For all those procrastinating here is the master list- CHECK THE NOTES FOR EACH CHAPTER TO SEE WHICH QUESTIONS WERE ASSIGNED!- you were not required to complete all questions.
Whiteout
Novel Questions
English 2202
Chapter one
1) Johnathon Aird received a letter from his mother. What was the main message contained in the letter?
2) What is your impression of Jon after reading chapter one?
3). A symbol is a person, place, or thing that represents an abstract idea or concept. On page five, what does the crumpled letter symbolize?
4) What do you think the author is trying to tell us about Jon in the following sentence: “he got up slowly and wandered aimlessly through the apartment, pausing to stare at the paintings without really seeing any of them at all.”
Chapter two
5) How did Jon feel after he boarded the jet bound for Frobisher Bay?
6) What was the book, Kabloona about?
7) What did Jon dream about while on board the jet?
8) While on board the plane describe the strange encounter Jon had with the Inuk man with the scar.
Chapter three
9) What was Jon’s reaction during the drive through the village?
10) How does Harry explain the difference between the Whiteman and the Inuit ideas regarding the rusting snowmobiles?
11) What does Harry tell Jon about Nanuvik?
12) Who is Dr. Carl Svensen? What was he doing in the north?
13) According to Svensen what is the Inuit belief in the spirit world?
14) What is Angokok?
15) What did Jon encounter at the end of chapter three?
Chapter four
16) What does Jon learn about his uncle from one of the pilots?
17) How does Nanuvik appear from the air?
18) Who was Noddy Pelgrim?
19) What does the Inuktitut word " Nanuvik" mean?
20) Who were the first white people that Jon met in Nanuvik?
21) How many people came out to meet Jon?
22) What advice does Noddy give Jon by the end of chapter four?
Chapter five
23) What type of reception does Jon receive from his uncle?
24) Describe the dwelling place of Calvin Aird.
25) What was the gift that Jon delivered to his uncle?
26) What warning does Calvin give Jon?
27) What is your impression of Calvin Aird?
Chapter six
28) Describe the trading scene between Calvin Aird and the Inuit couple?
29) What Inuktitut name do the girls give Jon? What does it mean?
30) Noddy’s boss tells him he will be given a post of his own. Why does he say, " He prays his clerk will be a Scott?"
31) What are Jon’s feelings for Panee?
32) How does Calvin Aird appear in regards to spending money?
Chapter seven
33) Describe the school and students in Nanuvik.
34) What was Ms. Dorie Bowen’s nickname? How did she acquire it?
35) Describe Jon's reception during his first day at school?
36) What was Walski’s reasoning for dismissing Jon as music teacher?
Chapter eight
37) What new reading material did Jon acquire from his uncle?
38) What chore did Calvin assign to Jon?
39) What were the contents of the message sent from Superintendent Barstow?
40) Why was Jon disappointed on Saturday morning?
41) What happened during Jon’s first music lesson?
42) What had Jon accomplished by the end of the first evening at school?
Chapter nine
43) What did Dorie Bowen encourage Jon to do during Walski’s absence?
44) Why was Calvin angry with Jon and Noddy?
45) What did Noddy tell Jon about Calvin’s black moods?
46) What was the atmosphere like in the company bunkhouse during the following week?
47) What does Noddy explain to Jon about his uncle following the soccer ball kick?
48) What did Jon notice about his uncle following the soccer ball kick?
Chapter ten
49) What was contained in the binding of the book, A Midsummer’s Night Dream?
50) What did Calvin learn about Walski’s treatment of Jon? How did he plan to deal with it?
51) What does Jon declare to his diary that makes Nanuvik bearable?
52) Why do the students decide not to show up to music class?
53) What new realization does Jon gain at the end of chapter ten?
Chapter eleven
54) What does Jon and Noddy plan concerning the nurse?
55) How did Jon's first music class go?
Chapter twelve
56) Describe Jon’s encounter with the scared faced man.
57) What does Jon reveal to Panee about his mother?
58) What does the grandmother use the ulu for?
59) Why were the Inuit proud and pleased when Jon spoke to Panee’s family and neighbors?
60) What does Jon learn about Panee’s granny’s accordion?
61) What does Jon learn about the arranged marriage of Panee?
