Whiskey Jack; Fictional Characterization of Wisakedjak
In American Gods by Neil Gaiman, the character Whiskey Jack appears as a native old man. Jack represents the god Wisakedjak—a Native American trickster god in Algonquian mythology. He was specifically created by the Great Spirits to be a teacher for humankind. In others, he was the divine son of the Earth. Whiskey Jack is seen to be a trickster and culture hero in the folklores, which is preserved in the book American Gods.
Wisakedjak is the main character in many Cree tales. The name “Wisakedjak” means “the Flatterer” (Benation). Wisakedjak demonstrates trickery in folklore. Wisakedjak was given the responsibility to take care of the animals and people by the Creator. The Creator stated, …show more content…
He claims that the new gods have already won the war and he does not want to fight in a war that they have already lost. Whiskey Jack points out that Shadow is fighting for his wife Laura. Whiskey Jack also states how he is not going to fight in a war knowing they have already lost, that Shadow must know that the dead must stay dead. Whiskey Jack follows a Native American tradition of advocating for balance above all (Whiskey Jack). He is trying to teach Shadow that he should not try to bring back the dead, as there would be a consequence if he did so. By giving Shadow guidance in that the dead must stay dead, Whiskey Jack is preserved as a culture hero. Whiskey Jack also shows trickery as he does not go by his full name. A Lakota woman explains how he is called Inktomi. Whiskey Jack did not tell them his tribe name because modern American culture exploits Native Americans, taking the name of the tribe and using it for a motor home (Whiskey Jack). This becomes insulting to their tribe names. Inktomi shows a figure of trickery. Also, Whiskey Jack first encounters Shadow and Wednesday when escaping Mr. Town by going backstage (Whiskey Jack). Whiskey Jack demonstrates trickery, as he does not let Shadow know where he is: ‘“Where are we?” asked Shadow, “Am I on the tree? Am I dead? Am I here? I thought everything was finished. What’s real?” “Yes”’ said Whiskey Jack. ‘“Yes? What kind …show more content…
He is the Wisakedjak god. In the folklore, Wisakedjak is shown as a culture hero more than a god. This is the same with Whiskey Jack in the book American Gods. Wisakedjak and Whiskey Jack demonstrate trickery and hero culture in both folklores and the
In American Gods by Neil Gaiman, the character Whiskey Jack appears as a native old man. Jack represents the god Wisakedjak—a Native American trickster god in Algonquian mythology. He was specifically created by the Great Spirits to be a teacher for humankind. In others, he was the divine son of the Earth. Whiskey Jack is seen to be a trickster and culture hero in the folklores, which is preserved in the book American Gods.
Wisakedjak is the main character in many Cree tales. The name “Wisakedjak” means “the Flatterer” (Benation). Wisakedjak demonstrates trickery in folklore. Wisakedjak was given the responsibility to take care of the animals and people by the Creator. The Creator stated, …show more content…
He claims that the new gods have already won the war and he does not want to fight in a war that they have already lost. Whiskey Jack points out that Shadow is fighting for his wife Laura. Whiskey Jack also states how he is not going to fight in a war knowing they have already lost, that Shadow must know that the dead must stay dead. Whiskey Jack follows a Native American tradition of advocating for balance above all (Whiskey Jack). He is trying to teach Shadow that he should not try to bring back the dead, as there would be a consequence if he did so. By giving Shadow guidance in that the dead must stay dead, Whiskey Jack is preserved as a culture hero. Whiskey Jack also shows trickery as he does not go by his full name. A Lakota woman explains how he is called Inktomi. Whiskey Jack did not tell them his tribe name because modern American culture exploits Native Americans, taking the name of the tribe and using it for a motor home (Whiskey Jack). This becomes insulting to their tribe names. Inktomi shows a figure of trickery. Also, Whiskey Jack first encounters Shadow and Wednesday when escaping Mr. Town by going backstage (Whiskey Jack). Whiskey Jack demonstrates trickery, as he does not let Shadow know where he is: ‘“Where are we?” asked Shadow, “Am I on the tree? Am I dead? Am I here? I thought everything was finished. What’s real?” “Yes”’ said Whiskey Jack. ‘“Yes? What kind …show more content…
He is the Wisakedjak god. In the folklore, Wisakedjak is shown as a culture hero more than a god. This is the same with Whiskey Jack in the book American Gods. Wisakedjak and Whiskey Jack demonstrate trickery and hero culture in both folklores and the