Sedna : Goddess of the Sea

This book is suitable for ages 9-12. An explanatory tale; a unique synthesis of two variations of the ancient Inuit legend of how sea animals came to be.

Sedna was a beautiful young woman and many young men asked to marry her, but she rejected every one.

Sedna's wicked uncle convinces her father that she must marry the next suitor, but when she rejected him as well, her uncle left Sedna and her dog on an island.

Sedna returned for revenge after the uncle killed the dog, but then a spirit bird lured Sedna away.

When her father arrived to save her, the angry spirit bird caused the sea to boil and Ootuk throws Sedna overboard.

When she tries to climb back into the kayak, he stabs her hands.

From her blood, according to legend, come the warm blooded animals of the sea, who will feed the hungry Eskimos for all time.

This book contains 30 symbolic and realistic black and white illustrations with visual elements of the Inuit culture.

Following the text are three explanatory notes about Sedna in a broader popular culture context.

There is also a resource bibliography, a pronunciation guide, and a short vocabulary list for young readers.