Tariaksuq

In Inuit mythology the Tariaksuq (Taqriaqsuk, Taqriaqsuq, Tarriaksuk, Tarriaksuq, Tarriassuk, Tarriassuq; (plural) "Shadow-People", Taqriaqsuit, Tariaksuit, Tarriaksuit, Tarriassuit) is a humanoid creature associated with shadows, invisibility and obscurity.

It is said that, for the most part, they are the same as any other human being. They have houses, families, weapons, tools, and more. Where they deviate from normal people, however, is that they are not visible by looking straight at them. In looking directly at them, they either disappear into the separate world which they occupy, apart from our own, or they are only seen for the shadow they cast. They only become visible if they are killed.

Aside from the strange condition of their visibility, it is also known that they can only catch prey while hunting it on foot.

Notes

References

Inuit Shamanism and Christianity: Transitions and Transformations in the Twentieth Century, by Frédéric B. Laugrand, Jarich G. Oosten

Inuit mythology

Goddesses	A'akuluujjusi Akna Arnakuagsak Arnapkapfaaluk Asiaq Ataksak Aulanerk Caribou mother Kadlu Malina Nerrivik Nujalik Nuliajuk Pinga Pukkeenegak Sedna Tootega

Gods	Aipaloovik Akycha Alignak Amaguq Eeyeekalduk Idliragijenget Igaluk Ignirtoq Issitoq Nanook Negafook Nootaikok Pana Tarqiup Inua Tekkeitsertok Tornarsuk Tornat Torngarsuk Tulugaak Tuluŋigraq

Creatures and spirits	Adlet Adlivun Agloolik Akhlut Amarok Anguta Atshen Aumanil Ijirait Ishigaq Keelut Kigatilik Qiqirn Qailertetang Qalupalik Tariaksuq Tizheruk Tupilaq

People	Apanuugak Atanarjuat Ka-Ha-Si Kiviuq

Objects and terms	i'noGo tied Inua Silap Inua Nunam

Tariaksuq

See also

Notes

References