Angiak
Variations: Anghiak
Centuries ago, the Inuit people of Alaskawould, in desperate times, be forced to take children that could not be cared for and abandon them out on the frozen plains. After a child died, its vengeful spirit would sometimes return and animate the body, creating a vampiric REVENANT known as an angiak. At night it would steal back into its family's home and nurse from its mother's breast. When it grew strong enough, the angiak would develop the ability to shape-shift into various wild animals, which it would use to kill off its family members one by one.
Source: Allardice, Myths, Gods, 20; Nansen, Eskimo Life, 29395; Rink, Tales and Traditions, 45
Taken from the Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology Written by : Theresa Bane ©2010 Theresa Bane. All rights reserved