Nanook • Great Polar Bear Spirit •

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Nanook, according to Inuit beliefs, was considered to be the master of bears, and the bringer of good or bad luck during a hunt. The Inuit hunters worshiped this great bear, not only because they believed he decided whether or not they would have a successful hunt, but also because he would punish those who would not pay proper respect to the bears they hunted and killed. Nanook, was revered by the Inuit as a powerful and mighty being, who was considered to be, "almost man." Nanook was honored by the hunter by hanging a bear's hide in a special section of his igloo, for several days. They would also offer the bear's spirit weapons, and other hunting tools if it was a male, and needle cases, scrapers, and knives if it was a female. Native people believed that polar bears allowed themselves to be slaughtered in order for their souls to obtain such tools, known as tatkoit, which they would carry with them into the afterlife. According to legend, if a polar bear is properly treated by the hunter after its death, its spirit will spread the good news to other bears, making them eager to be killed by the same hunter. On the other hand, bears would avoid hunters who did not pay respects to the bears which they hunted and killed. In the past, and perhaps still to this day, the Inuit ate polar bear meat, and used the fur to make warm trousers and kamiks, which are soft boots, for the men, women and children of their tribe.

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