Arctic Mythology Inuit Saami And The Ancient Greeks - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic Mythology: Inuit, Saami, and the Ancient Greeks

Arctic Mythology: Inuit, Saami, and the Ancient Greeks

The Arctic locations we visit aren’t merely made up of phenomenal landscapes, exotic wildlife, and more adventure than a Hardy Boys novel.

They’re also interwoven with ancient cultures, all of which have their own particular and fascinating cosmologies. In fact, Greenland and Northern Norway are infused with folklore that reaches all the way back to (and in some cases predates) ancient Greece.

If you’re lucky enough to visit these regions, make sure to enrich your exploration of the natural world with a little dose of the mythological one.

blog-image

Inuit (Kalaallit of Greenland)

It’s not uncommon to hear references to the native Arctic Inuit, though actually this is a blanket term for numerous distinct cultures indigenous only to certain areas of that region.

(Even so, it’s a much better term than “eskimo.”)

In Greenland, one of our most popular Arctic cruise areas, the predominant Inuit tribe is the Kalaallit. The Kalaallit are the largest Greenlandic Inuit group, concentrated mostly in west Greenland but also located in some of the areas we visit in northeast Greenland.

The Kalaallit mythology shares many similarities with that of other Inuit peoples, and in turn shares many similarities with the myths of other Arctic groups.

blog-image

No divine ruler controls the Kalaallit universe, there are no paternal or maternal deities, and no cosmic scale of justice punishes wrongdoing in the afterlife.

Even so, Kalaallit religion does believe that the Moon punishes the breaking of social taboos. Not only that, an avenging monster called the tupilaq can be summoned to punish people through chants and the use of bone, sinew, or other such substances.

Kalaallit shamans, known as angakkuk, summon the tupilaq in dangerous ceremonies that may lead to the monster devouring the summoner if his or her powers aren’t sufficient.

Another monster, an anngiaq, can arise out of the concealment of infanticide or miscarriage, and has the power to curse those it touches.

blog-image

But far from being uncommon, spirits are everywhere in the Kalaallit world.

The sky (or sila) is pervaded with the spirits (or anirnitt) of all living things, a common Inuit belief, and these anirnitt can seek revenge if necessary. They are only pacified by correct ritual observation and obedience to social customs.

Kalaallit deities include Akna, a mother goddess of fertility; Anguta, a god who gathers the dead to the underworld; and Amarok, a wolf god who abducts those who hunt at night.

Saami (circumpolar Scandinavia)

The Saami (also Sami or Sámi) are a people indigenous to northern Scandinavia and northeastern Russia, a cultural area known as Sápmi.

Like the Inuit, Saami are troubled with a derogatory second name: Laplanders or Lapps, though Lapland is actually another area interior to parts of Finland and Sweden.

In Sami religion, man and nature are one, so a healthful life requires harmony between oneself and the elements.

This facet of Saami belief is in direct contrast to many other mainstream mythologies, such as Christianity, which views the natural world as a collective resource purposefully made for human control and consumption.

blog-image

The Saami cosmology contains three tiers: a middle world, an upper world, and a netherworld.

The middle world is where we live, a place inhabited by other animals and nature spirits; the upper world is where the gods live; and the netherworld is the home of gnomes and the dead.

A Saami shaman, or noaidi, performs an essential community function by accessing the outer worlds for the benefit of the tribe. Through the exercise of certain rituals, the shaman can heal the sick, predict the future, and aid the luck of hunters and fishermen.

The most important part of a Saami shaman’s equipment is his drum.

Made out of reindeer skin and decorated with images, the drum allows the noaidi to enter a trance state in which he can take animal form to further help the community.

blog-image

As for Saami deities, they are numerous and understandably nature-oriented.

Ukko is the central life giver and lord of the clouds. His wife is Akka, almost always represented by his side. Biegga-almmái is god of the wind and can influence reindeer. Máttáráhkká is the goddess of life, and her three daughters symbolize feminine attributes.

Saami often worship these and other gods at a siedi, a holy place that is typically a natural formation like a large boulder or tree stump.

If you take one of our Northern Norway voyages, you may encounter Saami people in Tromsø or the surrounding areas. Obviously, however, modern-day Saami do not necessarily follow their traditional beliefs any more than do present-day Kalaallit.

blog-image

An Arctic mythology disclaimer

Since the myths of the Arctic are too vast and varied to be examined properly here, this article is meant as only a brief and admittedly incomplete survey of belief in our areas of operation.

Obviously, countless other Arctic and near-Arctic myths abound from the distant past: The ancient Norse (i.e., Vikings) thought the northern lights were incarnations of their gods, and we’re all familiar with the Yeti (Abominable Snowman) of Nepalese folklore.

The Greeks even had their own idyllic version of the Arctic, known as Hyperborea.

Hyperborea was located at the top of the world, beyond the north wind (or borea, where the term borealis comes from), and was inhabited by giants called Hyperboreans. According to the Greeks, the Arctic was a tropical paradise.

