The Legend of Sarila

Far North. Autumn 1910. An encampment of Inuit nomads is threatened by famine and the situation is growing dire. Day after day, the hunters return empty-handed. The tribe’s aged shaman, Croolik, is unable to solve the problem. The clan’s wise woman, Saya, recalls the legend of Sarila, a promised land hidden among the glaciers, where game is said to be plentiful. Legend has it that only those with pure hearts may enter this hallowed place.

Three of the clan’s young people, chosen by Croolik’s treacherous crow Kwatak, agree to go in search of Sarila in order to save their tribe. There is Putulik, the chief’s son; the beautiful Apik, his fiancée; and Markussi who only Croolik and Saya have discerned has a shaman’s gifts.

Sensing that his power is threatened, the old shaman tries to get rid of his rival Markussi. With the help of the forces of evil, Croolik throws up obstacles to impede the mission of the three young Inuit. Along the way, Markussi must learn to accept and use his shamanic powers.

After many trials, Markussi leads the three friends to Sarila. There he is given a new mission by the goddess Sedna: unmask the treacherous Croolik and take his place as shaman. It will mean a fight to the death between two sharmans, an epic battle from which Markussi must emerge victorious or doom his clan to the forces of evil at Croolik’s hands.