Big-Raven
Koryak · deity · mythic / first times (creation epoch) · deity
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
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.