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The Mother of the Sea |
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Sedna, the ancient Inuit Mother of the Sea, was angry. The people of Kalaallit Nunaat, the Earth’s largest island, disrespected her. In the spring, they’d hunt the sea mammals and fish off the coast. In the summers, they’d hunt inland, catching caribou and musk oxen. The people didn’t use all the meat for food. They didn’t use all the skins for clothing. They polluted the land. They abused all that the Mother of the Sea provided. She gathered all the animals in her fiery locks of hair and took them with her to the bottom of the sea, where they’d be safe. |
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The people had a bad winter. They were hungry. They were cold. They needed the Mother of the Sea to release the animals so they could survive. They sent a shaman, Angakkoq, to ask the Mother of the Sea for forgiveness. Angakkoq sent his spirit to the deepest part of the ocean to meet with her. On his way, his spirit triumphed against obstacles like vicious guard dogs. When he found the Mother of the Sea, he begged for forgiveness. He tried to brush her tangled flaming hair, but the Mother of the Sea drowned his spirit and in doing so, forgave the people for polluting the land and treating the animals badly. She released the animals so the people could live again. |
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Green GreenlandAsk any child in Greenland about the Mother of the Sea and they’ll be able to tell you some version of the story. For thousands of years, that story has been told and retold in Inuit folklore, with innumerable variations but the message of respect for the Earth and its creatures remains the same.
You can find representations of the Mother of the Sea in art and culture all over Greenland, and even a sculpture of her off the coast of Nuuk.
As for the animals? Belugas, whales, arctic fox, musk oxen, wolves, Arctic hare, caribou, seals, birds and many other creatures abound. The Mother of the Sea must be pleased. |
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Living LegendsIn 2014, Pia Larsen, a single mother and nurse from Nuuk, travelled with her son over 2,000 miles by boat from Nuuk to Siorapaluk, the world’s northernmost Inuit village, to connect with her ancestry.
In 1992, Polar explorers and Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen led the first unsupported all-women’s traverse of the Greenland Ice Cap. Their goals? Environmental stewardship and inspiring others. |
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Explore Greenland
Ready to unlock more mysteries of the Earth’s largest island? Check out these expeditions: |
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Disko Bay – The Heart of Greenland Sail from Reykjavik to remote fjords and glaciers, and experience a traditional kaffemik with the Qaqoortoq people. In Nuuk, get ready for wildlife sightings that would delight the Mother of the Sea. |
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Greenland – The Ultimate Fjord ExpeditionEnjoy learning about the Ittoqqortoomiit along Greenland’s remote east coast. Travel Scoresby Sund, a network of glaciers and fjords that whales, seals, snowy owls and Greenlandic gyrfalcons call home. |
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Explore Other Arctic TalesShift your latitude and journey north. Write your own Tale of the Arctic. There's nothing quite like the blue hues of ice, the hum of glaciers, and the thrill of a story. Check out these these stories from other awe-inspiring destinations.
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Uncover Your Next AdventureA world of storytelling awaits. Transport yourself to one of these exciting Arctic destinations. Choose your adventure by clicking on a tile.
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