Chapter thirteen
62) Describe with details the confrontation between Jon and his uncle Calvin.
63) What does Calvin reveal to Noddy , concerning his impression of Jon?
64) What does Noddy tell Jon about his first company boss?
65) Describe the conversation between Jon and his uncle.
66) How does Calvin shock Jon?
Chapter fourteen
67) Describe with detail the Inuit stories that fascinate Jon.
68) What interesting item did Jon pick from Rasmussen’s book? What effect did it have on the school?
69) Describe the outburst that took place in the classroom. What was Panee’s reaction?
70) What does Jon sense at the entrance of the old whaler’s house?
71) What plans do Jon and Panee make for the future?
72) Jon’s thoughts stray according to his diary. Explain.
Chapter fifteen
73) What does Jon learn about Edlout?
74) What did Walski want Jon to do?
75) What is Jon's reaction to Walski's request?
76) How do the students react following Jon’s apology?
77) Why did all the students show up to the next music class?
78) How did the settlement of Nanuvik prepare for Christmas?
79) What surprised Jon during the dance?
Chapter Sixteen
80) What did Jon want to do after sighting the tutuit?
81) Why was Pudlo cautious?
82) Describe the rescue of Jon by Pudlo and Shoona?
83) What advice did Pudlo give Jon once on safe ice?
84) Who does Panee’s grandmother credit with Jon’s rescue? What does she say Jon must do?
Chapter seventeen
85) What did Jon visualize when alone in the darkness of his room?
86) How did Jon plan to spend Sunday?
87) Why was Walski excited?
88) What was Jon’s impression of Dorie Bowen?
89) Who is Ene Pilchuck?
Chapter eighteen
90) What was Jon planning for the evening class?
91) Why was Jon disappointed?
92) Where did Noddy disappear?
93) Who came to visit Calvin? Why?
94) Describe the evening shared by Calvin and Heather Macintosh.
95) What privilege does Calvin allow Noddy and Jon during dinner?
96) What realization occurs to Jon according to his diary writing?
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Whiteout test date
Your test is on Monday December 19
All journal entries and chapter questions are due the last class before the Christmas break. See me if you are unsure what you are missing.
All journal entries and chapter questions are due the last class before the Christmas break. See me if you are unsure what you are missing.
Whiteout chapter 18
Whiteout Chapter Eighteen
Assigned questions 92, 93, 94 & 96.
New Characters:
• Tauki- a student
Plot Summary
• Walski is in a better mood now that he is getting a new junior teacher.
• He and Jon have made peace.
• Noddy and Jon were supposed to stay late at the school for a rehearsal
• The generator actually blew a fuse.
• Noddy visited Dorrie at her house and Jon went home.
• Calvin came home after Jon and received a visitor, Heather Macintosh.
• Calvin, thinking that he is alone, entertains Miss Macintosh.
• Calvin and Heather fall asleep before Noddy arrives home.
• Noddy is surprised to see that the living room is in disarray
• Jon realizes that Calvin has changed and so has he.
Reoccurring symbols/ images
• Jon is maturing
End of part one
Assigned questions 92, 93, 94 & 96.
New Characters:
• Tauki- a student
Plot Summary
• Walski is in a better mood now that he is getting a new junior teacher.
• He and Jon have made peace.
• Noddy and Jon were supposed to stay late at the school for a rehearsal
• The generator actually blew a fuse.
• Noddy visited Dorrie at her house and Jon went home.
• Calvin came home after Jon and received a visitor, Heather Macintosh.
• Calvin, thinking that he is alone, entertains Miss Macintosh.
• Calvin and Heather fall asleep before Noddy arrives home.
• Noddy is surprised to see that the living room is in disarray
• Jon realizes that Calvin has changed and so has he.
