The libretto unfolds in a stream of consciousness in an uninterrupted flow, freely interweaving a diverse array of Arctic languages, sidestepping conventional dialogues and narratives. Deeply rooted in Arctic shamanic traditions, the libretto draws from the practices of Irinaliurutiit––magical songs and formulas Angakkuit (shamans) often use to summon Tuurngait (helping spirits) to aid their journeys through the porous nature of time and space. Irinaliurutiit typically comprise fragments of songs and nearly incomprehensible sentences believed to have originated in a time when animals could still speak.
The narrative revolves around the Angakok’s metaphysical voyage through five states of consciousness and across nine time periods, traveling from the present day to the age preceding human existence. On this spiritual quest, the Angakok encounters various spirits, including the Moon Spirit, Sun Spirit, Wind Spirit, Light Spirit, the Spirit of Boredom, archaic Giants, and animal spirits. The Angakok’s goal is to reach the Mother of the Sea – The Spirit of the Ocean, to whom he intends to sing a plea for the renewal of life in a hymn dedicated to the mysterious and magical place of Issittormiut nunaat—Arctica.
Languages used in Flights of the Angakok:
Kalaallisut, Inuktitut, Avanersuarmiutut/Inuktun, Iñupiaq, Yupik, Aleut, Alutiiq/Pacific Gulf Yupik, Nenets, the Eskaleut language family sub-dialects, such as Malimiutun, Unangam Tunuu, Atkan, Sireniki, now extinct, and others.
I. Solarstein – Searching for North
From the rugged mountains in the East to the vast tundra in the West is a place some call the Arctic and others call Nunatsiaq, meaning “the beautiful land.”
Nuna, Nunatsiaq – The land, the beautiful land – Issittormiut nunaat – Arctica. Nunamiuvik, Being at one with the land, Nikitsuitsoq. The star that never moves.
Inuit believe in the existence of three souls: name, immortality, and breath.
Ateq – Name – Tarneq – Immortal soul in the hereafter – Anerneq. Breath which disappears at death.
Unikkaaq: To tell a story: Isumaq isorleq killeqanngitsoq. The furthest thought has no end—it’s eternal. Eqqarsaatini isivippai, The thought has arms stretched, Isivippai, (It) outstretches arms, Suluni siaarpai, Spreads out wings, Isivippoq issivingayok, Expends, stretched out, Inunngorpoq Angutinngorpoq – Procreates, becomes a man – Inuuvoq – A human being – Inuvik angutivik! A real person!
Issudlerpak issuma issukangitok. The furthest thought has no end—it’s eternal. Angakkua – Light – (Iglulik word for the brilliant inner light that was the essential driving force of a shaman)
Qaamaneq. Lifting – (Another term for the special spiritual power that sets a shaman apart from others.)
Nuujuitsoq – Polar star – (Something that does not move.)
Yua – Soul – (“Hidden person” – from the Yup’ik word “yuk” or “person”)
Ulloriaq. A star.
Nuna unganartoq. Deep and total attachment to the land (often expressed in spiritual terms.)
Isumaq isorleq killeqanngitsoq. The furthest thought has no end—it’s eternal.
First Flight: Beyond Dreaming – Solitude
According to the Inuit, during his “flights,” an Angakok must go through five states of mind. They refer to this as quiinuinaqtuk—a state of mind beyond dreaming. It’s like a window through which to see things as never before. It’s as if you have moved out of the tiny space you occupy in this world to see it in its entirety, beyond its shadows. In this journey, the Angakok delves deeper and deeper through all five states of mind to reach the world of the dead and enter Sedna’s realm. According to Inuit tradition, there are nine time periods. In this work, during his “flights,” the Angakok also moves through all nine time periods, from most recent to most ancient.
Maanna – Now (in Itivimiut) – Ilunagalatik inuit nuumata nunalinut. (Time period when most Inuit moved into settlements. Most recent of the Nine Time periods)
Quiinuinaqtuk: Qiinuituk – The first state beyond dreaming (is) Solitude.
