# Tuunbaq ## In The Story The fictional, supernatural creature that stalks the two ships' crews in [[The Terror]]. In the story, the Tuunbaq is controlled by shaman in local northern tribes. The creature is intended to maintain balance with nature, and the expeditions upset that balance. ## History Based on the Tupilek, a creature of misfortune in [[Inuit]] mythology, these entities were created by practitioners of sorcery in order to kill their enemies. However, if the creature failed to do so or the target defeated it — perhaps by greater magical power — the Tupilek would return to kill its creator instead. There seems to be some semblance of intent for balance with the Tupilek. For example, if someone committed a crime, but would not admit it, a Tupilek might set upon them. If the perpetrator of the crime admitted to their wrongdoing publicly, they would be spared. #mythology #creatures #inuit