Inuit
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Uentshukumishiteu/Wentshukumishiteu
The Uentshukumishiteu is a form of water monster from Inuit mythology. They live in icy waters and can appear out of nowhere to kill and eat humans. They can travel underground and through rocks. They feed on human flesh and protect young animals from hunters, especially guarding otters. They are thought to have a home under Manitutshu, the spirit mountain. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006. Mythologies. N.p., PediaPress.
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Tirisuk/Tirichuk
The Tirisuk is a monster from Inuit myth. They are creatures similar to dragons but often combine the features of reptiles and either centipedes or caterpillars. They have large leathery feelers or antennae which they use to grab prey. Sometimes they have four legs, and jaws like snapping turtles that could tear through anything. They typically eat humans and even whole hunting parties. They are sometimes thought to live in a giant hole, or in the Buckland and Noatak rivers. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016. Francis, Scott. Monster Spotter’s Guide to North America. United States, Adams…
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Tarriassuit/Talliqat/Talliirait
The Tarriassuit are a form of supernatural creatures from Inuit myth. They are invisible, only being seen by their shadows, but otherwise are completely normal people. Though they could not be seen head on, they could be seen out of the peripherals. Along with invisibility they are also noted to not leave footprints. Due to their appearance (or lack thereof) they are often referred to as invisible people or shadow people. They served no specific threat and were thought of as good people. As they are unseen and refuse to attack someone who is defenseless, they never fight humans. They make their homes in the mountains and enter their homes…
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Qupqugiaq/Kokogiak
The Qupqugiaq is a creature from the myths of the Inupait Inuit people. They are described as resembling large polar bears with ten legs, sometimes the size of a whale. They’re thought to hunt and kill like a regular polar bear, and walk with their feet in unison so their tracks resemble those of a typical polar bear. Catching a Qupgugiaq was often seen as good luck. They are often seen as spirit animal helpers, typically only serving shamans who ride on their backs. Some believe normal polar bears turn into Qupqugiaq when they become the spirit animals to shamans. Citations: Iñupiatun Uqaluit Taniktun Sivuninit/Iñupiaq to English Dictionary. United States,…
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Qiqirn/Qiqion
Qiqirn is a dog like creature from Inuit mythology. It is seen in the area of Baffin Island in Hudson Bay. Its presence causes epilepsy in humans and dogs. It is hairless except for tufts of hair on its feet, mouth, ears, and tail tip. Although it is large and intimidating, it runs away when chased. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016. Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
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Meminiteu
The Meminiteu are from the Inuit Native Americans. They are people who became cannibals and began hunting others of their people. They have shamanistic abilities, strength, and intelligence. They were always defeated by a hero with great spiritual power. Stories of these creatures are considered myth rather than history. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Giants and Humanoids in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.
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Mahaha
The Mahaha is a demonic creature from Inuit myth. It has sharp nails and is known to tickle people to death. It makes people laugh and cuts open their insides. It is similar to the Aagjuk, specifically to ones living on the moon. Citations: Aupilaarjuk, Mariano. Perspectives on Traditional Law. United Kingdom, Language and Culture Program of Nunavut Arctic College, 1999. Gogerty, Clare. Sacred Places: Where to Find Wonder in the World. United Kingdom, Octopus, 2020. Hulan, Renée. Northern Experience and the Myths of Canadian Culture. United Kingdom, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2002. Jenness, Diamond, and McGrath, Robin. Canadian Inuit literature: the development of a tradition. Ottawa, National Museums of Canada,…
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Kigatilik
The Kigatilik is a monster from Inuit mythology. They rise from the water to consume the blood and flesh of priests and shamans. They’re thought to consume the heart and other organs. They like to corrupt people from their beliefs. and can shapeshift into attractive women to seduce married men. They may also use these human forms to speak against religious beliefs. Their true form however has thick white fur like a polar bear, large fangs, and massive claws. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
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Polar Worms
The Polar Worms are mythical creatures from Inuit myth. They’re described as long serpentine creatures. They have dragon-like heads and are considered to be extremely vicious. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016. Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon, and DeKirk, Ashley. Dragonlore: From the Archives of the Grey School of Wizardry. United States, Red Wheel Weiser, 2006.
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Qallupilluit/Qalupalik
The Qallupilluit are bogeyman figures from Inuit mythology. They scared children away from sea ice and lurked near patches of broken ice. Steam rising from the water were signs of a Qalupaliik. They hunt on shorelines and near ice flows. They have human forms, green skin, scales, long heads, and long sharp fingernails. They typically wear an amautik (a parka specifically for women with a pouch to carry children in the back.) They are known to hum eerily and knock on the ice underneath people to lure them to more dangerous areas. They specifically target children separated from any adults. Children caught would be put in a sack (or the…