Anersaaq – “To make poetry” (is) “to breathe.” (The same word has both meanings. The soul, that which is eternal, is the breath of life.)
Isuma – Thought: tariuq. “To breathe.”
Isuma – Thought – sila. Intelligence.
Nunamiutait – Land spirit.
Anersaarneq – To breathe – Tarniq, Tarneq – Immortal soul – Annanneq – Recycling of the life-giving force (soul).
Tuurngait – Helping spirits for a shaman.
II. Magic Incantation: Spirits of Light
– Qaa! Qaa! – Light! Light! (Shouts of Raven in the creation of the world.)
Anxaq: The little spark: ulloriaq. A pathway for light, a star.
Qaamaneq qutsinnermi: Bright light at the very top: ulloriaq. A pathway for light, a star.
Tuurngait: Helping spirits of a shaman: Nikitsuitsoq. The star that never moves.
Tautoquuq: Spectacular light on the winter landscape: Tautoquuq. Visioning the unknown. (The same word has both meanings.)
– Qaa! Qaa! – Light! Light! (Shouts of Raven in the creation of the world.)
Ay-ja! – Ay-ja! – Ulloriaq! – A star! – Tuktujuak. Great Caribou. (Big Dipper constellation.)
Anxaq… The little spark…
Second Flight: Beyond Dreaming – Love
Quiinuinaqtuk: Angnatsiaq. The second state of mind beyond dreaming (is) love.
Inulimaat nunaqaqatatillugit nunaliralagnulutik. The time when all Inuit lived on the land.
– Nunamiutait, Nunamiutait – Land spirits, Land spirits!
III. Magic Incantation: The Spirit of the Wind
– Anori! – Wind! – Sila! – The spirit of the wind and weather! – Kotura! – Lord of the Winds (Nennets of Siberia)
Agguq, Wind ahead, Okkomut, Wind behind, Tiktauyok. Carried by the wind.
Negafok, Spirit of the North Wind: Anoretuyok! Great wind!
Adgomot, Facing the wind, Adgopartarpok! Sail with the headwind!
– Anori! – Wind.
– Qavanguq, Sinnektomanerk… – Dream, dream…
Sinnektomawok: Daydreams: takunerk. Visions.
– Uangnaq! Nigiq! Kanangnaq! Akinnaq! Four Great Winds
Slagux! – Wind! (Atkan dialect, Aleut.)
– Narssuk! – The spirit of the West Winds. – Kinak! – The spirit of the North Winds.
Uyakpok, Appears from beyond, nukitarpallialerpok getting stronger and stronger.
Anorekiktok… Small wind… – Anori… – Wind…
Third Flight: Beyond Dreaming – Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary
Iqaumalugu taimagnanituqaluk. Time period within living memory.
Quiinuinaqtuk: Angutiisiaq. The third state of mind beyond dreaming: making everything special, turning ordinary into extraordinary.
IV. Dance of the Men-Bears
Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa! Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa!
– Uumajurngautaviniit! First animals, shapeshifters that possessed language and powerful magic.
Meeraallungali, Like a big child, Nukappiaraallungali like a big boy, Eqqaamasara: I remember this one: Tornarssuk! The Polar-bear Spirit.
Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa! Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa!
– Uumajurngautaviniit! First animals, shapeshifters that possessed language and powerful magic.
Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa! Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa Aaj-aa-aj-a-jaa!
Fourth Flight: Beyond Dreaming – Artistry
Ajaa!
Quiinuinaqtuk: Slilatujuk. Fourth state of mind beyond dreaming: Artistry.
Qallunaat tamaaniliqtillugit. Time after the arrival of white people.
Aaj-ja-jai.
V. Magic Incantation: The Spirit of the Sun
– Seqinek! – The Spirit of the Sun!
– Seqineq, Seqineq, Seqineq – Sun, Sun, South – Issuhungituq. Eternity.
