Kushtaka, sometimes called Kooshdakhaa, is a mythical creature that appears in the folk fair of the Tlingit community. Tlingit are indigenous peoples of North America’s Pacific Northwest Coast.
They are believed to produce a high-pitched, three-part whistle in a low-high-low pattern.
In some traditions, the Kushtaka is supposed to replicate a baby’s cries or a woman’s screams to draw victims into the river. Once there, the Kushtaka either kills and rips the individual to shreds or turns them into another Kushtaka.
According to legend, Kushtaka wants to create more beings like themselves.
If that fails, they destroy the Tlingit they have abducted, rendering them incapable of reincarnation. The original beast will then shape-shift into the form of a person once more.
They are sometimes said to help people get out of difficult circumstances. For example, if someone is lost in the woods and in danger of freezing to death, the kushtaka will scream out to them as if they were providing help.
Copper, urine, dogs, and fire can all be used to scare Kushtaka.
Physical Appearance
Kushtaka are shape-shifters who can take on humans, otters, and maybe other forms. According to some tales, a Kushtaka may take on the condition of any otter species; according to others, just one.
According to specific versions of the legend, they will appear to you as men, possibly even men you know. In other versions of the story, they will assume the form of a lost traveler needing help.
Behavior of Kushtaka
Accounts of their behavior appear to contradict one another. In some myths, Kushtaka are evil creatures who pleasure in duping unfortunate Tlingit sailors into drowning. They are pleasant and helpful to others, frequently saving the lost from death by freezing.
Many believe that the Legend of Kushtaka started with Tlingit women warning their children about the perils of the ocean and the deep woods. It’s not difficult to imagine how playful small otter men would fascinate children.
Because Kushtakas were found around the coast and in nature, the legends encouraged children not to fall for Kushtaka’s tricks and to avoid them.
References
Kushtaka – David Pierdomenico (ISBN 0692380469, 9780692380468)
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