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.