According to us, they were half right.

blog-image

Blog
go-leftgo-right

10 Bountiful Blue Whale Facts - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

10 Bountiful Blue Whale Facts

The umbrella term “whale” refers to a wide variety of large marine mammals. To zero in on blue whales, however, we’ll need to unpack this term a bit. The Latin word for whale, cetus, is the root of the whale infraorder, Cetacea, the largest parvorder of which is Mysticeti.
The Arctic Hare: Easter Bunny - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Arctic Hare: Easter Bunny

Although the Arctic hare’s stern expression might make it seem like the least amused member of a serious tribunal, this polar animal is actually one of the most charming creatures on the planet – especially when Easter Sunday comes around.
A Day on m/v Plancius - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

A Day on m/v Plancius

Stepping aboard this long-running expedition vessel, it’s easy to forget that she’s been making voyages to the polar regions since “Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band was on the Billboard Hot 100.
Seizing the Season: Spitsbergen’s Late Spring, Early Summer - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Seizing the Season: Spitsbergen’s Late Spring, Early Summer

Most Arctic expedition cruises can be categorized into two main types: those that operate during the autumn and winter, focusing on the northern lights, and those that sail during the high season (mid to late summer), concentrating on a broader range of experiences.
The Evolving Shipboard Eco-traveler - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Evolving Shipboard Eco-traveler

Feeling stuck in the monotony of everyday life? Looking for a change of scenery? Look no further! Most of us spend our lives on solid ground, despite our bodies being composed of 71.5% water. You'd think we'd have a natural inclination to be in or on the water! So why not try something different? Consider an Arctic holiday adventure on the same waters that famous explorers once navigated!
Polar Bears and Pack Ice: 22 Pics from North Spitsbergen - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Polar Bears and Pack Ice: 22 Pics from North Spitsbergen

Last month, we explored one of the premier Arctic cruise destinations in our North Spitsbergen blog. That post not only detailed our itinerary in this breathtaking region but also highlighted some of the stunning locations where you might encounter polar bears, whales, walruses, seals, seabirds, and the mesmerizing ice formations of the far north.
8 Whales You Might See During Your Antarctica Cruise - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

8 Whales You Might See During Your Antarctica Cruise

They're powerful, beautiful, and really, really big. Whales are a wonder of the natural world, and one of the best places to see them is Antarctica. In fact, whale watching is one of the most popular and rewarding activities you can enjoy on an Antarctic trip.
Antarctica’s Hourglass Dolphin - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Antarctica’s Hourglass Dolphin

Though hourglass dolphins are especially rare, they’re actually not a threatened or endangered species.
A Day of Basecamp in Antarctica – Paradise Harbour - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

A Day of Basecamp in Antarctica – Paradise Harbour

After an early morning gathering of our camping group, we reached the entrance to Lemaire Channel. The snow and mist around the mountain peaks created a captivating atmosphere as we began our journey to Paradise Bay. The channel was dotted with impressive icebergs, and we even spotted a few sleeping humpback whales, providing ample photo opportunities.
Path of Polar Heroes: Hiking Shackleton’s Historic Route - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Path of Polar Heroes: Hiking Shackleton’s Historic Route

“We had seen God in his splendors, heard the text that Nature renders.” ~Ernest Shackleton
Hondius Photography and Video Workshops - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Hondius Photography and Video Workshops

There’s no shortage of great things to say about a Hondius expedition cruise, but among the best are the free video and photography workshops offered during some of this ship’s voyages. These informative, interactive, highly useful supplements allow you to not only capture your memories in the best way possible but also make your friends back home maddeningly jealous.
Orcas (aka Killer Whales) of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Orcas (aka Killer Whales) of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic

Orcas are highly social and intelligent members of the dolphin family Delphinidae. They are sometimes referred to as killer whales, though this name has somewhat fallen out of fashion due to inaccurately characterizing orcas as ferocious predators.
The Arctic Borderland of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Arctic Borderland of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard

Kongsfjorden is a glacial fjord in Svalbard that hosts a diverse array of flora and fauna.
Six Seal Species You Might See On Your Greenland Cruise - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Six Seal Species You Might See On Your Greenland Cruise

If you spot a grand old whiskered man lounging in solitary splendor, there's a good chance you're looking at a bearded seal. Your Greenland cruise will take you to bays where these solitary fellows (except during breeding season) hunt for fish in the relatively shallow waters near the shores.
Encounter with the emperor penguin in Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Encounter with the emperor penguin in Antarctica

Dutch journalist Gemma Venhuizen embarked on the MV Ortelius during the Weddell Sea cruise 'In search of the emperor penguins'. She had several encounters with this majestic penguin species - both from the sea and from the air.
Arctic and Antarctic Basecamp Cruises – Choose Your Own Adventure - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Arctic and Antarctic Basecamp Cruises – Choose Your Own Adventure

There’s an astonishing variety of activities to choose from when planning an Arctic trip or Antarctic cruise, which can be a bit overwhelming. How do you choose just one voyage over another when you want to experience everything? Happily, you don’t have to give up one activity for another. Basecamp cruises have you covered.
Baleen Whales – The Gentle Giants of the Ocean - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Baleen Whales – The Gentle Giants of the Ocean

They are the largest animals on Earth, yet they thrive on some of the tiniest creatures. These giants can reach lengths of 30 meters (90 feet), but it is the microscopic zooplankton, krill, and small fish that sustain them. These are the baleen whales. Unlike toothed whales, baleen whales lack teeth. Instead, they use plates of baleen in their mouths to trap and consume their tiny prey.
Svalbard’s Texas Bar - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Svalbard’s Texas Bar

Texas Bar is one of the historic areas we visit on certain Svalbard trips, and it always proves to be a cherished landing site among both our guides and guests. This might be surprising, however, given that its name can be a bit misleading.
Cheapest Antarctica Cruises: How to Save on Your Journey - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Cheapest Antarctica Cruises: How to Save on Your Journey

Antarctica, the world’s most remote and pristine continent, is often seen as a destination reserved for luxury travelers. However, affordable options do exist, making this dream journey accessible to more adventurers. With careful planning and the right provider, like Nexta Expeditions, you can explore the icy wilderness without breaking the bank. This guide will show you how to save on your Antarctic cruise while still enjoying a high-quality experience.
Life in the Polar Regions - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Life in the Polar Regions

Polar bears in the Arctic, penguins in Antarctica.