Mythical Monsters of Greenland: A Survival Guide

If your mythology bookshelf, like mine, is totally devoid of Inuit mythology content, Mythical Monsters of Greenland: A Survival Guide may be exactly what you never knew you were missing.

Author and illustrator Maria Back Kreutzmann and illustrator Coco Apunnguaq Lynge both identify as Greenlandic Inuit on the website www.strongnations.com.

In her introduction to Mythical Monsters of Greenland: A Survival Guide, Kreutzmann explains:

We are a culture of storytellers. We spellbind our audience with our ability to shock even ourselves with our grand nature, and we take phenomena that might seem endlessly frightening and use it for wisdom and learning — and not least, entertainment! (p. 16)

But it is important to note that this is not a book of stories. It is a compendium of information about “fifteen creatures (and six honorable mentions)”, their strengths and weaknesses, including warnings of what to do to should you meet one of these creatures. As the subtitle states, it is a survival guide.

For example, should you encounter “Arssarnerit (The Northern Lights)” don’t whistle.

Just stand back and admire it—that’s all. But despite how beautiful it might be, do not be tempted to wolf-whistle at it. If whistled at, the dead will descend to earth and rip your head off, and then continue their game with your skull!

So don’t whistle. Just don’t. (p. 37)

Fortunately, the “Glossary of Inuit Language Words” at the back of the book includes pronunciations and definitions. Both are very helpful for understanding the Kalaallisut and Inuktitut words. There is also a link to an on-line pronunciation resource.

One of the other very helpful resources is the two-part “Intro”. Historian Ujammiugaq Engell’s introduction is titled “On Creatures and Spirits (and otherworldly things)”. Her introduction sets the context for the historical appearance of these creatures.

Because of the adverse conditions that people lived in, it was naturally assumed that most spirits and creatures were either irritable or angry. It was therefore of utmost importance that you didn’t anger or offend these beings. There were rules to be followed and taboos to be observed in every aspect of life, so as not to offend the spirits or attract vengeful creatures. (p. 13)

In her section of Intro, author Kreutzmann states her goal in writing the book.

I hope this book will spark curiosity, and give insight and the courage to explore the known and unknown—even enrich our culture—by encouraging the youth to talk to their Elders, and listen to the stories they still (and always will) have to offer. (p. 17)

The text may be a bit challenging for Grade 5 students, but who wouldn’t want to read a book about Naligateq (The Entrails-Eaters) who will use her ulu to “cut up your delicious guts”. (p. 29)

Readers who tend to choose a book based on its cover will love the cover of Mythical Monsters of Greenland, a full-mouth view of a charging Immap Nanua (The Giant Polar Bear). When they open the book, they will be rewarded with similarly engaging illustrations of each of the monsters, each one a work of art.

Buy this book for all your little monsters who love reading for thrills and chills. It’s a definite winner. But remember it is only the tip of the iceberg. Next your young readers will want to know the stories behind each of the Mythical Monsters of Greenland.