Journal Entry

There are many myths and beliefs in Greenlandic culture; one very well heard is something called Qivittoq (which means in a direction of mountain walker).

When a man feels a great sorrow or loss in his life, and there is nothing more to lose, he flees to the mountains and leaves everything else. He spends the rest of his life in the heart of Greenland nature alone.

Isolated from any outside contact or even human interaction, the loneliness sets its toll.

There are stories of hunters and fishermen seeing a Qivittoq in the wild.I will now tell one of many stories about Qivittoq.

Two friends, Kaali and Jukku decided one day to hunt deers in the land. So they packed their packs and equipment to get ready for travel for next day. The very next morning, they got on the boat and start sailing away from the city to Greenlandic nature. They planned to set a camp near water for the first day, and start hiking to the heart of the land next morning.

Next day: Kaali to Jukku: ”We should leave some of our equipment, so we can carry more deer meat if we get it.”

Careless Jukku agreed. After several hours of hunting they got back just to find that their equipment is gone. Confused, they assume it's thieves and vandals that has taken them. Jukku starts to scream with rage and anger.

Jukku:”This is not funny, whoever is out there we will find you!”

Far away a little faint noise starts to appear, they cannot get around what it is. It is not deer, it is too deep for that. Far away a little person appears. He has deer skin as clothes, and long black hair. Kaali starts to panic and runs away, while Jukku is stunned and is unable to move. The person starts to run towards him, faster than a deer. The person starts to roar louder than a polar bear. The person reached Jukku and lean to his head and said “run, try to run.”

Far away Kaali screams “Jukku, Run Try to run!” Jukku started to run, and the person disappears.

Comments

Bob Shoy

Hi Lynn,
I create the podcast 'Five Minute Folklore' and am currently working on an episode about Greenlandic folklore.
Would it be ok if I use this story on the episode? (will credit you on it)
Thanks,
Bob.

Lynn Foshee Reed

Please send me your request and contact information. I will contact Frederik and ask his permission.

Bob Shoy

I retell folklores from around the world on my podcast, focusing on a different country, and folklore from each on each episode.
I'm working on a Greenlandic episode now and found this story interesting, so am just wondering if I could read it out on the show (with credit to author).
The podcast is called 'Five Minute Folklore', and was nominated for a British Podcast Award last year.
contact - fiveminutefolklore@gmail.com
Thanks,
Bob.