Reoccurring symbols/ images
• Jon is maturing
End of part one
Whiteout quiz review
English 2202 Whiteout Quiz Review
Breakdown
Selected response- Multiple choice 44 marks 22 questions
Selected response- Fill in the blank 16 marks 8 questions
Constructed response- Short answer questions- 40 marks 4 questions
Study guide
Section one – Selected responses- Multiple choices
Focus on the following questions from your novel study:
*Chapter Two
#8
*Chapter Three
#13 &14
*Chapter Four
#18&19
*Chapter Five
#24
*Chapter Six
#29, 31 & 32
Chapter Seven
#36
Chapter Eight
#39
Chapter Ten
#49, 51, 53
Chapter Twelve
#57, 58, 61
Chapter Thirteen
# 65, 66
Chapter Fourteen
#69
Chapter Fifteen
#76
Chapter Sixteen
#82, 84
Chapter Seventeen
# 85
Chapter Eighteen
#96
Section two- Selected Responses- Fill in the blank
You will need to know
1. The main characters
2. The main themes
3. The symbols used
Section three- Constructed response- Short answer questions
Four of the following questions will be asked on your quiz:
1. Write a detailed character sketch of one of the main characters from the novel “Whiteout.”
2. Summarize the differences between how Inuit and white children treat their parents once they become teenagers.
3. Summarize the differences between how Inuit people and white people view the rusting snowmobiles outside the homes in Frobisher.
4. In a well developed paragraph explain why you think Calvin threw away the eighteen thousand dollars left to him by his brother.
5. What type of reception does Jon receive from his uncle?
6. Noddy’s boss tells him he will be given a post of his own. Why does he say, " He prays his clerk will be a Scott?"
7. How does Jon feel about Panee’s arranged marriage?
8. Jon’s thoughts stray when writing in his journal about his future plans with Panee. Explain how they stray.
Breakdown
Selected response- Multiple choice 44 marks 22 questions
Selected response- Fill in the blank 16 marks 8 questions
Constructed response- Short answer questions- 40 marks 4 questions
Study guide
Section one – Selected responses- Multiple choices
Focus on the following questions from your novel study:
*Chapter Two
#8
*Chapter Three
#13 &14
*Chapter Four
#18&19
*Chapter Five
#24
*Chapter Six
#29, 31 & 32
Chapter Seven
#36
Chapter Eight
#39
Chapter Ten
#49, 51, 53
Chapter Twelve
#57, 58, 61
Chapter Thirteen
# 65, 66
Chapter Fourteen
#69
Chapter Fifteen
#76
Chapter Sixteen
#82, 84
Chapter Seventeen
# 85
Chapter Eighteen
#96
Section two- Selected Responses- Fill in the blank
You will need to know
1. The main characters
2. The main themes
3. The symbols used
Section three- Constructed response- Short answer questions
Four of the following questions will be asked on your quiz:
1. Write a detailed character sketch of one of the main characters from the novel “Whiteout.”
2. Summarize the differences between how Inuit and white children treat their parents once they become teenagers.
3. Summarize the differences between how Inuit people and white people view the rusting snowmobiles outside the homes in Frobisher.
4. In a well developed paragraph explain why you think Calvin threw away the eighteen thousand dollars left to him by his brother.
5. What type of reception does Jon receive from his uncle?
6. Noddy’s boss tells him he will be given a post of his own. Why does he say, " He prays his clerk will be a Scott?"
7. How does Jon feel about Panee’s arranged marriage?
8. Jon’s thoughts stray when writing in his journal about his future plans with Panee. Explain how they stray.
Journal entry #8
Journal entry # 8
- note, there was a typo on this handout and it was assigned as journal entry #7 please correct this in your notes.
Write a detailed character sketch of one of the main characters from the novel, “Whiteout”. The main characters are as follows: Calvin Arid, Jon Arid, Panee or Noddy. Try to include most of the main points listed above. Your journal entry must be at least two paragraphs long and contain only formal language. Use jot notes to form your entry.
Jot notes: example
Jon Arid
1. Physical appearance:
• Tall and attractive
• He is muscular
• He has grey blue eyes and sandy hair
• He is just out of high school
2. Voice
• He is from Toronto so he has a mild accent
3. What he does for a living
• He is a musician
• He is now doing community service
• He works for free as a teacher
4. His thoughts on life
• Jon is going through a period of change
• He was a trouble boy but is becoming a responsible man
• He is dealing with his father’s death
• He is dealing with feelings of abandonment
• he is a private person who likes to read and write
5. Relationships
• He is well liked by most of the other characters
• He seems easy going
• He has issues with authority ( Walsk & Calvin)
• He is forming romantic feelings for Panee
6. Where does he live
• Jon has relocated from Toronto to Nanuvik, West Baffin Island
• He now lives up north with his uncle, Calvin Arid
7. Influences
• Jon looks to Panee for emotional support
• Jon looks to Calvin for fatherly support
• Jon sees Noddy as a confidant- a close friend
• Jon rejects help from his mother
• Jon is envious of Edlout
• Jon has a major conflict with Mr Walski
• Jon receives professional support from Dorrie Bowen
8. What kind of character is he?
• Jon seems to be a trouble boy but is reforming his ways
• He is a genuine person who speaks his mind
• He is smart and talented
• He is nice and caring
- note, there was a typo on this handout and it was assigned as journal entry #7 please correct this in your notes.
