Kwaiailks

Kwaiailks is a figure prominent in the mythology and oral traditions of the Kwakwaka'wakw people of the Pacific Northwest. The name itself can be translated to mean "woman who walks on water" or "woman who walks on the sea." She is often depicted as a powerful transformer, capable of changing her form and traveling vast distances.

In many narratives, Kwaiailks is associated with the sea and its creatures, particularly seals and sea lions. She is said to possess a magical seal skin, which allows her to transform into a seal and inhabit the underwater world. Her stories often explore themes of transformation, the relationship between humans and the natural world, and the power of the female spirit.

Kwaiailks is not always a benevolent figure. Some tales describe her as a formidable entity, capable of causing storms or luring humans to their deaths. However, she is also a source of knowledge and power, and individuals who demonstrate respect and understanding can sometimes receive her blessings or assistance. Her presence in Kwakwaka'wakw culture serves as a reminder of the complex and often mysterious forces that shape the world.