Sikrinaktok– Sun shines– akkisuktok. Sun rays’ reflection.
– Inneq, keneq, ikniq, Ikuma! – Fire, fire, fire, fire!
– Ke’le, Ke’le, Ke’le, Ke’le. – The spirits who stole the sun. (They also like to eat humans and to spread illness.)
Marsakoak – “Pretend sun” (shaman’s masks) – Siqiniq? Sun?
Fifth Flight: Beyond Dreaming – Moving Through Shadows
Qallunaat tamaugnallautinagit. Time before the arrival of white people.
Quiinuinaqtuk: Issumatujuk. Fifth state of mind beyond dreaming: Deep thinking.
Itisuumik pissutsit eqqarsaatigalugit – sinnattuanerunngilaq. To think deeply about things – is not daydreaming. Nuunneruvoq tarratigut, sivisuallaammik uninnganaveersaarneq pisariaqarpoq. It is moving through shadows, never staying in one place forever.
Tarraq, talítaq, Shadow, shadow, Taaq – darkness, Talítaq. one is hidden by a shadow.
Taaq… Darkness… Sininngisaannartoq. Awake all night. (The one that never sleeps.)
Taaq! Darkness! Taaq! Darkness!
VI. Song-Duel of the Women-Foxes
– Nappatak! – Fox! – Tireganierk! – Fox!
– Igvit! – You! – Igvit! – You!
Krearnartok! – Blue fox! Kaviaq! – Fox!
Annakpok tireganierk! Free (not caught) fox!
– Igvit? – You? Aaj-jay!
– Igvilli?! – But what about you?! – Okrakunuktutit! – You speak badly! – Suseriwit? – What are you doing?! – Igvilli?! – But what about you?!
Aj-jai! Ai-jay! Ai-jai-jai!!
– Ay! Suvinga?! – Ay! What do you want of me?! – Igvit, koak! – You, frozen meat! – Igvit koak, kekrarmago! – You, frozen meat, frozen to death! – Unaruluk! – The evil one! ¬ – Takulutiksak kringmisitiksak! – Food for dogs! – Utigarneoyok! – She is without husband!
– Ai-jai-jay!! – Ai-jai-jay!!
Sixth Flight: Lament for Mistaking Wife for a Fox
Sivuliriagnavut tamaaniliqtillugit. The time of the Inuit’s earliest ancestors.
– Suna? – What is it? – Sumi? – Where?
– Pisuusaarpoq… – Pretend… – Takorloorpaa! – Imagine! – Sutaitok… – It is not there…
– Imak! Imak! – Hark! Listen! – Illiiva? – How has this happened?
– Kisimiippunga assut. – I am alone.
– Illiiva? – How has this happened? – Illiwa? – Was it you?
– Aliortukkanut pilliut. – I am making an offering to the ghosts.
– Illiiva? – How has this happened? – Aliortukkanut pilliut. – I am making an offering to the ghosts. – Illiwa? – Was it you?
VII. Messengers Through Time and Space (Inuksuit)
Inuksuit (or Innunguait) – plural of inuksuk (or innunguaq) means “To act in the capacity of human” – the mysterious stone figures, Timeless messages from a distant past. Some have meaning “to act in the capacity of a human.” Inuksuit are among the oldest and most meaningful objects placed by humans upon the vast Arctic landscape, becoming an Inuit symbol. Inuksuit are the silent messengers; they are nuanced, complex, and vital forms of communication, expressing the wonder, power, and magical beauty of the Arctic. Inuksuit give the message that you are no longer alone; they are messengers in space and time.
Angaku’hibvik – A structure resembling an inuksuk, indicating where shamans were initiated and received their powers in the Keewatin region. (“I come to you because I desire to see” – were the words uttered by the novice shaman. It is still regarded as an object from which best to keep a safe distance.)
– Ilinnukarpunga takorusutsaammigama! – I come to you because I desire to see! – Ilinnukarpunga takorusutsaammigama! – I come to you because I desire to see!
