The incredibly harsh environment of the Canadian arctic has certainly helped to shape the lives and beliefs of the native Inuit people. They have to live and work in such extreme of cold that every day is a lesson in survival. It is no wonder that they have a very unique world view that perfectly captures their homeland. The Eskimo stories are not only fascinating in themselves but also offer a window into this inhospitable world and the people who call it home.
The constant struggle to survive has produced a people who's lives are dominated by fear. They are rightfully afraid of the world around them. The ice is unpredictable, the polar bears are ferocious and the is the constant threat of blizzards. In order to survive the Inuit have developed a very unique world view and set of beliefs.
The Inuit mythology is not like most belief systems. There are no gods, deities or rulers. There are no dreams of an afterlife in heaven. But there is a strong and constant belief in spirits and shaman. The people believe that every living creature, human or animal, has a soul. If an animal is killed for food the hunters must follow a strict ritual or the dead animals spirit may come back to haunt them.
The beliefs are unique because there are no gods to worship or rulers to praise. An Inuit story is more likely to be about the rituals and taboos that are an integral part of life on the ice. The people are far more focused on making it through this world than worrying about the next. There is no notion of heaven or hell, no eternal damnation or punishment. Living on the ice is punishment enough for these people.
Although most people know little or nothing of the Inuit beliefs a recent movie is helping to change that. Atanarjuat is the name of the central character and means the fast runner. Indeed Atanarjuat is able to outrun his enemies and avoid being killed because he is a very swift runner, even across the ice. The story is long and complex and a significant part of the oral tradition of these native people.
In 2001 the movie Atanarjuat - The Fast Runner made its premier. This movie is unique in that it was made from one of most popular and best remembered of all Inuit stories. Atanarjuat goes through many trials, these include death threats, fear, pain and betrayal. He has to make difficult decisions that affect not only himself but all those in his tight knit group.
Anirniit are believed to inhabit every living creature. This means that animals are just as important as people. To kill any animal as just as sacred as killing a human. The correct taboos must be upheld to ensure that the spirit of the dead animal does not come back to haunt the hunter.
Taboos are a central theme of the Eskimo stories. Breaking a taboo either by accident or intent was seen as a very dangerous act. It could bring the wrath of the gods down on the family or the entire community. When survival is so difficult it is not surprising that these hardy people should have such a strong belief in the spirits of their ice world.
The constant struggle to survive has produced a people who's lives are dominated by fear. They are rightfully afraid of the world around them. The ice is unpredictable, the polar bears are ferocious and the is the constant threat of blizzards. In order to survive the Inuit have developed a very unique world view and set of beliefs.
The Inuit mythology is not like most belief systems. There are no gods, deities or rulers. There are no dreams of an afterlife in heaven. But there is a strong and constant belief in spirits and shaman. The people believe that every living creature, human or animal, has a soul. If an animal is killed for food the hunters must follow a strict ritual or the dead animals spirit may come back to haunt them.
The beliefs are unique because there are no gods to worship or rulers to praise. An Inuit story is more likely to be about the rituals and taboos that are an integral part of life on the ice. The people are far more focused on making it through this world than worrying about the next. There is no notion of heaven or hell, no eternal damnation or punishment. Living on the ice is punishment enough for these people.
Although most people know little or nothing of the Inuit beliefs a recent movie is helping to change that. Atanarjuat is the name of the central character and means the fast runner. Indeed Atanarjuat is able to outrun his enemies and avoid being killed because he is a very swift runner, even across the ice. The story is long and complex and a significant part of the oral tradition of these native people.
In 2001 the movie Atanarjuat - The Fast Runner made its premier. This movie is unique in that it was made from one of most popular and best remembered of all Inuit stories. Atanarjuat goes through many trials, these include death threats, fear, pain and betrayal. He has to make difficult decisions that affect not only himself but all those in his tight knit group.
Anirniit are believed to inhabit every living creature. This means that animals are just as important as people. To kill any animal as just as sacred as killing a human. The correct taboos must be upheld to ensure that the spirit of the dead animal does not come back to haunt the hunter.
Taboos are a central theme of the Eskimo stories. Breaking a taboo either by accident or intent was seen as a very dangerous act. It could bring the wrath of the gods down on the family or the entire community. When survival is so difficult it is not surprising that these hardy people should have such a strong belief in the spirits of their ice world.
About the Author:
You can visit alaskanstonewoman.com for more helpful information about The Fascinating Eskimo Stories And Legends.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire