At the heart of many Eskimo stories is a simple yet reoccurring theme, the struggle to survive in a very harsh environment. The Canadian Arctic is a desperately cold and unforgiving place to live. It is amazing that people are able to survive there and establish homes. Despite the many generations to live on the ice, disaster is always close at hand.
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 are painfully aware that even a short run of bad luck could easily wipe out a family or community. With this constantly on their minds they are very careful to observe many rituals and avoid bringing about the anger of the spirits. Both good and bad spirits are thought to inhabit the world and in some cases people can be possessed.
Rigid taboos and rituals are at the heart of any Inuit story. Breaking a taboo was viewed as not only shocking but also something that was likely to bring misfortune to the group. This was an extremely serious matter and is the basis for many a shocking story. Blood feuds are a favorite topic and there is none of the happy endings we are so likely to expect. Life was harsh and this is reflected in the tales from the ice.
Spirits play a big part in any Inuit story. They are felt to be just as real as living humans. The spirits or, Anirniit, are the soul of a person or animal. They could be kind or evil, some were helpful to people, whilst others tried to do the humans harm or even kill them. Even more interesting is that the spirits could possess a person and take over their live. This in turn would bring all kinds of calamities down on the family.
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.
Although many modern Inuit people have made Christianity their official religion they still turn to the old ways. It may be fairer to say that they have adapted Christianity to fit in with their traditional beliefs and ways. They still keep to the old rituals and taboos.
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 are painfully aware that even a short run of bad luck could easily wipe out a family or community. With this constantly on their minds they are very careful to observe many rituals and avoid bringing about the anger of the spirits. Both good and bad spirits are thought to inhabit the world and in some cases people can be possessed.
Rigid taboos and rituals are at the heart of any Inuit story. Breaking a taboo was viewed as not only shocking but also something that was likely to bring misfortune to the group. This was an extremely serious matter and is the basis for many a shocking story. Blood feuds are a favorite topic and there is none of the happy endings we are so likely to expect. Life was harsh and this is reflected in the tales from the ice.
Spirits play a big part in any Inuit story. They are felt to be just as real as living humans. The spirits or, Anirniit, are the soul of a person or animal. They could be kind or evil, some were helpful to people, whilst others tried to do the humans harm or even kill them. Even more interesting is that the spirits could possess a person and take over their live. This in turn would bring all kinds of calamities down on the family.
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.
Although many modern Inuit people have made Christianity their official religion they still turn to the old ways. It may be fairer to say that they have adapted Christianity to fit in with their traditional beliefs and ways. They still keep to the old rituals and taboos.
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.
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