Write a detailed character sketch of one of the main characters from the novel, “Whiteout”. The main characters are as follows: Calvin Arid, Jon Arid, Panee or Noddy. Try to include most of the main points listed above. Your journal entry must be at least two paragraphs long and contain only formal language. Use jot notes to form your entry.
Jot notes: example
Jon Arid
1. Physical appearance:
• Tall and attractive
• He is muscular
• He has grey blue eyes and sandy hair
• He is just out of high school
2. Voice
• He is from Toronto so he has a mild accent
3. What he does for a living
• He is a musician
• He is now doing community service
• He works for free as a teacher
4. His thoughts on life
• Jon is going through a period of change
• He was a trouble boy but is becoming a responsible man
• He is dealing with his father’s death
• He is dealing with feelings of abandonment
• he is a private person who likes to read and write
5. Relationships
• He is well liked by most of the other characters
• He seems easy going
• He has issues with authority ( Walsk & Calvin)
• He is forming romantic feelings for Panee
6. Where does he live
• Jon has relocated from Toronto to Nanuvik, West Baffin Island
• He now lives up north with his uncle, Calvin Arid
7. Influences
• Jon looks to Panee for emotional support
• Jon looks to Calvin for fatherly support
• Jon sees Noddy as a confidant- a close friend
• Jon rejects help from his mother
• Jon is envious of Edlout
• Jon has a major conflict with Mr Walski
• Jon receives professional support from Dorrie Bowen
8. What kind of character is he?
• Jon seems to be a trouble boy but is reforming his ways
• He is a genuine person who speaks his mind
• He is smart and talented
• He is nice and caring
Ideas for writing a character sketch
How to write a Character Sketch
When you write a character sketch, you are trying to introduce the reader to someone. You want the reader to have a strong mental image of the person, to know how the person talks, to know the person's characteristic ways of doing things, to know something about the person's value system. Character sketches only give snap shots of people; therefore, you should not try to write a history of the person.
Things to include in a Character Sketch
1. Physical description- describe what the person looks like.
2. How they sound- describe what their voice sounds like and if they have an accent.
3. What they do for a living- describe their job or interests
4. Their thoughts on life- describe their religious beliefs, their political affiliations and what they do in their private time.
5. Interactions with other characters- describe if the character is well liked or are they in a relationship.
6. Where does your character live- describe your character’s physical environment.
7. Who influences your character- describe who gives them advice and who they run to in times of trouble.
8. What kind of person is your character- describe if your character is nice, grumpy mean etcetera.
Sample 1 -Character Sketch
Harry Potter-
In the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter is young wizard who stands out from his peers. Most noticeably, Harry has a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead and unruly black hair. He wears round glasses, has a moderate build and, of course, speaks with a British accent. He is an orphan who is ill treated by his aunt and uncle in the “muggle’s” world, but who is respected in the wizard world for having survived an attack as an infant from Lord Voldemort, his parent’s killer. In the novel, Harry learns he is a wizard and is brought to study at Hogswart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He has a certain air of mystery about him and his peers are curious and respectful of him, largely because of his having survived an attack from Voldemort as an infant.
Sample 2–Character Sketch
Count Dracula –
A centuries-old vampire and Transylvanian nobleman, Count Dracula inhabits a crumbling castle in the Carpathian Mountains. Beneath a veneer of aristocratic charm, the count possesses a dark and evil soul. He can assume the form of an animal, control the weather, and he is stronger than twenty men. His powers are limited, however—for instance, he cannot enter a victim’s home unless invited, cannot cross water unless carried, and is rendered powerless by daylight.
