Quikinna'qu: Big Raven and the Birth of Wapaq

Image by Eliezg

The Koryak people, located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Siberia, have a captivating tale that explains the origin of the Fly Agaric mushroom, known as Wapaq in their language. At the heart of this narrative is Quikinna'qu, or Big Raven in English, a significant figure in Koryak mythology. One day, Big Raven discovered a stranded whale on the shore. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to lift the massive creature and return it to the ocean.

In this moment of need, the god Vahiyinin (Existence) intervened, instructing Big Raven to consume the wapaq spirits to gain the necessary strength. Vahiyinin then spat onto the earth, giving rise to little white plants with red caps for the Wapaq to embody. Following Vahiyinin's guidance, Big Raven ingested the mushroom, giving him an immense amount of strength.

Empowered by the fungi, Big Raven was able to successfully move the whale. Feeling grateful for the help, he exclaimed, "O wapaq, grow forever on earth." He then instructed his people to use this gift, urging them to learn from the Wapaq.

Sources

1. Schultes, R. E., Hofmann, A., & Rätsch, C. (2006). Plants of the gods: Their sacred, healing and hallucinogenic powers. Healing Arts Press.
2. Furst, P. T. (2004). Visionary plants and ecstatic shamanism. Expedition Magazine. https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/visionary-plants-and-ecstatic-shamanism/ PDF
3. MYTHOLOGY: Wapaq fungus. (2020, December 1). Mission Azul. https://missionazul.com/2015/06/30/68-fungi-wapaq/