Case file · Folklore / legend
Gunakadeit, the sea monster (Tlingit)
In Tlingit tradition Gunakadeit is a sea creature that brings good fortune: in one story a poor man who killed it and wore its skin brought food to his village and wealth to his family.
1909 CE · 56.47, -132.38 · status: legend
The account
Swanton collected Gunakadeit stories in 'Tlingit Myths and Texts' (1909), and the creature appears on house posts and clan objects, including those of the Wrangell area.
The sceptical view
A clan crest and story figure, not a zoological report.