Torngarsuk facts for kids
Torngarsuk (also called Torngasak) is a very important sky god in the Inuit religion. The Inuit people live in the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. Torngarsuk is believed to be the leader of the Tornat, who are a group of helpful spirits.
Some old books, like the Dictionnaire Infernal, describe Torngarsuk as a powerful spirit. People in Greenland and parts of Canada used to worship him. He is also known by other names like Tornatik, Torngarsoak, and Tungrangayak.
Who is Torngarsuk?
Torngarsuk is seen as the master of whales and seals. He is considered the most powerful spirit in Greenland. People believed he could appear in different forms. Sometimes he looked like a bear. Other times, he appeared as a man with one arm. He could also look like a giant human, as big as a finger on a hand.
Most people could not see Torngarsuk. Only the angakkuit, who are the medicine men or shamans among the Inuit, could see him. Even though his appearance was described in different ways, people believed he was a great spirit. Fishermen would ask Torngarsuk for help. Shamans would also call on him when someone was sick. They would ask him to bring them good fortune and health.
Shamans and Their Spirit Helpers
Each shaman, or angakkuq, had a special helper spirit. This spirit was often kept in a leather bottle. The shaman would talk to this helper spirit to get advice, like an oracle. This helper spirit would then go to a cave to find Torngarsuk.
The helper spirit would bring good luck and healing power back from Torngarsuk. Shamans believed Torngarsuk was their helper. When they called on him, they would ask him to make sure they lived "in the land of plenty." This meant they wanted enough food and good things.
Torngarsuk in Stories and Comics
Torngarsuk has appeared in modern stories and comics.
- The name Tornasuk and angekok are mentioned by H. P. Lovecraft in his story "The Call of Cthulhu." In this story, these ideas are part of a cult that sees Cthulhu as a form of Torngarsuk.
- In Marvel Comics, Torngarsuk is combined with parts of other Inuit gods, Anguta and Tulugaak. He is called Hodiak. Hodiak is the main god of the northern gods. He is also the divine grandfather of Alpha Flight member Snowbird.
