Eskimo story of Owl and Raven

Owl and Raven shared a close friendship. One day, Raven crafted a beautiful dress for Owl, woven with patterns of black and white. In gratitude, Owl made a pair of whale-bone boots for Raven and began to create a white dress for her as well. When the time came for Owl to fit the dress, Raven was restless, hopping around and refusing to stay still.

Owl grew frustrated with Raven’s fidgeting and warned, “If I fly over you with a blubber lamp, don’t jump.” Despite the warning, Raven continued to move about. Finally, in a moment of anger, Owl poured the blubber lamp over the freshly made white dress. Raven let out a cry, “Qaq! Qaq!” From that day forward, Raven’s feathers have remained black.

This retelling honors the story as a living tradition, belonging to its people.

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