A small collection of tales from Tlingit/Haida mythology and the southeastern coast of Alaska along with some parts of British Columbia, this translation of traditional stories is very well done. Its theme is shamanism and the lore of the Land Otter People - Kushtakas, who come rather close to what Europeans might describe as were-otters. These are magical beings known for their tricksy behavior toward humans, and for rescuing those who are lost at sea. Being rescued does not mean being saved, however. Humans will instead be brainwashed into forgetting much of their past, and their bodies will gradually transform so that they become 'slim men' and women themselves, with an otter's split upper lip and no shoulders, and with soft gray/brown otter fur growing all down their arms and legs and other parts. Lots of colorful details about clothing, rituals, invocations, shamanic duels, and how to outsmart the kushtakas, always with a focus on the importance of community and the mutual obligations that hold them together. My favorite? The story of Xat and the Feather Kite! Nice illustrations on each title page, too. ( )

I bought this book at the State Capitol Museum in Juneau while on cruise in Alaska last summer. It's a short read at 127 pages and nine stories, but it's absolutely fascinating. Our society tends to regard otters as such cute, innocent creatures, but to the Tlingit and Haida their dual nature of living on land and sea makes them tricksters with dark intentions. The Land Otter People "rescue" the drowning and break down their spirit until they become mutant otter beings as well.

I am definitely keeping this book on my shelf and I hope to read up more on Pacific northwest native mythology. ( )