Songs of the Snow Whale: A Journey into Arctic Myth and Reality

On the remote island of R’evava, nestled in the Arctic Ocean, five individuals huddle within a weather station, awaiting the respite of a fierce blizzard. This small group, comprising locals and travelers, engages in storytelling as they weather the storm outside.

Umilyk’s Origin Tale: The Mother of White Whales

One of the guests, Umilyk, initiates a tale steeped in local folklore. He introduces the legend of a great whale—the mother of white whales—whose immense grief creates the blizzards that envelop R’evava. Umilyk shares, “They say the blizzard on R’evava is the wrath of the snow whale. It beats its tail against the Milky Way, releasing snowflakes that blanket the island.” This explanation serves to dispel the unsettling silence of the station, which is amplified by the winds howling outside.

Contrasting Perspectives on Geography and Myth

Another voice, Borisov, a visitor with a musician’s heart, challenges Umilyk’s statements about Chukotka, claiming that R’evava is unique, with snow turning from mere weather into elements of cosmic significance due to the island’s connection to the tales of the indigenous peoples.

As Umilyk reassesses the room and its eclectic occupants—a pregnant woman with somber eyes, a bespectacled man from Poland, a reckless reporter from Moscow, and an ancient woman known as Navetyn—he begins his tale about the Luoravetlan peoples and their fabled origins alongside other tribes of the North.

He describes a time when tribes like the walrus people and the whale people coexisted. A tale unfolds of a Luoravetlan hunter who became the husband of the mother of white whales. This whale, desiring to provide for her offspring, transformed into the island of R’evava, ensuring her children always had land to inhabit, imparting a crucial lesson about kinship and respect for life that has echoed through generations.

Borisov’s Sombre Whale Narrative

As the storm intensifies, Borisov recalls his own experiences with whaling, particularly focusing on a young boy named Ettyn—an eager whaler whose ambitions led him to partake in the complexities of hunting a magnificent bowhead whale.

The Dangers of Whale Hunting

Borisov recounts, “The boy was tall for Chukotka and yearned to be part of the whale hunt. The harpoon he threw was the last to strike, and amidst the chaos, the whale fought fiercely, creating a tapestry of blood and desperation.” This vivid memory of Ettyn’s first hunt concludes on a tragic note; the boy’s subsequent death—an accident while trying to defend a bear cub—was a consequence of the burdens placed on him by tribal tales and guilt.

Krzysztof’s Reflections on Whales and Mythology

Krzysztof, a musician and brother of an ethnographer who explored similar themes, contributes to the discussion by referencing various legends surrounding white whales. He mentions how those born on R’evava hold a unique connection to the mythical creatures, believing that good souls are destined to be taken by these whales after death.

He highlights his brother Jacek’s fascination with the stories of the indigenous people and how, despite his educational achievements, he remained captivated by their simplicity and depth. Krzysztof shares, “My brother believed that white whales could be encountered, not as hunters, but as equals.”

The Nature of Connection

Framing a discussion around Jacek’s belief in the significance of understanding and respecting these beings, Krzysztof emphasizes the human need for connection to nature, encapsulated in the tradition and memory attached to whales.

Navetyn’s Timeless Legend

The tale continues with Navetyn, the elderly woman who adds depth to the discussion with a poignant story about a woman from Nunak who birthed a child by a whale person. This narrative weaves together the elements of song, nature, and spirituality, demonstrating the profound ties between the human and wildlife worlds. The woman’s story reveals a connection to the natural order and the legends that guide her tribe.

Symbols of Loss and Legacy

Navetyn explains how the whale man was ultimately lost to the world as a result of the woman’s actions and the cultural beliefs surrounding the connection to whales. Umilyk translates, “Everything in this world has its own song: the people of Nunak forgot about the woman as soon as the snow powdered the traces of her footsteps,” illustrating the deep-rooted belief in inevitable change and loss.

Olga’s Personal Lament

The final narrative comes from Olga, a pregnant woman who reflects on her experiences of grief after the loss of Aiwe, her partner. She links her narrative to the stories shared, revealing the fatherly figure Aiwe had represented—one who introduced her to the beauty of life and the haunting songs of the whales.

Her painful reminiscence underscores the emotional scars left behind and how she grapples with new life amidst overwhelming despair. “Sometimes I listen the way Aiwe taught me, not with my ears, but with my heart,” she shares, capturing the essence of her inner turmoil and connection to the past.

Reflections Beyond the Blizzard

As the blizzard subsides, the quiet envelops R’evava again. Umilyk gazes out towards the sea, contemplating not just the storms that pass but the stories, connections, and spiritual ties that resonate deeply within the human experience. “This was the first time in thirty years that I witnessed such a long telling by the old Navetyn,” he reflects, acknowledging the role of storytelling as a pivotal connection among them all.

In this merging of tales, the island continues to thrive, with each story reinforcing its legacy, ensuring that the songs of the snow whale echo through the generations.

For more information, visit Songs of the Snow Whale.