Nuklǔm, the Firekeeper

With the majority of Kimiut people living in the frozen south, the role of Firekeeper is an important one in Kimiut culture.
A Firekeeper occupies a position somewhere between community leader, priest and healer, and are the intermediary between the worlds of Fire and Ice.

Responsibilities

The primary duties of the the Nuklǔm are those of conflict resolution and rebalancing. If two people have a personal or marital dispute, the Nuklǔm hears both sides of the story and makes a decision that both parties will abide by.
If successive hunt have been unsuccesful, the Nuklǔm must travel to the Land of Fire and speak with the gods to find out what has caused offence and what must be done to rectify it.
If a person becomes physically or mentally ill, they are believed to be at war within themselves, and it falls to the Nuklǔm to bring peace to their mind and body.

Benefits

There are no benefits associated with being a Nuklǔm. One does not choose the role, but is chosen by the gods and haunted by dreams until they accept the position.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Chosen by the gods, a Nuklǔm can only be removed by the community when they fail to strike a balance. A failed Nuklǔm is given a new name and new identity, but is permitted to seve and help to their replacement.

Cultural Significance

Kimiut people view the world as a place primarily of ice, with life being a gift of Fire from the gods. All living things have Fire within them, melting the Ice and bringing change to the frozen world.
The Nuklǔm is the 'firekeeper' in the sense that they are the one/s who keep the fire of life burning by maintaining community peace, ensuring everyone has enough to eat, and by appeasing the gods.

Status

Active

Related Locations

• Iasteron