Auaq religion

The Auaq religion is the main religion of the Inuk peoples, the original inhabitants of the Cold Shores. It is a shamanistic religion, that was very important in the development of the major religion of the Cold Shores, Akunmu.

Beliefs
Auaq is a shamanistic religion that has very few deities, although it worships many spirits, who represent the tribe's ancestors and heroes. This belief is what led to the Akunmu belief of sainthood, although Akunmu takes it to another level. To speak with both the deities as well as the spirits, special individuals known as shamans are needed. They speak the old language, Inukaaq, and pray and fast for several days and nights until they believe they reach the spirit realm, where interaction is possible.

Shamans
Shamans are an important part of Auaq, as they are the messengers between the physical and spiritual worlds. They act as healers, leaders and mediators, and are often the highest ranking members of the tribe. Shamans are expected to go on a long journey away from the tribe in their youth, to gain knowledge of the physical world to better serve their tribe, and as such, older shamans are more respected within tribal groups.

Notable Shaman

 * Tornit
 * Kala
 * St. Igaluq

Deities

 * Tuurngaq, the creator god, is by far the most important god of them all. He is worshiped chief among all others in Auaq, as he is the ruler of the universe. He is said to dwell in a golden palace flanked by two wolves named Sikren (sun) and Takret (moon) and he rides a giant reindeer known as Kakuga (time.)
 * Tatcouq, the goddess of fertility, is Tuurngaq's wife. She is said to dwell in his house as well, and is worshiped mostly by women and children.
 * Nanuq, the Bear, is Tuurngaq and Tatcouq's son, and is the god of the hunt and of herding, as it is said that he is the one who prevents the reindeer from wandering off at night.
 * Kiviuq, the Wanderer, is Nanuq's master, and the god of death. It is he that the Inuk thank when they kill a beast in hunting or of their herd. He is also responsible, however, for any deaths suffered by the tribe. It is said that those who die valiantly or live good lives will be led to Tuurngaq's home by Kiviuq, but those who are wicked will be cursed to wander the earth for eternity.