MASTER OR MISTRESS OF ANIMALS

Shamans in many cultures are required tomediatebetween their community and the powerfulother-than-human personswho control the existence and movements ofanimals. Offenses against animals or against the Master or Mistress of Animals (or of particular animal species, e.g., seals orreindeer) may result in the absence of animals, the failure of hunting, and severe famine. This is also an aspect of the role of shamans asresource managers. Among the best known controllers of animals is anArcticunderwaterotherworldfemale known toInuitand related peoples by various names, but now most often asSedna.