Killer Whale Beings
Haida · deity · mythic perennial · Recorded classification
A class of orca spirit-beings rather than a single named individual, hence sex unknown; classed as deity per the schema's spirit-class guidance. Sgaana Jaad ('Killer Whale Woman') is an individuated form in some tellings. Cognate with Tlingit kéet and the wider Northwest Coast orca-people complex.
Domains
- ocean depths
- ancestral reincarnation
Powers
- carry the souls of the drowned into the undersea towns
Sources
- The Sǥ̲aana are supernatural killer-whale beings who live in undersea towns, are regarded as reincarnated ancestors, and both aid and endanger humans at sea.: Swanton, John R. Haida Texts and Myths, BAE Bulletin 29, 1905. (secondary); Haida Gwaii Museum, 'Haida Supernatural World' exhibition. (secondary)