Tradition: Canadian Mythology
Alternative Names: Manilaq
Category: Goblin
The Myth
Manilaq is a frightening female supernatural being associated with the pack ice in Inuit Canadian mythology. Her appearance is described as so terrifying that encountering her can cause a person to collapse and lose consciousness. Despite her frightening nature, she can become a helping spirit to those who encounter her.
One hunter met Manilaq during the previous summer while wandering in the mountains. Her dreadful appearance caused him to fall unconscious. He only regained consciousness when his dog licked his navel. Following this encounter, Manilaq became his helping spirit.
Manilaq has a particular ability to assist hunters in obtaining prey. Her speciality is securing quarry through the mother of the sea animal, suggesting a connection to the supernatural forces governing marine animals and hunting success. Although her appearance inspires terror, her role as a helping spirit makes her a valuable ally to the hunter.
Sources
Rasmussen, Knud. Intellectual Culture of the Hudson Bay Eskimos. Copenhagen: Gyldendalske Boghandel, 1930. https://archive.org/search.php?query=creator%3A%22Rasmussen%2C+Knud%2C+1879-1933%22