Inuksuit innunguaq. – Human-shape inuksuit.
Inuksuk upigijaugialik. – Old and tall inuksuk built by Tunniit.
Angakkup oqaasii. – Shaman’s words.
Tigiriaq. – Old traditional stone fox trap.
Niungvaliruluit. – An inuksuk in the shape of a window. (Frame to a star, “to attach thoughts” to distant places.)
Inuksullarik. – Ancient inuksuk, covered by lichen, built by Tunniit (whom the Inuit consider their predecessors), very important and venerated.
Tunillarvik. – The inuksuk-like figure of a single upright stone.
Iquluqarniraijuq. – Specially positioned red and black stones on the shoreline of a freshwater lake, usually placed by women, indicates a good place to catch fish.
Tammariikkuti. – Top stone placed by a traveling hunter, who tells his family, following far behind, that he changed direction.
Angaku’hibvik. – A structure, resembling an inuksuk, indicating where shamans were initiated and received their powers in the Keewatin region. (“I come to you because I desire to see” were the words uttered by the novice shaman. – It is still regarded as an object from which best to keep a safe distance.)
Sakkabluniq, – A single large, unusual stone or a group of stones believed to possess spiritual power.
Sakkabluniit. – Plural of sakkabluniq.
Nalunaikkutaq. – Single upright stone.
Aulaqquit. – A scarecrow-type of inuksuit in Nunavik. Some had dried wings of seagulls; they flattered in the wind, threatening the caribou.
Tunillarvik. – Standing rock – a place where people left offerings to spirits.
Kattaq. – An entrance to a place of respect, created by placing two large rocks up on end and side by side.
– Ilinnukarpunga takorusutsaammigama! – I come to you because I desire to see! (Words uttered by the novice shaman. It is still regarded as an object from which best to keep a safe distance.)
Inuksualuk. – A large inuksuk.
Inuksummarik. – A rise up to three meters high.
Kibvakattaq inuksuk. – A great weightlifting stone. The strongest man displayed his power by moving the stone.
Tupqujaq. – An inuksuk-like structure in the shape of a doorway through which a shaman entered the spirit world.
Inuksuk tuktunnutiit. – An inuksuk that appears to sprout antlers announces a rich caribou hunting area.
Inutsuliutuinnaqtuq. – Inukouit are created to shorten the time that one waits.
Angakkup oqaasii. – Shaman’s words.
Inuksunirlik. – An evil entity that may have been created to cast a spell.
Tutunik utaqqiurvik. – The place where hunters gather to wait for the arrival of caribou.
Kibvakattaq inuksuk. – A great weightlifting stone. The strongest man displayed his power by moving the stone.
Tunillarvik, – Standing rock, a place where people left offerings to spirits.
Inuksuk assirurunnaqtuq, – said to be able to transform into other entities.
Inuksuk anirniqtalik, – Contains a spirit.
Sakkabluniit. – Stones with spiritual power.
Kattaq. – An entrance to a place of respect, created by placing two large rocks up on end and side by side.
Kataujaq. – An arch under which the shaman is healed or protected a person.
Innunguaq. – A human-shape inu
Seventh Flight: Traces of Coming and Going
Tuniqtaqaliqtillugu. The time of the Tunniit. (Before the last migration.)
Utirnigiit. The faintest traces of coming and going. (When approaching a place of power, it is important to know where the pathway is for entering, crossing, and exiting.)
Appakaanneq – Entering – Ikaarneq – Crossing – Pissanganaq – Exiting.
VIII. Dance of the Trapped Spirit of Boredom
– Imak! – Listen! – Imak! – Listen!
– Illiwa? – How has this happened? – Imak! – Listen!
– Utaqqivinga? – Would you wait for me? – Imak! – Listen!
– Immaqa… – Maybe… – Immaqa… – Maybe…
– Takunnga! – Look at me! – Takunnga! – Look at me!
