Qallupilluit facts for kids
| Other name(s) | Inuktitut: ᖃᓪᓗᐱᓪᓗᐃᑦ Qalupalik |
|---|---|
| Region | Nunavut, Alaska |
The Qallupilluit (also called Qalupalik) is a scary creature from Inuit stories. People in the Arctic regions of Nunavut and Alaska tell tales about it. This creature is often compared to the Bogeyman. It is said to take children who don't behave or who wander too close to dangerous ice.
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What is the Qallupilluit?
The Qallupilluit is a mythical creature. This means it is a made-up being from old stories. It comes from the folklore of the Inuit people. The Inuit are Indigenous people who live in the Arctic areas of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. Their stories often teach important lessons.
A Creature from Inuit Folklore
Inuit folklore includes many tales about spirits and creatures. These stories are passed down through generations. They help explain the world and teach children how to stay safe. The Qallupilluit is one such creature. It is a well-known part of their oral traditions.
What Does the Qallupilluit Look Like?
The Qallupilluit is always described as looking like a human. However, its exact appearance can change in different stories. Some tales say it is a male creature. Other stories describe it as a female. This female creature is said to use children to keep her "long, flowing hair" beautiful.
Some descriptions say the Qallupilluit has very long fingernails. It might also have green, slimy skin. It is often pictured wearing an amauti. An amauti is a special type of parka worn by Inuit women. It has a large pouch on the back for carrying a baby.
Why Was This Story Told?
Like many old legends, the story of the Qallupilluit has a purpose. It was told to keep children safe. The creature is said to live in icy water. It waits at the edge of the ice. If children are found playing alone near the water, the Qallupilluit might appear.
The legend warns children about the dangers of thin ice. It also teaches them to listen to their parents. The Qallupilluit is said to stuff misbehaving children into its amauti. Then, it pulls them under the icy water. This scary image helped children understand the risks of the cold Arctic environment.
The Qallupilluit in Books
The Qallupilluit has appeared in modern stories too. It was featured in a popular children's book. This book is called A Promise Is A Promise. It was written by Robert Munsch and Michael Kusugak.
Later, the Qallupilluit became the subject of a graphic novel. A graphic novel is like a long comic book. This one was created by an Inuit artist named Roselynn Akulukjuk. These books help share the traditional Inuit stories with new generations.
