Sedna
Goddess of the Sea and Marine Animals, Mother of the Sea, Mistress of the Sea
Sea Goddess, Nature Spirit
Place of Origin: Arctic regions, specifically among the Inuit peoples.
Origin Date: Sedna has been a part of Inuit mythology for centuries, with origins tracing back to ancient times.
Domain: Sedna governs the sea and marine animals, influencing the livelihoods of Inuit hunters.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Sedna include marine animals such as seals, walruses, and whales.
Attributes: Sedna is believed to possess the power to control the availability of marine animals. She is also associated with the sea, transformation, and resilience.
Epithets:Arnakuagsak, Sassuma Arnaa, Nerrivik, Arnapkapfaaluk, Nuliayuk
Equivalents: Sedna is similar to other sea deities in various cultures, such as Amphitrite in Greek mythology and Salacia in Roman mythology.
Sacred Texts: Inuit spirituality does not have a single set of sacred texts. Instead, their spiritual beliefs and practices are passed down through oral traditions, stories, songs, and rituals.
Iconography: Sedna is typically depicted in art and sculpture with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a marine mammal, reflecting her connection to the sea.
Relations: Sedna is related to other deities and spirits within Inuit mythology, including her father Anguta and various marine creatures.
Religion: Sedna belongs to the mythology and spiritual beliefs of the Inuit people, indigenous to the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska.
Description
Sedna is the Inuit goddess of the sea and marine animals. She is known as the Mother of the Sea or Mistress of the Sea. Sedna's story is a creation myth that describes how she came to rule over Adlivun, the Inuit version of the underworld. She is often depicted with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a marine mammal, similar to a mermaid. Sedna controls the availability of marine animals for Inuit hunters and is a central figure in Inuit spirituality, symbolizing the fusion of spirituality and nature.
Narratives
The Creation of Sedna:
Sedna, also known as the Mother of the Sea or Mistress of the Sea, is a central figure in Inuit mythology. She is often depicted with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a marine mammal, similar to a mermaid. Sedna's story varies across Inuit communities, but she is generally considered the daughter of Anguta, the creator-god, and Isarrataitsoq, a goddess.
Sedna and the Great Hunger:
In one version of the legend, Sedna is a giant with a great hunger that causes her to attack her parents. Angered, her father Anguta takes her out to sea and throws her over the side of his kayak. As she clings to the sides, he chops off her fingers, and she sinks to the underworld, becoming the ruler of the monsters of the deep. Her huge fingers become the ringed seals, walruses, and whales hunted by Inuit.
Sedna and the Dog Husband:
In another version of the legend, Sedna is dissatisfied with the men found for her by her father and marries a dog. Her father is so angry at this that he throws her into the sea. When she tries to climb back into the boat, he cuts off her fingers, which become the first seals. Sedna then becomes a mighty sea goddess.
Sedna and the Shaman:
When Sedna is angered, the angakkuq (shaman) travels to wash and comb her hair for her, after which she is placated and releases the animals to the hunters. In some versions, she is unable to comb her hair because she lacks fingers, so a shaman must brush it for her.
Sedna and the Orphan:
In the Netsilik region, the story states that Nuliayuk (another name for Sedna) was a mistreated orphan. One day, the people tried to get rid of her by attempting to drown her by chopping off her fingertips, which transformed into seals and walruses. Eventually, Nuliayuk marries a sculpin and lives in the sea, controlling all sea mammals.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Sedna
Sedna is a central figure in Inuit mythology, known as the goddess of the sea and marine animals. She is often referred to as the Mother of the Sea or Mistress of the Sea. Sedna's story is a creation myth that describes how she came to rule over Adlivun, the Inuit version of the underworld.
Core Beliefs
Goddess of the Sea: Sedna is the goddess of the sea and marine animals, including seals, whales, and fish. She is believed to control the availability of sea creatures, which are vital for the Inuit people's survival.
Creation Myth: According to Inuit mythology, Sedna was once a beautiful young woman who was cast into the sea by her father. As she clung to the side of his kayak, he cut off her fingers, which transformed into various sea creatures. Sedna sank to the bottom of the ocean, where she became the ruler of the sea and its inhabitants.
Protector and Provider: Sedna is seen as both a protector and provider. She ensures the abundance of marine life, but she can also withhold it if she is displeased. Shamans often undertake spiritual journeys to appease Sedna and ensure successful hunts.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Sedna is often depicted with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a marine mammal, similar to a mermaid. This imagery reflects her dominion over the sea and its creatures.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Sedna include marine animals such as seals, whales, and fish. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke her presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Sedna are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Inuit culture and mythology. She embodies the connection between humans and the natural world, particularly the sea.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Sedna. These include offerings of food, chants, and other goods to seek her favor and protection. Rituals often take place in natural settings, such as near the sea.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Sedna can be found throughout regions with Inuit populations. These sites are often located near bodies of water, reflecting her association with the sea.
Offerings: Offerings to Sedna typically include food and items related to her symbols, such as representations of marine animals. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Sea Rituals: Festivals and events dedicated to the sea and marine life often honor Sedna. These gatherings include prayers, rituals, and activities aimed at celebrating and preserving the natural environment.
Cultural Celebrations: Sedna's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Inuit heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Sedna for protection, abundance, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke her role as the goddess of the sea and a symbol of life and sustenance.
Sedna's role as the goddess of the sea embodies the core values and beliefs of Inuit mythology, emphasizing the importance of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all life.