– Imak! – Listen! – Illiiva? – How has this happened?
– Atinik atornerlussanngilasi. – You should not misuse your names. – Ilissi qaatussinnaanngilasi… – You cannot learn anything…
– Kisimiippunga assut. – I am alone.
– Inueruppoq… – People are gone… – Imak! – Listen!
– Siuligut ileqimisaarput. – The ancestors are shaking their heads. – Ilissi qaatussinnaanngilasi… – You cannot learn anything… – Takunngilatit Takunngilatit? – Don’t you see? Don’t you see? – Immineq erinarsorusaartoq. – The one I speak of – sings all by himself.
– Oh… – Illiwa? – How has this happened?
– Imak! – Listen!
– Takunnga… – Look at me…
Eighth Flight: Lost Pathways
Angakok, Angakok… Shaman, shaman…
Inuit sivulliit tamaanigiagnaliqtillugit. The time of the earliest humans.
Tukisiutit. Pathway of understanding.
Aqutitugait. Ancient pathways of safe passage.
Angakusarqtuq. Communication link between shamans.
Inuktorviit. Where humans are devoured.
Qinerpoq… He is searching…
Angakok, Angakok… Shaman, shaman…
IX. Magic Incantation: The Spirit of the Moon
– Tuunraq. – Spirit who lives on the moon. – Tatqim. – The spirit of the moon.
Tugidax (in Aleut) – The moon, Tatkret (In Innuktitut) – The moon, Tatqiq (in Inuinnaqtun) – The moon, Takkik (in Inutut) – The moon. Tatqiniqquaq. – The moon of the shortest days. – Tuunraq. – Spirit who lives on the moon. Nalirgaituq. – The moon signaling the return of the sun.
– Tuunraq. – Spirit who lives on the moon. – Tuunrat. – Spirits who live on the moon.
X. Magic Incantation: The First Giants (Inukpasuqjuit)
Ahungahungaaq. In Inuit folklore, Ahungahungaaq refers to a giant and directly translates as “the one who looks like a hoodoo,” a type of rock formation.
Inukpasugjuk. These are northern giants about whom very little is known. These massive creatures are seldom seen and are rarely discussed by elders.
Tornit. An ancient race of giants commonly believed to be the ancestors of the Inuit.
Koodlowetto. Known as “The Giant,” he resided in Anganichen, located beyond Aggo. He was a man of monstrous size.
Inupassaqdjung. A female monster as tall as the island Kikertaqdjuaq. She used to straddle one of the fjords to look for catfish, as she said, but she really meant to catch whales.
Nareya. A man of immense appetite, Nareya is both a grave robber and a glutton. His insatiable hunger proves to be his undoing and ultimately brings fog into the world of the Inuit.
Sikuliarsiujuitsoq. Due to his great size, he was unable to walk on new ice.
Kayarissat. These are kayak-men of extraordinary size, who are usually encountered at a distance from land, beyond the usual hunting grounds.
Kaassassuk. An orphan giant who sleeps in an outhouse.
Umerdlugtorssuaq. Known as the “Great Broad-nosed One.”
Inukpasuqjjuit. The first giants.
Inukpasugjuk. The giant.
Ninth Flight: The World of the Dead
Suli inutagalautinagu silaqjuaq. Time before there were humans.
Ke’le. The spirits who stole the sun, who like to eat humans and spread illness.
Taaliqqat. When it’s dark. (Also refers to a race of shadow-beings)
Tupilak. Golem. (Some shamans were able to create vicious spirit beings to attack their enemies; the shamans made effigies named tupilak from animal skins and parts of human bodies for the spirits to ride and then send them to bring an enemy to ruin.)
Ijuguk. Ghost, Spirit of the Dead.
Tarriassuq – Shadow-people (humanoid creatures associated with shadows, invisibility, and obscurity) –
Nuunneruvoq tarratigut. Moving through shadows.
Taamlek. Darkness.
