Technologi

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.

For thousands of years the Inuit have struggled with the brutal cold and harsh conditions of the frozen north. This place has really helped to create a world view that is unlike any other. The belief system is based more on fear than anything else. Many of the stories focus on the people's collective fear of a natural disaster or some type of bad luck befalling them.

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 spirits or Anirniit are an integral part of life. A spirit can be good or evil, it may try to help humans or it may try to hinder and trick them. People must be on the look out for spirits all the time and avoid situations that may provoke them or bring bad luck to the settlement. Bad luck is more serious in a small community that is barely able to survive. It can be the difference between life and death.

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.

Although many of the Inuit have now adopted Christianity as their official religion, many still believe in the old ways. In fact it might be fairer to say that they have adapted the Christian beliefs to fit in with their traditional ways. There is still a strong belief in spirits, known as Anirniit.

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.