Big-Raven

Culture-hero / creator-trickster tier. The Koryak raven-creator: native Quikinnaqu/Kutkynnaku ('Big Raven'), styled Acicenaqu ('Big-Grandfather') and Tenanto'mwan ('Creator'). Classed here as 'deity' (spirit-class creator) per schema; functionally a transformer/culture-hero. He is distinct from the more remote Supreme Being 'Universe' (see koryak_universe). Documented chiefly by Jochelson (Jesup Expedition) with parallels in Bogoras's Chukchee work.

Children

• Ememqut
• Yiniaaneut

Domains

• creation and ordering of the world
• raven trickster and transformation
• shamanic power

Powers

• make the earth fit for living beings
• put on and take off the raven shape
• make a drum and turn shaman

Epithets

• Quikinnaqu
• Kutkynnaku
• Tenanto'mwan
• Acicenaqu

Relations

• spouse: Miti

Sources

• Jochelson, W. (1908). The Koryak. Jesup North Pacific Expedition, Vol. VI. Leiden/New York.
• Encyclopedia.com, 'Koriak' — names Quikinnaqu, Kutkinnaku, Acicenaqu, Tenantomwan.
• Jochelson, W. (1905). Religion and Myths of the Koryak.
• Dwyer, M.J. — Koryak Raven narratives (academia.edu), on the ambivalence of Big-Raven.