Taaliqqat. When it’s dark. (Also refers to a race of shadow-beings.)
Qimmiip inua. A dog’s person. (Sedna’s husband, who guards the world of the dead, appears in the form of a vicious dog.)
– Kataum. A Sentinel who stood guard inside the doorway of Sedna’s dwelling.
Taaq. Darkness.
Allivut, The ones below, taaliqqat, shadow-beings,
nuunneruvoq tarratigut. moving through shadows.
XI. Magic Incantation: The Great Sedna (The Spirit of the Ocean)
– Sedna, Different names of the spirit of the Ocean. – Sanna, – Sassuma Arnaa, – Samna, – Nerrivik – Nulirahak, – Samna.
Imaq. Sea –Imarmiut, Sea people Atkonartok. Stormy sea. Sikuup inua. The Spirit of the sea-ice.
– Sanna, Different names of the spirit of the Ocean. – Sassuma, – Arnaa, – Sanna, – Samna, – Sedna!
Tarneq, Immortal soul in the hereafter, sivisuallaammik never stays uninnganaveersaarneq in one place pisariaqarpoq! forever.
–Tikeraaq! – An arrival! –Tikiraartoq! – An arrival! –Tikiraartuq! – An arrival!
The physical object – angaku’habvik– becomes impermanent when referred to by a shaman as the tiqiraatuq. This is because the shaman received his angakkua enlightenment – and this acquitted his apirsait his shamanic powers. When approaching a place of power, it is important to know where the pathway is for entering, crossing, exiting…
XI. Magic Incantation: The Great Sedna (The Spirit of the Ocean)
– Sedna, Different names of the spirit of the Ocean. – Sanna, – Sassuma Arnaa, – Samna, – Nerrivik – Nulirahak, – Samna.
Imaq. Sea –Imarmiut, Sea people Atkonartok. Stormy sea. Sikuup inua. The Spirit of the sea-ice.
– Sanna, Different names of the spirit of the Ocean. – Sassuma, – Arnaa, – Sanna, – Samna, – Sedna!
XII. Arctica – The Crystal Mirror
Piffissap inngerlanera avataarsuallu naapiffiat,
Where Time meets Space,
Tassani naassaanngitsoq massakkuujuaannartoq,
Where Eternity is now,
Piffissap ingerlaartuartup aallartiffianiik
In the Cradle of Times –
Piffissap ingerlanera aappoq.
Time melts.
Killingusaaq nikippoq,
Horizon shifts,
pingaarnersaaffik aalajaappoq:
its essence remains:
Avannaa ilunniippoq –
the North is within you –
iluppit inui, illit tarnit.
your inui, your soul.
Sinnattukkap itinerpaaffiani,
In the deepest of dreams,
eqqaamasat puigorfiani,
in forgotten memories,
aligumiik qinngorneq utertinneratigut
reflected in a crystal
sermimik qullitut ilusilimmik:
of tear-shaped ice:
Ilisarivat illit
You recognize that you
Angakkoq-llu ataasiulerassi.
and Angakok are one now.
Avannaa ilunniippoq:
The North is within you:
Illinuna qangattarsartutit.
It is YOUR flight.
Avannaa ilunniippoq:
The North is within you:
Illinuna qangattarsartutit.
It is YOUR flight.
Taamaappoq.
It is so, it is finished. (Phrase used to conclude a story.)
Naajuujaaqtuq naanngittuugaluaq.
It looks finished, but it is not finished. (Phrase used to conclude a story.)
Ajornarmat.
It cannot be helped. (Phrase used at the end of the stories that tell of suffering.)
Angerla, utertoq.
A soul that came back.
Nunamiuvik, At one with the land,
– Nunatsiaq! Beautiful land, Arctica!
– Nuna – The land
– Nakalanagu! May you stand forever!
Tarrarsuut – Looking glass (mirror) –
Issittormiut Nunaat – Arctica –
Issukangitok! is eternal!