Folklore on the Tizheruk Artwork by HodariNundu There are so many cultures that have tales of Sea-Monsters—particularly of the serpent variety, that it would almost be a shock to learn that the Inuit culture didn’t possess one. It is only natural to fear what we do not know—the list of phobias that have spawned from not knowing what is there is fairly long—the dark is a … [Read more...] about Arctic Sea Serpent: The Tizheruk
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Inuit Spirit of Death: The Keelut
What is the Keelut? Photography by Nick Bolton This creature is an Inuit legend, one who hunts people during the winter, but it's not actually a predator in the strictest sense--it's a spirit of the Netherworld. The Keelut (key-loot), also known as the Qiqirn (key-kern) is sometimes referenced as a spirit of death or an evil earth spirit. While it is actually a spirit, it … [Read more...] about Inuit Spirit of Death: The Keelut
Is the Adlet the Werewolf of the Far North?
What is the Adlet? Artwork by Mary Farnstrom Not a true werewolf—but they are the closest thing you’ll see to one in Inuit folklore. The Adlet (ah-dlit), also known as the Erqigdlet (urk-kig-dlit) in Greenland, is considered the arctic counterpart of the well-known werewolf and for good reason. Although they are not shapeshifters and the moon has no effect on them, their … [Read more...] about Is the Adlet the Werewolf of the Far North?
The Qalupalik: Monsters of the Deep
Folklore of the Inuit Siren Photography by Li Yang In Alaskan Inuit culture, there are ocean-dwelling creatures known as Qalupaliit (kah-loo-pah-leet)—they are the Arctic version of the mermaid or siren. Unlike the popular mermaid princess culture that surrounds much of the lore of this aquatic creature, the Qalupalik (kah-loo-pah-leek) is not a beautiful half-fish, … [Read more...] about The Qalupalik: Monsters of the Deep