Ijiraq
Shape-shifters of the Arctic who kidnap children and abandon them in the wilderness. The Ijiraq can never be seen directly—look away, and they vanish. Inuit hunters know to fear them.
The Ijiraq is a shape-shifting creature from Inuit mythology, known for kidnapping children and causing disorientation.
The Legend
According to Inuit tradition, the Ijiraq is a shape-shifter that kidnaps children and leaves them lost in the wilderness. It can never be looked at directly and disappears when observed directly.
Description
The Ijiraq has no fixed form and often appears human-like, but with red, sideways eyes. It exists only in peripheral vision. Looking directly makes it vanish.
Behavior
The Ijiraq typically targets children and leads them into the wilderness, abandoning them far from home. It cannot be tracked. The victims often can’t remember what happened.
Related Creatures
Similar creatures include the Mahaha (tickling spirit), other Inuit shadow beings, and trickster figures in Arctic folklore.
Cultural Significance
The Ijiraq represents the dangers of the Arctic landscape, the importance of staying close to camp, and the mysterious nature of the tundra. It serves as a warning for children.
Modern References
The Ijiraq appears in modern Inuit stories, fantasy literature, and is referenced in Final Fantasy.
Sources
- Inuit folklore documentation