Gonakadet or Konakadeit, commonly referred to as the Sea-Wolf, is a mythical creature in the Tlingit tradition
of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. Also known as Wasgo by the Haida people. Simultaneously strong, generous and humble, the Sea-Wolf was said to bring great luck and wealth to anyone fortunate enough to spy it, or hear its soulful howl.
According to artist Herem, Gonakadet myth is found among the Tsimshian, Tlingit and Haida peoples of British Columbia and Alaska and concerns the story of a sea-monster who is a transformed human being. It is a complex and varied story, but for sighting of Gonakadet either in his monster form, or in the form of his splendid undersea house which sometimes rises above the waters, means the acquisition of wealth and good fortune."
Gonakadet may have been inspired by Vancouver coastal sea wolves, which are found in the Great Bear Rainforest and in northern Vancouver Island, within the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America.
The collegiate sports teams of the University of Alaska Anchorage have adopted the Seawolf as their mascot.
References
- ^ "What is a Seawolf?". www.uaa.alaska.edu. August 23, 2013. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
- "The Gonakadet, or Wasgo". www.jludwick.com. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
- "Artwork". ArtsWA. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
- Faris, Peter (September 25, 2018). "Rock Art Blog: WASGO/GONAKADET - SEA WOLVES OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST COAST". Rock Art Blog. Archived from the original on January 24, 2022. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
- "UAA Traditions: What's a Seawolf?". University of Alaska Anchorage. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
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