Unaalus

Unaalus is a term that appears in certain Indigenous Alaskan creation stories, particularly those of the Yup'ik people. It is often described as a primordial being or a transformative force that existed before the world as it is known today. While specific interpretations vary among different Yup'ik communities and storytellers, Unaalus is generally associated with the initial stages of creation and the shaping of the natural world.

The narratives surrounding Unaalus often depict it as a shapeshifter or a being with immense power capable of altering its form and the environment. It is sometimes linked to the origin of landforms, bodies of water, and the animals that inhabit them. These stories serve as a way to explain the origins of the natural world and the relationships between humans and the environment within the Yup'ik worldview. The concept of Unaalus highlights the dynamic and interconnected nature of existence in these traditional belief systems.