Idjárásnak

Idjárásnak is a term used in Saami culture, specifically within certain dialects of the Saami languages, to refer to the concept of "spirit" or "soul." It is often associated with the life force that animates a person or creature and can sometimes extend to inanimate objects or natural phenomena, depending on the specific belief system. The understanding of Idjárásnak can vary significantly among different Saami communities and individuals.

In some traditions, Idjárásnak is seen as an individual's personal spirit, which may continue to exist in some form after death. This spirit could be thought to remain connected to the living or to reside in a spiritual realm. In other contexts, Idjárásnak might refer to a more general spiritual energy present in the natural world, influencing weather patterns, the success of a hunt, or the well-being of the land.

The role and nature of Idjárásnak are often intertwined with Saami shamanism and traditional beliefs about the interconnectedness of all things. Shamans, or noaidi, were believed to be able to interact with or influence these spiritual forces. Discussions about Idjárásnak are typically found within ethnographic studies of Saami religion and folklore, reflecting a deep-seated connection to the spiritual dimensions of existence within their cultural framework.