Aurora Borealis 🍂💫✨ Various indigenous cultures have rich oral traditions and myths surrounding the Northern Lights, often interpreting the phenomenon as a significant part of their cosmology.
Here are a couple of examples: Iñupiat (Alaska): In Iñupiaq folklore, the Northern Lights are often called "Aqsaqtuk" or "Aqsarniit," and they are believed to be spirits of the deceased playing a ball game with a walrus skull. The lights are considered the spirits' torches as they dance in the night sky. According to some stories, the lights also act as messengers, carrying messages between the living and the spirit world.
Sámi (Scandinavia, Finland, Russia, and Sweden): The Sámi people, indigenous to the northern regions of Scandinavia, have various interpretations of the Northern Lights. In some Sámi stories, the lights are considered the souls of the departed or representations of their ancestors. The lights are also believed to possess magical qualities and are seen as protective spirits watching over the land.
Dene (Northern Canada and Alaska): Among the Dene people, there are stories that link the Northern Lights to the spirits of the deceased. The lights are thought to be the spirits of those who have passed away, engaging in a celestial dance. The Dene see the Northern Lights as a reminder of their ancestors' continued presence and influence in their lives.