Tradition / Region: Inuit mythology
Alternate Names: The Spirit of the Many Holes
Category: Helping spirit
The Myth
Putuliq, known as the Spirit of the Many Holes, is an Inuit spirit encountered by a human while fishing for salmon. One day, while the man was fishing on a lake, Putuliq rose up from the depths of the water and approached him. The spirit wished to help a human being and, after this meeting, became the man’s helping spirit.
Putuliq is characterized by having many holes across its body. These holes are believed to possess a special power connected to childbirth. Because of them, Putuliq serves as an accoucheur, aiding women during labor. It is said that when a child sees the many holes of Putuliq, the sight encourages the child, making it easier for the baby to emerge from the womb.
Through this role, Putuliq is remembered as a benevolent helper spirit associated with birth, assistance, and the easing of human suffering.
Interpretive Lenses
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Esoteric Deep Dive
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