Inuit Mythology has proven time and time again to be an important element in society for the Inuit. Although it had more importance during the early years of the tribe, many of the Inuit Myths are still taken seriously to this day.
This Inuit had quite a few more myths than the other tribes, which focused primarily on the creation aspect of society.
There are a variety of different creatures that comprise these Inuit Myths such as the Mahaha, Ijiraat, Taqriaqsuit, Gallupilluk, Inupasugjuk, and Tuniit. Exploring these creatures is an important task to fulfill for any individual whom wishes to know more about this aspect of the Inuit tribe.
The Mahaha
This mythological creature was a demon that roamed across the Arctic. His appearance was nothing short of putrid, with ice blue skin, plain white eyes, long stringy hair, and a huge wicked smile.
The Inuit saw this demon from time to time, always with minimal clothing. He giggles and smiles at the Aboriginals with a creepy appearance about him. His hands are long, with sharp nails at the end of his fingers.
Elders say that these nails are responsible for the Mahaha’s victims, as he constantly tickles those he encounters to death. If an Aboriginal was found dead with a bizarre smile across his or her face, the tribe assumed it was the work of the Mahaha.
Even though the little creature is vicious, he could be fooled easily. In fact, many of the tales told by Elders explain how the Mahaha was fooled into his demise. For instance, many say that the Mahaha was tricked to bend over to drink water, and pushed by the Aboriginals into the currents.
The Ijiraat
These creatures were shape-shifters whom could transform into all different animals of the land. Although they could shape-shift into any animal, the Ijiraat usually shifted into:
- Wolves
- Ravens
- Bears
- Humans
The only part that gave their identity away were the red eyes they possessed, regardless of form or animal shape. These creatures were excellent at maneuvering across the Arctic landscape and constantly caught the Aboriginal travelers by surprise.
It is interesting to note that there are a wide variety of opinions and theories on the Ijiraat. Some Elders think that the creatures were violent beings, committed to slaying the Aboriginals it encountered. Others said they may have just been messengers to the Inuit. Regardless, following an encounter with one of these Ijiraats, the individual would lose his or her memory.
The Taqriaqsuit
These creatures are more like people. They live around regular humans and participate in the exact same activities and routines as regular humans do. The key difference is that they cannot be seen, they are more widely known as the shadow people.
Some individuals have managed to sense their presence amongst them at times, or hear them; however, these creatures are excellent at hiding themselves. Elders say that some Aboriginals have been pulled over into the shadow world and have never been heard of again.
They go on to explain that when footsteps or voices are heard amongst an individual and no one is around, it is the work of the Taqriaqsuit.
Qallupilluk
These creatures are prevalent within the oceans and seas of the northern Arctic areas. Those whom encounter them say that their skin is comprised of scales with various bumps, and their hideous appearance is enough to turn off anyone of their appetite.
These creatures hide in the ocean, and many Elders warn children to stay away from oceans with currents or steam. The reason being is that the Qallupilluk were known for stealing children from the Inuit when they ventured near the coast, or off of the ice they stood on is it broke.
These children were stuffed in large pouches that the Qallupilluk carried on their back. Elders also said they could be heard from beneath the ice, knocking to get the attention of the children.
The Inupasugjuk
These creatures were giants that inhabited the Arctic. The males of this species were almost never seen, and the Elders barely talked about these creatures. The only prevalent information about them is that females were more frequent than males, and these females usually grabbed hold of Aboriginal travelers to please their curiosity.
The Tuniit
Last of all mythological creatures, the Tuniit were the people who lived in the northern areas before the Inuit did. Many of these individuals spoke a simplistic baby language, and were quite a peaceful population. The key difference that makes these individuals creatures is the fact that their skin was thick, and bodies strong.
The Importance of Inuit Mythology
As one can see, there were many creatures that the Inuit believed in. Each of them were used in some way, shape, or form to keep members of the Inuit in proper conduct. For instance, the Qallupilluk creature was used to ensure all children stayed away from the waters. Though there are many aspects of Inuit Mythology, the creatures found within them are one of the most important to acknowledge. They are a fascinating element of the myths that the Inuit told and believed in so vigorously, and a distinct aspect that separates the Inuit from the Athapaskans.
Sources
Curtis Nash - Curtis has been writing for over three years, but only professionally for one. He started with various Freelance websites and slowly ...
