 | ||
In Inuit mythology, Torngasuk (or Torngasak) is a very powerful sky god, one of the more important deities in the Inuit pantheon.
Contents
Torngarsuk is listed as a demon or spirit in the Dictionnaire Infernal - a.k.a. Tornatik, Torngarsoak, Torngasoak, Tungrangayak,Tornasuk etc. is a mischievous demon/spirit worshiped by offering in Greenland and the northeastern regions of Canada.
Description
Torngarsuk is the master of whales and seals and most powerful supernatural being in Greenland. He appears in the form of a bear, or a one-armed man, or as a grand human creature like one of the fingers of a hand. He is considered to be invisible to everyone but the angakoqs (the medicine men or shamans among Eskimo peoples).
These conflicting descriptions leave us unsure as to his form, but as a grand spirit or demon Torngarsuk is invoked by fishermen and by the angakoqs when one falls ill. There are other spirits invisible to everyone but the Anguekkok, who teach men how to be happy. They see Torngarsuk as their benefactor; when the Anguekkok call upon him, they ask that if he does not come that he leave them "in the land of plenty".
Familiar
Each Anguekkok keeps a familiar spirit in a leather bottle which he evokes & consults like an oracle. This familiar spirit seeks Torngarsuk in a cave and brings good fortune as well as healing power.
Popular Culture
In popular culture, the term or phrase Tornasuk & angekok are best known from a simple & short reference to this part of Inuit mythology & ideology by H.P. Lovecraft - in his famous short-story "The Call of Cthulhu", where these ideas are portrayed as part of an "Eskimo diabolist" cult who revere Cthulhu as an avatar or tangible form of Torngarsuk.