When you write a character sketch, you are trying to introduce the reader to someone. You want the reader to have a strong mental image of the person, to know how the person talks, to know the person's characteristic ways of doing things, to know something about the person's value system. Character sketches only give snap shots of people; therefore, you should not try to write a history of the person.
Things to include in a Character Sketch
1. Physical description- describe what the person looks like.
2. How they sound- describe what their voice sounds like and if they have an accent.
3. What they do for a living- describe their job or interests
4. Their thoughts on life- describe their religious beliefs, their political affiliations and what they do in their private time.
5. Interactions with other characters- describe if the character is well liked or are they in a relationship.
6. Where does your character live- describe your character’s physical environment.
7. Who influences your character- describe who gives them advice and who they run to in times of trouble.
8. What kind of person is your character- describe if your character is nice, grumpy mean etcetera.
Sample 1 -Character Sketch
Harry Potter-
In the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter is young wizard who stands out from his peers. Most noticeably, Harry has a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead and unruly black hair. He wears round glasses, has a moderate build and, of course, speaks with a British accent. He is an orphan who is ill treated by his aunt and uncle in the “muggle’s” world, but who is respected in the wizard world for having survived an attack as an infant from Lord Voldemort, his parent’s killer. In the novel, Harry learns he is a wizard and is brought to study at Hogswart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He has a certain air of mystery about him and his peers are curious and respectful of him, largely because of his having survived an attack from Voldemort as an infant.
Sample 2–Character Sketch
Count Dracula –
A centuries-old vampire and Transylvanian nobleman, Count Dracula inhabits a crumbling castle in the Carpathian Mountains. Beneath a veneer of aristocratic charm, the count possesses a dark and evil soul. He can assume the form of an animal, control the weather, and he is stronger than twenty men. His powers are limited, however—for instance, he cannot enter a victim’s home unless invited, cannot cross water unless carried, and is rendered powerless by daylight.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Whiteout Chapter 17
Whiteout Chapter Seventeen
Assigned questions 85, 87 &88
Plot Summary
• Calvin acts as a father to Jon when he returns to the house after the ice incident.
• He gives him a blanket off his own bed.
• The near death experience brought back old memories of Jon’s father’s funeral.
• He woke with night terrors of being trapped under the ice.
Reoccurring symbols/ images
• Sedna. Jon writes in his journal, “when I awoke, Pudlo’s grandmother was drying me. She was drying me. She was singing about some woman under the sea who helped me.”
Dictionary items
• Eterii- come in
Assigned questions 85, 87 &88
Plot Summary
• Calvin acts as a father to Jon when he returns to the house after the ice incident.
• He gives him a blanket off his own bed.
• The near death experience brought back old memories of Jon’s father’s funeral.
• He woke with night terrors of being trapped under the ice.
Reoccurring symbols/ images
• Sedna. Jon writes in his journal, “when I awoke, Pudlo’s grandmother was drying me. She was drying me. She was singing about some woman under the sea who helped me.”
Dictionary items
• Eterii- come in
Whiteout Chapter 16 notes
Whiteout Chapter Sixteen
Assigned questions 80, 82, 83 &84
Plot Summary
• Jon observes caribou with Shoona and Pudlo
• Jon is wearing seal skin boot make by Panee’s mother
• Jon is egar to hunt them.
• Jon falls through the ice; he is rescued by Pudlo and Shoona.
• Panee tells Jon that Teluijuk/ Sedna saved his life.
Reoccurring symbols/ images
• The seal skin boots that Panee’s mother made Jon symbolizes that Jon is now part of the community.
• Panee claims that Sedna saved Jon’s life- the green goddess Jon was fascinated with as a child when he played piano has saved his life.
Dictionary items
• Kaigeet- come here
• Tutuit- caribou
• Mamuktuvingalook- something good to eat
• Tuayi- hurry
• Telulijuk- the Inuitit name for Sedna
Assigned questions 80, 82, 83 &84
Plot Summary
• Jon observes caribou with Shoona and Pudlo
• Jon is wearing seal skin boot make by Panee’s mother
• Jon is egar to hunt them.
• Jon falls through the ice; he is rescued by Pudlo and Shoona.
• Panee tells Jon that Teluijuk/ Sedna saved his life.
Reoccurring symbols/ images
• The seal skin boots that Panee’s mother made Jon symbolizes that Jon is now part of the community.
