The wasteful otter
“Otter Head”
The Ainu frequently used the phrase “otter head” to refer to a person who can’t remember things. There are reasons for this.
An Ainu said: “The otter is a wasteful creature, and can’t remember anything at all. As soon as he has caught a salmon he drags it to shore, and takes one mouthful out of the back, near the head, and then leaves the fish. He then sets out to catch another meal, rarely returning to eat the salmon left behind.
For this reason a person with a bad memory is called "otter head." As such, the Ainu believed that the otter had the power to possess people. Such possession explained forgetfulness.
When the Ainu find fish, which has been killed by otters, they carry them home and use them for food. But when they eat the fish, special prayers are said to the goddess of fire, asking her to protect them from the evil-disposed otters.
Reference: Bachelor J. The Ainu and Their Folklore p. 511
Questions
Why did the Ainu think the otter forgetful?
Why are forgetful people called “otter head”?
According to the Ainu, what powers did the otter have?
What do they ask for when they pray to the goddess of the hearth?
***
Source
John Bachelor, The Ainu and Their Folklore (1889)
Tim Blankley
総合教養学科
Kokugakuin University Hokkaido Junior College
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