Inuit/Eskimo Lore

Who:

Indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions: Canada, Alaska, Greenland. Often called Inuit or Eskimo (older term).

Important figures in mythology: Shamans (angakkuq), Raven (trickster/creator), Sedna (goddess of the sea).

What:

Oral traditions including myths, legends, and stories.

Themes: survival, respect for nature, spiritual balance, moral lessons.

Stories often combine everyday life with supernatural elements.

When:

Passed down for generations orally; timeless within Arctic life.

Set in the harsh Arctic environment, reflecting seasonal cycles, hunting practices, and community life.

Where:

Arctic regions: Canadian Arctic Circle, Alaska, Greenland, northern Siberia.

Settings often feature ice, tundra, sea, and the northern lights (aurora borealis).

Why/Significance:

Teach practical survival skills (hunting, safety, community behavior).

Explain natural phenomena (storms, auroras, sea animals).

Provide moral guidance and cultural continuity.

Reinforce the sacredness of life, human-animal relationships, and respect for the environment.

Notable Figures & Legends:

Sedna: Sea goddess controlling marine animals; her story teaches respect for the sea.

Raven: Trickster/creator; brings light, creates land or humans, teaches lessons through mischief.

Shamans (Angakkuq): Mediate between the human and spirit world; maintain balance and guide the community.