Inuit

Dear Viewer of my Inuit Wiki Page,
====This is a wiki page dedicated to tell you the Inuit creation myth of Raven. First you will find a map of where the Inuit live now, an own recording of the Inuit creation myth, a motif paragraph, a short essay that answers my research question, some pictures as visual aid, two annotations and a comprehensive bibliography.====

Bangdi
=Map of Inuit Settlements= == http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_groups/fp_inuit1.html

=Creation Myth of Raven, Recording=

media type="file" key="Creation Myth of Raven, Recording.mp3" width="240" height="20"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mundosanto/2086905326/

=Creation Myth of Raven, Motif Paragraph=

Every creation myth has motifs, which are conventional themes and recurring events in different creation myths. There are four main motifs, which are: 1. Land emerging from ocean 2. Separation or division 3. Fractionation of things from primordial chaos 4. Creation ex nihilo, creation out of nothing The creation myth of the Inuit would best fit the first and third motif, land emerging from ocean and the fractionation of things from primordial chaos, since the creation myth of Raven is very similar to Genesis. Raven separated the waters from the land with the beats of his wings which would be evidence for “land emerging from ocean”. Furthermore “fractionation of things from primordial chaos” is also evident in the creation myth of the Inuit. Raven creates sheep, fish, birds and woman from clay. This is very similar to Genesis, where God creates woman from the rip of man. “Creation ex nihilo” could be questioned to be one of these motifs, but in all creation cases of Raven he used something to create something new. Land, described as “his earth”, was already there, the story does not tell how “his earth” was created. Thus two of the four motifs are present in the Inuit creation myth of Raven, land emerging from ocean and fractionation of things from primordial chaos.

=How does the creation myth of Raven reflect the Inuit Society and Culture?=

Myths from the ancient times, especially creation myths, usually conflict with studies of modern day science, whereas those creation myths have had tremendous impacts on our society and culture. The Inuit creation myth of Raven is a favored example to show the reflection of the myth of Raven on the Inuit culture and society. The myth of Raven reflects the Inuit culture and society in three different major ways: the survival of the Inuit language, the important role of women and the sacredness of animals held by the Inuit.

Storytelling and songs are the only way to keep the Inuit language, Inuktitut, alive, since the “Inuit language has become threatened due to English-only residential schools” – (Nadine Fabbi,”Inuktitut – the Inuit Language”). Passing on this myth of Raven is one of a few ways to keep this language active.

Also the extensive role of women is also reflected in the Inuit society, the task of Inuit women is of great importance, while “Men hunted, women stayed behind to take care of the camp. Their life was one of constant preparation for the winter months and the need for survival,” – (Pam Riederer, “Inuit (Eskimo)”). The fact that men needed women in the myth reflects the tasks in an Inuit groups.

Furthermore the sacredness of animals held by the Inuit is deeply reflected in the myth of Raven. Raven places fish in the water and birds in the air, areas that are hard to reach for men. Since “growing crops is almost impossible” – (Passatino Fiona, “The Inuit Culture”), the main comestible of the Inuit are animals and therefore makes them hunters. Also “the importance of the land with its animals is reflected in their traditional spiritual beliefs. Powerful gods and spirits are believed to control (…) the migration of animals.” – (Pam Riederer, “Inuit (Eskimo)”)

The main ideas of the creation myth of Raven are reflected in the society and culture of an Inuit, the sacredness of animals, the survival of Inuktitut and the role of Inuit women. All these factors shape a daily life on an Inuit. This analysis shows how close the Inuit is with his myth. From this creation myth project I have learned how close we and others are bounded to myths, even though we live in a century of technology and science. Having creation myths is a very effective way to keep literature on the same level as science.

=Annotation=





=Bibliography, Text Sources=

Arlon, Penelope, Lorrie Mack, and Zahavit Shalev. //How People Live//. London: DK Pub., 2003. Print.

Fabbi, Nadine. "Inuktitut." //Inuktitut – the Inuit Language//. University of Washington. Web. 12 Dec. 2010. .

Passantino, Fiona. "The Creation Myth of Raven." //Mythic Imagination Institute - Mythic Passages, the Magazine of Imagination//. Web. 12 Dec. 2010. .

Riederer, Pam. "Inuit." //Inuit (Eskimo)//. Web. 12 Dec. 2010. .

=Bibliography, Picture Sources=

Moy, Craig. //Inuit Artwork//. Digital image. //Toronto, Where to Buy Inuit Art//. Where Magazine. Web. <[]>.

Paredes, Ronald. //Brain Wings//. Digital image. //Flickr//. Flickr. Web. 12 Dec. 2010 .

TCE. //Inuit Residential Map//. Digital image. //The Artic People//. TCE. Web.12 Dec. 2010 <[]>.