A frozen world where legends of the Earth, Sea, and Sky burned as bright as the Northern Lights, the Artic regions reflect the battle with the elements. The Inuit peoples relied on the natural world to survive and this dependence created a lore which involved Shamanism. These Shamans communicated with their Gods and Goddesses through visions while in a trance. The was a harmonious relationship between the Shamans and the spirts of fire, water, and the wind. The spirits of the mountains and animals that inhabited the regions all possessed spirits which controlled the world around them.
Aulanerk a water spirit, important because it was one it surrounded them, caused the waves. Agloolik another water spirit, resided below the ice and Nootaikok controlled the icebergs. The spirit of the sea Sedua was a main spirit controlling the food which came from the sea. She was cruel and harsh.
The Moon was of special importance. The cycles of the moon determined the seasons which in turn ensured the abundance of game. The stars positions were also noted as their appearance indicated the migration of the animals that were consumed. Their myths were full of stories of the constellations and celestial bodies. The Moon dominated their myths more so than the Sim. Aningaaq or Moon Man was the essence of the sky. He was helpful and he is depicted as benevolent and controlled fertility by the seasonal cycles.
The balance of the Inuit world was dictated by the Moon and the Sea, Moon Man and Sea Woman were major forces, the forces which controlled the Inuit life.
Sila the spirit of Air controlled rain, snow, storms and blizzards. With her great powers she would take revenge when offended causing harsh weather and withholding food.
These Gods and Goddesses controlled the physical forces, maintaining harmony, protecting the animals of nature. The Inuit revered nature and animals so much that animals had a part in some of their creation myths.
Since humans have inhabited the Earth they have sought to explain, understand, and control the world around them; their persistent attempt to make sense of nature has left behind and animated history of life in the inanimate. The spirits of the wind, storms clouds all tell of another time when humans had a poignant intimacy with their Gods and of a life which in reality does not differ so much from our own.
