The Adlet are a race of humanoid dog-legged beings from Inuit mythology, characterized by their distinctive hybrid form. They possess a human upper body and a canine lower body, and are noted for their exceptional running speed and frequent clashes with humans. Often depicted as cannibals and antagonists, they embody the dangerous 'other' in Arctic folklore.

Adlet

Adlivun is the Inuit underworld where the spirits of the departed reside. It is depicted as a frozen wasteland beneath the land and sea, serving as a purificatory realm for souls. Also known as Idliragijenget, Adlivun is central to Inuit beliefs about the afterlife.

Adlivun

Ahkiyyini is a skeletal spirit from Inuit folklore, known as the ghost of Alaska. He wields his own bones as musical instruments to produce a dance that triggers tidal waves and earthquakes. This enigmatic figure embodies the raw and unpredictable power of nature through his eerie performance.

Ahkiyyini

Aipaloovik is an evil sea god from Inuit mythology known for bringing death and destruction. He stands as the antithesis of Anguta, embodying malevolence in the ocean. His fearsome presence warns fishermen of the perilous might of the sea.

Aipaloovik

Akhlut is an orca-wolf hybrid from Inuit folklore, known for its ability to transform between a marine and a terrestrial form. In water, it mirrors the grace of an orca, while on land, it takes on the fierce appearance of a wolf. This duality symbolises the interconnectedness of nature in the harsh Arctic environment.

Akhlut

Amaguq is a trickster wolf spirit from Inuit mythology, renowned for his shape-shifting abilities and cunning nature. He embodies both the wild physical traits of the wolf and the elusive qualities of the spirit realm. His myth serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictable and transformative power.

Amaguq

The Amarok is a legendary, gigantic wolf from Inuit mythology known for haunting the Arctic nights. It is said to stalk and devour those who hunt alone, making it a feared figure. Its solitary and predatory nature sets it apart from ordinary wolves.

Amarok (wolf)

The Amikuk is a fearsome shapeshifter from Yup'ik legend that inhabits the earth, sea, and ice. It adopts diverse forms ranging from a four-armed, hairless sea creature with leathery skin to a human guise known as Qamungelriit. Known for its aggressive ambush tactics and eerie multiplication when shot, the creature serves as a cautionary symbol in Yup'ik culture.

Amikuk

The Caribou Mother is an ancient Inuit deity revered as the origin and protector of caribou. Depicted as a gigantic figure with people and caribou appearing as mere lice on her body, she embodies immense power and maternal care. Also known by the name Pinga, she ensures that the caribou herds remain safe and abundant for the Inuit.

Caribou mother

Galagatax is a legendary sea monster from the Unangax culture of the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. It is renowned for its massive mouth capable of engulfing an entire six-meter sea kayak and its distinctive basket-like ears. The creature serves as a cautionary figure, testing the bravery of seafarers who encounter it.

Galagatax̂

Idliragijenget, also known as Sedna, is an Inuit goddess who reigns over the ocean and the underworld. She resides in Adlivun, sharing a divided dwelling with her father to maintain the separation of seasons. Her singular, moon-like eye and control over water elements mark her as a formidable figure in Inuit mythology.

Idliragijenget

Idlirvirissong is an evil spirit from Inuit tradition known for its malevolent influence and supernatural abilities. It is reputed to be invisible, immortal, and capable of shape-shifting. This spirit is central to cautionary tales in the harsh Arctic landscapes of Baffin Island and Greenland.

Idlirvirissong

The ijiraq is a mysterious shapeshifting entity from Inuit mythology, known for abducting children. It shifts its form at will, making it an elusive figure in the harsh Arctic landscape. Its presence serves as a cautionary symbol of the dangers lurking in the spirit world.

Ijiraq

Kigatilik is a fearsome fanged demon from Inuit mythology known for his role in targeting shamans. He embodies malevolent supernatural forces and serves as a symbol of the dark aspects of the spirit world. His reputation as a deadly adversary has made him a lasting figure in Inuit folklore.

Kigatilik

The Qallupilluit, also known as the Qalupalik, is a fearsome creature from Inuit mythology. It lures and abducts children who venture too close to the icy Arctic waters. This myth serves as a protective cautionary tale, warning of the dangers of the natural environment.

Qallupilluit

Qiqirn is a large, bald dog spirit from Inuit mythology that uniquely displays hair only on its feet, mouth, and the tips of its ears and tail. Its mere presence is known to cause convulsions in both men and dogs, sometimes with fatal consequences. Despite this, Qiqirn is inherently fearful of humans and will run away if an angakkuq is present.

Qiqirn

Sedna is the Inuit goddess of the sea and marine animals, often depicted with a woman's upper body and a marine mammal's tail. Known as the Mother of the Sea, she plays a central role in the creation myth of the Inuit people. She rules over Adlivun, the underworld equivalent in Inuit belief, linking life, death, and the ocean.

Sedna (mythology)

The Tariaksuq are enigmatic humanoid beings from Inuit mythology known for their shadow-like invisibility. Living among humans with ordinary societal structures, they vanish when looked upon directly, leaving only a cast shadow. Upon death, they reveal a striking half-man, half-caribou form, underscoring their dual nature.

Tariaksuq

Tizheruk is a legendary sea serpent from Inuit folklore known for its massive two-metre head and flipper-like tail. It lurks in the cold waters near Key Island, Alaska, ambushing unsuspecting prey from the piers. Also known as Pal-Rai-Yük, it shares similarities with other mythical water serpents like Naitaka and Haietlik.

Tizheruk

Torngarsuk is an Inuit sea, death, and underworld god, revered as one of the major deities in the Inuit pantheon. He serves as the leader of the Tornat, a group of protective gods, reflecting his complex duality. Despite his revered status, sources like the Dictionnaire Infernal also depict him as a mischievous demon or spirit.

Arctic Creatures