Characters
Though married to Saima, this calm and respectful hunter shows no resentment toward Pitu and even volunteers to help on his journey south.
Ijiraq?
This spirit guide, often appearing as a fox, supports Pitu on his journey through both the physical and spirit worlds.
Tiri
Also called pissi, this food is dried and eaten mostly in the fall.
Dried fish
"Goodbye, Piturniq the Great Hunter, I hope I will see you again."
Saima, before Pitu goes to Nuvuk.
What is the word for polar bear?
nanuq
This older brother of Pitu teases Atiq during their hunting trips and helps support the family while treating Pitu the same, even after he becomes a shaman.
Natsivaq
These sea creatures prey on children and attack Pitu on the ice.
The Qallupilluit
Why can the starving villages not eat food?
They will throw up because their stomachs are not strong enough to hold food.
"Nuliajuk knows what you did to me! She will punish you!"
The Qallupilluq with Saima's face in Pitu's dream.
What is the word for sled?
qamutiik
This elder from a struggling southern camp seeks out Pitu’s help after his own shaman has died, later guiding him toward the Owl spirit.
Ka'lak
This spirit is said to control the ocean animals and punishes those who disrespect her.
Nuliajuk
Before the celebration, Pitu constructs this large gathering iglu, called a what?
Qaggiq
"How can you be so shameless? You act like you are better than us, yet you are about as useful as a dull knife."
Ijiraq to Qajaarjuaq
What is the word for "hurry up"
atii
This woman is Tagaaq's wife and Qajaarjuaq's mother.
Taina
This female giant has pet polar bears and kidnaps Pitu in the spirit world.
Inukpak
What does Pitu tell Atiq he must do after harvesting a seal?
Give it a final drink of water.
“How do you think we live on for centuries? Off kindness? No, no, no... we are born of pain. We are born of darkness. We are born to help those who suffer, just as we suffer.”
Ukpik, in his cave.
What is the word for snow bunting?
qupanuaq
Who is this elder storyteller in the qaggiq telling the origin story of the narwhal when Pitu receives a spiritual warning.
Alaralak
This land in the spirit world is for souls who suffered abuse and neglect in life.
Nagliktaujut Nunangat
Pitu uses this tool made from whale baleen and caribou skin to tell his story.
A drum and a Katuut Beater.
"Violence begets violence, Piturniq. The only way that the cycle is broken is by stopping that violence, by holding the abuser accountable, and by giving the victims the space and time to use their voices, to share their stories if they want to. Only if they want to."
Tagaaq
What is the word for beautiful weather?
Silattiaq