On this episode of Expanded Perspectives Elite, Cam tells the strangest story ever told by Harry Kolp. Is Sasquatch real? What about the Kushtaka or Otterman? There are many versions of the Kushtaka or Otterman stories. In some, they are kind and helpful while in others they are menacing tricksters that try to lure sailors to their deaths, people near the shore into the water, and small children into their clutches to steal their souls by turning them into Kushtakas.
Part of the legend says Kushtakas make a high-pitched whistle – low, high, then low again. It’s also said they can be driven away with copper, urine, and sometimes fire. Overall the Otterman’s goal seems to be to turn humans into more Kushtakas/ Ottermen. That’s where the terror comes into the story because according to Tlingit tradition, in order to be reincarnated and eventually reach everlasting life in the hereafter, one must be human. If one is turned into a Kushtaka, they are out of luck unless a Shaman finds them who can undo the damage. It is said that the Ottermen are afraid of dogs, so having one nearby would protect you.
All of this and more on this installment of Expanded Perspectives Elite!
Music:
All music for Expanded Perspectives Elite is provided by The Black Angels http://theblackangels.com, Pretty Lights http://prettylightsmusic.com
Songs Used:
- Young Men Dead
- Looking For Love