the youngest prince into the garden. The youngest prince was playing with his dogs. He was a mere boy. “Keep close watch of this lemon tree while I am away,” said the prince. “If its leaves begin to wither you will know that I am in trouble. Come to my aid.”

The prince sailed up the great river which leads to Giantland. He anchored at many harbors and took part in many festas. By the time he had reached Giantland he had spent all his gold.

At home in the palace garden the youngest prince watched the lemon tree carefully every day. He watered it and pruned it. He took splendid care of it.

When at last the prince set out to climb the mountain which leads to the fountain of Giantland he felt very brave and very wise. He climbed steadily on and on, looking neither to the right nor to the left, even though he heard the voices of the giants shouting at him, and from the corners of his eyes could see the giant forms along the pathway.

Suddenly he heard the voice of his own brother, the eldest prince, weeping as the giant gave him blows. At that sound he forgot all about looking straight ahead.

The moment the prince turned his eyes from the pathway straight ahead of him a giant seized him and made him his slave. “You shall be my slave for ever and a day,” said the giant, “unless you have gold enough to pay your ransom.”

At home in the palace garden his little brother was watching the lemon tree. The very moment its leaves began to wither he noticed it and ran at once to the king. “O my father,” he cried as soon as he was in the king’s presence. “My brother is in trouble. I must go to his aid.”

“You, my son, are only a lad,” said the king. “How can you succeed when your two older brothers have failed? I cannot bear to let you go. You are all I have left. I prefer to remain blind the rest of my days. O, why did I ever listen to the story the little old woman told me about the water of the fountain of Giantland?”

The youngest prince begged so hard to go that at length his father granted his request and prepared a fleet for him. He gave him all the gold he could collect in the kingdom.

The prince set out with brave heart. He sailed on his way steadily although at every harbour there were voices which bade him linger. There were games and feasting and fair maidens.

Soon the youngest prince had reached Giantland. Above him rose the rough steep rocky mountain. Before he started to make the ascent he first stuffed cotton in his ears. Then he carefully placed upon his head a bottle to fill with the water of the fountain of Giantland.

He climbed up the steep mountain looking neither to the right nor to the left. Through the cotton in his ears he could faintly hear the giant voices calling him. From the corners of his eyes he could see the giant forms along the pathway. He resolutely kept his eyes fixed straight ahead and steadily climbed upward though the path was very rough and full of stones. The cotton in his ears prevented him from hearing the voices of his two brothers crying out when the giants beat them.

At length the lad was in sight of the fountain at the summit of the mountain. The little old woman was standing in the path, watching his ascent. As soon as he came near to her he took the cotton out of his ears so that he might hear what she had to say to him.

“You have arrived at a safe moment,” the little old woman told him. “The dragon is asleep.”

The little old woman helped the prince fill the bottle with water from the fountain. Then she said, “The dragon which guards the fountain is an enchanted princess. No prince has ever before been brave enough and wise enough to reach this spot. In a year and a day from this moment her enchantment will be broken. Come again and claim her as your bride.”

The little old woman gave the prince a ring, and the prince drew a ring from his own finger and gave it to the little old woman. “When the enchantment is broken put my ring upon the finger of the princess,” he said. “Expect me back in a year and a day. I’ll be sure to come.”

The prince made his way back down the steep slope of the mountain, guarding his bottle full of the water of the fountain of Giantland with the utmost care. When he was half way down the mountain he saw his two brothers standing in his path.

“Viva,” cried they. “You have been successful. You have a bottle full of the water from the fountain. Now if you also have your pockets full of gold you can pay our ransom and we will return with you to our father’s kingdom.”

“My pockets are still lined with gold which my father gave me,” said the youngest prince. “Help yourselves. It is yours if it can serve you.” There was more than enough money to pay the ransom of his two older brothers.

When they were sailing down the great river towards home the two older brothers plotted against the youngest prince. “Come,” said one to the other. “How can we let our father know that it was our little brother who succeeded in this quest? Let us cast our brother ashore. Then we will go together to our father with the water from the fountain of Giantland. When his sight is restored we will share his blessing and the honors of the kingdom. We will claim no knowledge of our youngest brother.”

This is what the two eldest princes did. The youngest prince was cast ashore when he was asleep. After many long weary wanderings he found refuge in the hut of a poor fisherman and hired out to work for him.

The king’s eyesight was restored immediately when he had bathed his eyes in the water from the fountain of Giantland. The two princes were given all the honors of the kingdom. The whole kingdom, however, mourned the loss of the little prince. The king and queen never gave up hoping that he would come back to them. The queen carefully laid away all the clothes which had belonged to the youngest prince so that they would be ready for him if he should return to the palace. Every day she shook them out with loving care, so that the baratas and white ants would not eat holes in them.

A year and a day flew swiftly by. The huge dragon which had guarded the fountain of Giantland escaped from her enchantment and was restored to the form of a beautiful princess.

The little old woman and the princess watched and waited for the return of the prince according to his promise. “Some evil must surely have befallen the lad,” said the little old woman. “Let us go in search of him. I know he was a lad who would not break his word.”

The little old woman and the beautiful princess who wore the prince’s own ring upon her finger came to the palace of the king. When the king had listened to the story they told, the guilty princes were called before him. They were forced to confess their evil deed. They were immediately thrown into prison. The anger of the whole kingdom was kindled against them.

Then the king and the queen and all the court sailed in their swiftest ships to the place where the little prince had been cast ashore. The little old woman and the beautiful princess who wore the prince’s own ring upon her finger went with them. At length after much searching they found the fisherman’s hut and the prince working for the fisherman.

The king and the queen and all the court wept tears of joy when they beheld the youngest prince alive and well. The queen wept again when she noticed the poor rough clothing which the prince was wearing. She had brought with her the prince’s favourite suit of cloth of gold which she had laid away carefully. When the prince put it on it was a trifle tight and a little bit too short for him, as he had grown so much in the year. Nevertheless he looked very handsome in it when he stood before the beautiful princess and claimed her as his bride.

The fisherman was greatly astonished at all the proceedings, for he had never dreamed that it was the king’s son who had been working for him all the year and sleeping on a mat at his side on the floor of his rude hut.

“He may be a prince, but he is the most faithful lad who ever worked for me,” said the fisherman.

“He is indeed a prince,” cried the courtiers, “and the bravest, most faithful prince which any land in all the world ever boasted of.” “His princely deeds have proven to all the world that he is fit to reign as king over our fair land when I no longer live,” said the king as he gave the prince and the beautiful princess his royal blessing.