Kiviuq

Kiviuq (also spelled "Qiviuq", "Kiviok" and other variants) is a legendary hero of the epic stories of the Inuit of the Arctic regions of northern Canada, Alaska and Greenland.

For the moon of Saturn named after Kiviuq, see Kiviuq (moon).

Kiviuq is an eternal Inuit wanderer. Spirits, giants, cannibals, bears and sea monsters intermingle in Kiviuq's world, creating havoc for him. He walks, or travels by dog sled, kayak (qajaq), or may be borne by huge fishes. His supernatural powers allow him to overcome all manner of obstacles in his travels across the north.

Stories about Kiviuq's many adventures appear in Inuit culture across the Arctic. Kiviuq has lived a long time and has had many lives. Versions of his adventures vary with the location and the storyteller. In Greenland he is known as "Qooqa" and in Alaska he is called "Qayaq". Qayaq is short for Qayaqtuaġiŋñaqtuaq - 'He who shall always long to go roaming in his qayaq').

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