• Panee claims that Sedna saved Jon’s life- the green goddess Jon was fascinated with as a child when he played piano has saved his life.
Dictionary items
• Kaigeet- come here
• Tutuit- caribou
• Mamuktuvingalook- something good to eat
• Tuayi- hurry
• Telulijuk- the Inuitit name for Sedna
Whiteout Chapter 15 notes
Whiteout Chapter Fifteen
Assigned questions 74, 75, 76& 79
New Characters
• Edlout (Jon spends more time with him)
• Etooloo
Plot Summary
• Jon makes the decision to settle things with Mr. Walski
• He spends more time with Edlout.
• He tries to impress Edlout by pretending his bag is heavier.
• Jan Walski apologizes for his behavior in class but demands Jon apologize to the class for causing an interruption.
• Jon apologizes in an effort to settle their dispute.
• Jon takes part in the Christmas celebration.
• Jon noticed that the whole community acted like a single family.
Signs that Jon is maturing
• Jon takes the moral high ground and apologizes despite the fact he did nothing wrong.
• He controls his anger regarding Mr. Walski so he can continue with his job.
Assigned questions 74, 75, 76& 79
New Characters
• Edlout (Jon spends more time with him)
• Etooloo
Plot Summary
• Jon makes the decision to settle things with Mr. Walski
• He spends more time with Edlout.
• He tries to impress Edlout by pretending his bag is heavier.
• Jan Walski apologizes for his behavior in class but demands Jon apologize to the class for causing an interruption.
• Jon apologizes in an effort to settle their dispute.
• Jon takes part in the Christmas celebration.
• Jon noticed that the whole community acted like a single family.
Signs that Jon is maturing
• Jon takes the moral high ground and apologizes despite the fact he did nothing wrong.
• He controls his anger regarding Mr. Walski so he can continue with his job.
The legend of Sedna
The Legend of Sedna the Sea Goddess
The legend of how Sedna became a sea goddess is told throughout the Arctic. The story varies from one region to the next. However, in all versions, a young woman becomes the mother of all sea creatures. As the sea goddess, Sedna has dominion over her creatures and controls the availability of seal, walrus, fish, whale, and other sea animals to Inuit hunters. This version is a compilation of many Sedna stories.
Once there was a young woman named Sedna. She lived in the Arctic with her mother and father. She loved her mother and father very much and was very content. Her father was a skilled hunter, so he provided very well for his family. Sedna had plenty of food and warm furs to wear. She liked the comfort of her parent's home and refused to marry. Many Inuit men desired Sedna for a wife and asked her parents for permission to marry her. But Sedna refused them all. Even when her parents insisted it was time for her to marry she refused to follow tradition and obey them.
This continued for quite some time, until one particular Inuk came to visit Sedna. This man promised Sedna that he would provide her with plenty of food to eat and furs for clothes and blankets. Sedna agreed to marry him. After they were man and wife, he took her away to his island. When they were alone on the island, he revealed to her that he was not a man at all, but a bird dressed up as a man! Sedna was furious, but she was trapped and had to make the best of it. He, of course, was not a good hunter and could not provide her with meat and furs. All the birdman could catch was fish. Sedna got very tired of eating fish every day.
They lived together on the island for a time, until Sedna's father decided to come and visit. Upon seeing that his daughter was so unhappy and that her husband had lied to her, he killed the birdman. Sedna and her father got into his kayak and set off for home. The birdman's friends discovered what they had done and wanted to avenge the birdman's death. They flew above the kayak and flapped their wings very hard. The flapping of their wings resulted in a huge storm. The waves crashed over the small kayak making it almost impossible to keep the boat upright.
Sedna's father was so frightened that the storm would fill his kayak with water and that he would drown in the icy waters that he threw Sedna overboard. He thought that this would get the birds to stop flapping their wings, but it did not. Sedna did not want to be left in the water, so she held tightly to the edge of her father's boat and would not let go. Fearing that she would tip him over, the father cut her fingers off, one joint at a time. From each of her finger joints different sea creatures were born. They became fish, seals, walruses, and whales.
Sedna sank to the bottom of the ocean and there became a powerful spirit. Her home is now on the ocean floor. If you have seen her, you know she has the head and torso of a woman and the tail of a fish.
