Tupilaq
Description
Avenging monster crafted from bone and skin, sent to…
Origin & Background
Tupilaq is a concept originating from Inuit religion, particularly in Greenland, referring to a vengeful monster created by an angakok (shaman). This monster is made using parts taken from animal body parts (bones, skin, fur, tendons, etc.) and even the corpses of children. After being given life through a ceremonial song, it is placed in the sea to seek out and destroy specific enemies.
The Legend
Tupilaq is a vengeful monster, said to be secretly created by an angakok and sent to attack enemies. However, sending a tupilaq was a dangerous act, as if the target possessed stronger magical powers, the tupilaq could return to kill its creator. The creator could escape danger by publicly confessing their actions.
Variants
Various Inuit cultures have similar concepts to tupilaq. For example, in Igloolik, tupilaq is described as an invisible ghost, which only the angakok could perceive. In Kivalirmiut, it was depicted as a chimera-like being made of a human head and various animal parts. In Greenland, tupilaq is considered a physical human-made entity created to harm enemies.
In Popular Culture
Today, tupilaq is carved in various forms and sizes, occupying an important part of Greenland Inuit art and holding high value as a collectible.
This article is based on the Wikipedia article "Tupilaq" (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikipedia
Abilities
- 불명