This essay analyzes the nature of the relationship between Eveny, also known as the ‘Reindeer People’, and their spiritual doubles. The connection between these people and the reindeer that live alongside them is almost magical (Vitebsky). While the primary cause for this bond is purely practical, over time, it expanded as people discovered that animals possess personality traits (Vitebsky). Stories were drawn from such an experience, where anthropomorphism played a vital role.
A spirit of an animal became a reality for these people through this intimacy. A close relationship with a reindeer among Eveny is considered consecrated, making an animal a person’s double. In case of immense danger, it is believed that a double can offer its life instead of a person who is bound to it (Vitebsky). In conclusion, for the Eveny, reindeer spirits describe or bestow behavioristic traits to animals to rationalize the inherently practical usage of reindeer.
Work Cited
Vitebsky, Piers. “Piers Vitebsky on ‘The Reindeer People’.” Interview by Steve Paulson. Wintering in the Wild, 2006, To the Best of Our Knowledge.