What is a Qivittoq? What to Know About Greenland Folklore

A cruise to Greenland is not just about the spectacular Northern Lights and phenomenal landscapes. The world’s largest island is also the land of folklore and mythical creatures - ancient tales that are an integral part of the Inuit culture.

Surviving Greenland’s extreme Arctic climate is not an easy task. So, nature is at the core of Inuit traditions and often it gets personified as a legend through a cautionary tale.

Among the many monsters and spirits that are a part of the islander's daily life, the Qivittoq is a terrifying one. Tales of scary encounters with a Qivittoq are not so uncommon in Greenland. 

That may sound fanciful, but once you have experienced the harsh environment and desolation of Greenland, the Qivittoq may not seem so unreal to you.

Is a Qivittoq real?

The weather was bleak with the wind picking up and the rain coming down. A hunter on the bay spots a lonely cabin standing alone in the eerie landscape. Being tired, he decides to take some rest and drag up the kayak to the cabin.

The ramshackle cabin shelters him from the rain and he finds a dry corner to rest. While trying to light a fire he suddenly notices an odd smell. It seems something is not right about this forlorn cabin. Has he stepped into the domain of the Qivittoq?

Spooky experiences like this are not so uncommon among old-timers in Greenland. A few have even seen the dark figure of a Qivvittoq, like a silhouette hovering in the fog or climbing sharp cliffs. Some villages also have legends of a Qivvitoq living in a cave nearby.

For Greenlanders, the legend of a Qivittoq is real. Many will never walk alone through areas where a Qivittoq is supposed to live. Some travellers even carry specific items like matches, a needle and thread, etc. with them. They believe that they might trade these items with a Qivittoq in exchange for their life.

For some, even foraging for specific mushroom species used by Qivittoqs is forbidden. Supposedly, a Qivittoq uses the slimy coating on the top of certain mushrooms as a cleaning agent to hide their foul smell.

History behind a Qivittoq

The Greenlandic term ‘Qivittoq’, can mean ‘mountain hermit’ or ‘mountain walker’. These are people who left the community to live in the wild due to shame, guilt, or mistreatment. The harshness of Greenland’s nature doesn’t allow them to live alone for long in the outdoors. 

Ultimately, they die being cold, hungry and aggressive towards others. But that is not the end.

These wandering spirits lose human qualities and acquire supernatural powers. They develop animal-like traits as a result of a deep connection with the wilderness. No wonder this terrible mountain ghost instils fear among hunters and travellers. 

They are considered vengeful beings, especially when wronged. Besides, for a Qivittoq, humans are the prime edibles and they often fly into remote villages in search of a meal. 

Where to see a Qivittoq in Greenland

Seeing a Qivittoq is not an experience mentioned in any Greenland travel guide. Greenland mythology says that the Qivittoq lives in isolation amidst the stillness of the tundra. Locals mention that they can be found roaming around abandoned settlements and cemeteries. 

However, no Greenlander goes searching for this outcast spirit as it is considered evil. The best way to find the Qivittoq in Greenland is by looking deep into Greenland’s folklore and then experiencing the nothingness that envelops you in the heart of the vast island.

Sitting inside a cabin on the banks of a remote fjord and listening to an uncanny story on a dark night is the best way to experience the dread of the Qivittoq.

Understanding nature religion in Greenland

The Inuit culture in Greenland has a storytelling tradition involving myths and monsters that go back 5,000 years. Their history has no written records, but the legends passed down orally, play a big role in keeping the age-old traditions alive. 

The Inuits consider every natural object, be it an animal or a plant to have a soul. They believe that supernatural powers rule the physical world around us. They have gods and goddesses representing natural elements like the sea, the sun, and the moon.

Considering the harsh nature of Greenland’s weather, the long-drawn polar nights and the howling winds, it is not unusual for the supernatural to be a part of the local culture. Another Greenland fact that enhances the legends around mythical creatures is its low population density - only 0.03 people per square kilometre.

The Inuit’s deep connection with the environment makes them understand the dangers that a lone individual can face from the unforgiving cold in Greenland. From that aspect, the Qivittoq can be a personification of the lethal side of nature.

While the legend of the Qivittoq may have an origin related to some banished men centuries ago, it serves as a cautionary tale. It states the dangers of being disconnected from the community and challenging nature in isolation. In truth, a story that evokes a terrifying visual form remains etched in the minds of listeners through generations.

Other Greenland mythical creatures

Beyond the Qivittoq, there are folklores in Greenland surrounding other mythical creatures of the spirit world. Here are some other mythical creatures of Greenland that you may come hear about.

• Tupilak is the evil spirit which is represented by small bone figures. They were used to cast evil spells on one’s enemies. However, the Tupilak can turn against its creator.

• Qalupalik is a mermaid-like creature with a twisted form that lives in the frigid waters of the Arctic. They steal children who venture too close to the water,  grabbing them with long webbed fingers.

• Amarok is the solitary giant wolf spirit that wanders around in the frozen landscape. The spirit devours humans who disturb the natural balance or act recklessly. 

• The Ikusik is a hideous corpse, a zombie, that crawls forward on its elbows. Even so, it is fast enough to catch a human and consume them alive.

Planning your trip to Greenland

Greenland can be visited in different seasons depending on your preferred choice of activity. For photographers, the period between June and August is the best as you get 24- hours of sunlight. If you want to view the northern lights, our Scoresbysund Autumn Micro Cruise in September is a great way to do this.

No matter the season you visit Greenland, it is important to pack layers. In summer it can get hot under the sun. But as soon as the sun dips you will need to put on a few layers. 

If you are a photographer we would suggest carrying a 150-600 zoom lens for capturing the stunning wildlife. 

Since the main destinations in Greenland are not connected by roads, getting around the island is a challenge. From that aspect, a small ship Expedition Micro Cruise to Greenland is a great option. This mode of travel will allow you to get close to nature and explore the shores through Zodiac landings.

For help planning your adventure, click the link below:

Visit Greenland with Secret Atlas

Explore the wilderness of Greenland with Secret Atlas to witness the bounty of summer wildlife. Walk into seldom-visited places and marvel at the breathtaking beautiful Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system.

We travel with two expedition ships parallel in Greenland to help save on flights. Our two expedition vessels are MV Vikingfjord and Freya. Whether you want to view sparkling icebergs, spot killer whales, or explore Inuit myths in remote settlements, this is a remarkable journey into the inner sanctum of Greenland.