The Eskimo stories and legends have an almost spellbinding power over people just as much today as they have for hundreds of years. Living out on the ice of the Canadian arctic, the Inuit people live some of the toughest lives on earth. Each day is a challenge as they cope with frigid temperatures, lack of food and other natural disasters.
The unbelievably harsh environment is what has created the Inuit legends. The belief system of these ancient people is really quite unique. There is nothing to compare with it anywhere else. Probably the most striking difference is that there are no gods, deities or rulers. This reflects the democratic nature of life in the arctic. In many cases the struggle to survive takes priority over everything else and there is not time to worry about who should be the leader.
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.
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.
Over the centuries many legends have developed. Most tales are passed on from one generation to the next by oral tradition. Each group would have a designated story teller who was responsible for memorizing the legends and passing them on. Interestingly many of the legends can be traced back hundreds of years and seem to fit in well with what is known of the changing arctic landscape.
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.
The movie is extremely powerful and met with instant critical acclaim. The simple message is timeless and the native actors give stunning performances. The incredible scenery out on the ice is unforgettable and the movie has been shown to audiences around the world. The story is so compelling and presents aspects of life most of us have never thought about.
It is probably this unique and brutal approach that gives Eskimo stories their incredible power. Audiences are left stunned by the depth of the human spirit and the struggle to survive. It shows only too clearly how life can come to an unexpected and abrupt ending. The Inuit belief system is at first glance primitive, yet underneath there is an incredible amount of feeling and emotion.
The unbelievably harsh environment is what has created the Inuit legends. The belief system of these ancient people is really quite unique. There is nothing to compare with it anywhere else. Probably the most striking difference is that there are no gods, deities or rulers. This reflects the democratic nature of life in the arctic. In many cases the struggle to survive takes priority over everything else and there is not time to worry about who should be the leader.
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.
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.
Over the centuries many legends have developed. Most tales are passed on from one generation to the next by oral tradition. Each group would have a designated story teller who was responsible for memorizing the legends and passing them on. Interestingly many of the legends can be traced back hundreds of years and seem to fit in well with what is known of the changing arctic landscape.
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.
The movie is extremely powerful and met with instant critical acclaim. The simple message is timeless and the native actors give stunning performances. The incredible scenery out on the ice is unforgettable and the movie has been shown to audiences around the world. The story is so compelling and presents aspects of life most of us have never thought about.
It is probably this unique and brutal approach that gives Eskimo stories their incredible power. Audiences are left stunned by the depth of the human spirit and the struggle to survive. It shows only too clearly how life can come to an unexpected and abrupt ending. The Inuit belief system is at first glance primitive, yet underneath there is an incredible amount of feeling and emotion.
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