Fairy Tale Flip Ep 17: The Mythology of Sedna, The Inuit Sea Goddess of the Arctic

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July 4, 2025 • 54 mins

You may have heard of Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas—but have you heard of Sedna, the Inuit sea goddess of marine life? In this episode, we dive into the mythological story of the mermaid-like goddess who is transformed from a young woman into a powerful deity without hands.

We discuss the story’s various versions and cultural significance, as well as Sedna’s role as steward of the natural world. Themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and empowerment are explored throughout.

We also look at the history of the Inuit people—including how they came to inhabit four separate countries—along with other creation myths, the role of challenges in stories, and the journey of Inuit souls.

Don’t miss this fascinating discussion.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to Fairytale Flip
00:50 Introduction to Sedna's Creation Myth
01:42 Diving into the Story of Sedna
03:48 Exploring Variants of Sedna's Tale
09:14 Understanding Inuit Culture and Migration
16:22 The Role of Women in Inuit Society
25:58 Sedna's Transformation and Symbolism
27:46 The Role of Villains in Transformation
28:16 The Importance of Challenges in Stories
29:01 Symbolism in Myths and Legends
29:45 The Journey of the Soul in Mythology
33:07 Betrayal and Sacrifice in Folklore
35:20 Depictions of Sedna in Inuit Mythology
38:19 Sedna's Underwater World and Its Guardians
40:15 The Significance of Loneliness and Isolation
43:47 Sedna in Modern Contexts
45:45 Creation Myths Across Cultures
50:13 Takeaways and Reflections on Mythology
52:20 Looking Ahead: Exploring New Cultures
53:46 Conclusion and Listener Engagement