Sedna now controls all of the animals of the sea. The Inuit who rely on these animals want to maintain a good relationship with Sedna, so that she will continue to allow her animals to make themselves available to the hunters. Inuit have certain taboos that they must follow to keep Sedna happy. One of these says that when a seal is killed it must be given a drink of fresh water, not salt water.
If the hunters do not catch anything for a long time, the Shaman will transform himself into a fish. In this new form, he or she will swim down to the bottom of the ocean to appease Sedna the Sea Goddess. The Shaman will comb the tangles out of Sedna's hair and put it into braids. This makes her happy and soothes her anger. Perhaps it is because Sedna lost her fingers that she likes to have her hair combed and braided by someone else. When she is happy, she allows her animals to make themselves available to the hunters. Animals do not mind giving themselves up to provide food, clothes, and shelter for the Inuit.
© Lenore Lindeman, 1999.
Moore Charles. 1986. Keeveeok, Awake! Edmonton: Ring House Gallery. p. 9–10.
The legend of how Sedna became a sea goddess is told throughout the Arctic. The story varies from one region to the next. However, in all versions, a young woman becomes the mother of all sea creatures. As the sea goddess, Sedna has dominion over her creatures and controls the availability of seal, walrus, fish, whale, and other sea animals to Inuit hunters. This version is a compilation of many Sedna stories.
Once there was a young woman named Sedna. She lived in the Arctic with her mother and father. She loved her mother and father very much and was very content. Her father was a skilled hunter, so he provided very well for his family. Sedna had plenty of food and warm furs to wear. She liked the comfort of her parent's home and refused to marry. Many Inuit men desired Sedna for a wife and asked her parents for permission to marry her. But Sedna refused them all. Even when her parents insisted it was time for her to marry she refused to follow tradition and obey them.
This continued for quite some time, until one particular Inuk came to visit Sedna. This man promised Sedna that he would provide her with plenty of food to eat and furs for clothes and blankets. Sedna agreed to marry him. After they were man and wife, he took her away to his island. When they were alone on the island, he revealed to her that he was not a man at all, but a bird dressed up as a man! Sedna was furious, but she was trapped and had to make the best of it. He, of course, was not a good hunter and could not provide her with meat and furs. All the birdman could catch was fish. Sedna got very tired of eating fish every day.
They lived together on the island for a time, until Sedna's father decided to come and visit. Upon seeing that his daughter was so unhappy and that her husband had lied to her, he killed the birdman. Sedna and her father got into his kayak and set off for home. The birdman's friends discovered what they had done and wanted to avenge the birdman's death. They flew above the kayak and flapped their wings very hard. The flapping of their wings resulted in a huge storm. The waves crashed over the small kayak making it almost impossible to keep the boat upright.
Sedna's father was so frightened that the storm would fill his kayak with water and that he would drown in the icy waters that he threw Sedna overboard. He thought that this would get the birds to stop flapping their wings, but it did not. Sedna did not want to be left in the water, so she held tightly to the edge of her father's boat and would not let go. Fearing that she would tip him over, the father cut her fingers off, one joint at a time. From each of her finger joints different sea creatures were born. They became fish, seals, walruses, and whales.
Sedna sank to the bottom of the ocean and there became a powerful spirit. Her home is now on the ocean floor. If you have seen her, you know she has the head and torso of a woman and the tail of a fish.
Sedna now controls all of the animals of the sea. The Inuit who rely on these animals want to maintain a good relationship with Sedna, so that she will continue to allow her animals to make themselves available to the hunters. Inuit have certain taboos that they must follow to keep Sedna happy. One of these says that when a seal is killed it must be given a drink of fresh water, not salt water.
If the hunters do not catch anything for a long time, the Shaman will transform himself into a fish. In this new form, he or she will swim down to the bottom of the ocean to appease Sedna the Sea Goddess. The Shaman will comb the tangles out of Sedna's hair and put it into braids. This makes her happy and soothes her anger. Perhaps it is because Sedna lost her fingers that she likes to have her hair combed and braided by someone else. When she is happy, she allows her animals to make themselves available to the hunters. Animals do not mind giving themselves up to provide food, clothes, and shelter for the Inuit.
© Lenore Lindeman, 1999.
Moore Charles. 1986. Keeveeok, Awake! Edmonton: Ring House Gallery. p. 9–10.
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