[This story is an improved version from mini cassette
recordings of Mekkar’s actual voice in 1990 while hiking and walking as a
University student; Then, it was converted to a Windows Media Audio File and
transcribed in 2011. Mekkar’s spoken English skills are nowhere near as
polished as Saavo’s are.]
Ansetti proceeding to tell Mekkar, “Now that I have taken
you under my wing, there are a couple of other important things to mention.
First, the wolves will be back because the dead animals will attract them.
Usually they are not that extremely aggressive when there are so many of us
around.” The trek chief imparted further insight to Mekkar, “They usually wait
to pursue individual animals that wander off, get lost, or are separated from
the main herd. The reason for the aggressive action was probably starvation on
their part. They seemed to me they have not eaten for quite some time. Thus,
the pack became more desperate than usual.”
He continued on explaining to the young boy about the event,
“The horde knew the risks were high, but sadly carried out their operation
fairly effectively against us. We, on the other hand, did not do our jobs as
well as I had hoped. Also, the wolves took the chance of a frontal assault because
they felt emboldened by the extra help they received. The odds suggested a more
favorable outcome on their part, so they acted upon it.” It was revealed to
Mekkar that wolves are smarter creatures than they are given credit for. They
normally attempt to pick the best conditions for them, while at the same time a
bad predicament for you as the guardians of the herd, to conduct a raid. In
other words, very favorable situations for them to storm, overpower, and
extract an easy feast.
“The majority of all in the group seems to believe those
same wolves will be back again.” Ansetti told the youngest member on this trek.
He mentioned this while they were in the sauna tent. It was setup so that the herders could relax from the recent
activity. Plus, the leadership could take time to think more clearly and
process the plan for the rest of the journey. Mekkar thinks it is ironic that
one goes into a restrictive hot area to relax or cool down. Yet, this is a
normal daily ritual for his tribe at home or away on a journey. It was only
setup for a short while, and then they packed everything up and got ready to go
on their way.
Mekkar was confused by the decision to temporarily rest
there. He thought to himself we have just been attacked and soon afterward told
that the raiders are probably coming back for another round. Why not get out of
here and not waste any time in doing so. Responding with irrational thought is
not the native way within Mekkar’s tribe. The common method is relax, take your
time, do things right, and minimize mistakes. Well, at least, not make the same
mistakes as before. This is totally the opposite mindset and very different
from the hurry, hurry and rush everywhere lifestyle of the average person in
other more modern societies.
After the aggressive incident, the herd leaders collectively
made the decision to stop and assess, Ansetti lead a more extensive investigation
of the collateral damage done. On the other hand, Mekkar was focused solely on when
the pack would return. Still Mekkar was a kid and engrossed by his narrow
experience and point of view. Many of the adults understood that younger ones,
especially ones such as Mekkar, are antsy in certain circumstances. It was
normal to have ants in their pants and want to escape the scene as quickly as
possible when encountering danger. Their vast experience, as compared to Mekkar,
involved seeing the big picture with more factors involved. This is the way the
trek leader Ansetti represented the veteran trekkers view. Young Mekkar didn’t
completely agree with him, but was unable to fully understand why. Mekkar’s
mind panicked with thoughts of this is ridiculous, why are we waiting around?
The boy’s fear of the wolf pack’s return grew as time passed.
Concerns flooded his youthful intellect. What if they came while they were
stopped right now and with a greater number of wolves? In the end, Mekkar kept
his lips sealed and did not voice the racing chatter within him. He had to
trust that Ansetti and the other leaders had done this for many winters and
many summers. A time period that included quite a few full moons and no moons
and they knew better of what to expect than a first timer.
When the group finally set off, back on the trail, Mekkar
was more relieved than anything. He felt it was good that the raiders did not
reappear again in that particular area. But, how could the young boy have
predicted a no return engagement, due to the state of mind he was in? The group
column shuffled through the night mile after mile. The weather was clear outside
and the lack of cloud cover contributed to the brisk cold air. Mekkar fancied
the notion that a cloudy sky would have held in some heat to possibly help
speed up movement on the ground. Ansetti continued to lead the herders and the
flock. Being the smart, wise, and experienced commander that he was, he appeared
to accept input from many sources without making rash decisions. The chief even
listened to suggestions on occasion made by Mekkar, even though Ansetti
realized Mekkar had a kid’s limited knowledge. Ansetti was an effective captain
without having to be very vocal about it. There were some other rare time times
when a point needed to be made and he could be forceful in that manner also,
when needed.
He was one of the individuals with the most seasoning on the
trek, but Ansetti was not the oldest or the most experienced tribesman on this
journey. Not even close. Still, he was uncommon in his wisdom, very wise and consistently
level-headed even in the face of danger. The trek skipper seldom got riled up.
Mekkar considered that Ansetti’s past angered reaction to the earlier loss of
animals was very out of character for him.
The adolescent admired these qualities in the overseer of
the trek. Mekkar saw the he was unlike Ansetti and also had a different personality
compared to a few of the other leaders. Mekkar was not like the very mellow Juhani
in his personality, as well. It meant that the boy was developing himself in a
unique way and not completely copying someone else. Mekkar felt that he was distinctive
from all others, that he was special. The growing boy was convinced that he had
features, no one else had. Of course, this was reinforced by his frequent
discussions with the tribal spiritual guide, Aslak. The problem was that it
might go to Mekkar’s head and could give him a complex as he headed toward
puberty and later adulthood. To keep the ego in check others around the boy, as
well as himself, believed he was still very unaware of many of those special
traits. It was only a matter of time before those features would be discovered
within him and the subsequent outward rapid growth development. Whether he
realized it or not, there were certain expectations of Mekkar fashioned by
others around him. Possibly due to the fact that the youngster was a quick
learner and had already shown himself to be very resourceful. Unknown to all,
except maybe Aslak, there was still more to come.
Anyway, the clan pushed on and continued along the route
until they reached another small town. As they got closer Mekkar took a good
look at the people there. He was of the opinion; the townspeople here also dress
in the same type clothing with similar markings like those in the last town. His
little mind churned with more questions than answers. What is so special about
this place? Why are we stopping so soon? Let’s go further away from where the earlier
assault happened. At first, Mekkar didn’t notice until he looked at the other herders
in his group. Their faces and less spirited movements revealed widespread
fatigue. It was pointed out to the young one the reasons why they needed to
stop here and set up camp. A distance just far enough away from danger.
Mekkar listened in on the discussion regarding the chosen area’s
benefits such as a better protective layout and more available people close by to
assist them, if necessary. Mekkar began to believe that the decision to stop was
not decided by Ansetti alone. Instead, by the head committee of the trek which
included Aslak’s input. It is true, as in any work environment, politics play a
part in determinations regarding managing reindeer, supplies, and personnel
during a trek. This was not a dictatorship, but more like a representative
republic with consensus being the goal so all will buy in to make the journey
less troublesome. This place was selected to assemble camp to take advantage of
the terrain with maximum defensive purposes in mind. The hope was to avoid
another attack, but if they encountered one they were could be better withstand
it with fewer losses. Other positives were brought up by Antti and others
regarding the subject about how organized the nearby people were. It was
pointed out the town had some hooved creatures of their own and the herders
were adept at driving predators away. Mekkar thought, at least visibility would
not be an issue here. The camp was organized in such a way to use the increased
open area to spot an enemy coming from a greater distance away.
The air was chilly and crisp. They pitched camp about 1
kilometer (0.621 miles) outside of the town. Mekkar saw other tribes and
trekkers leading their reindeer herds there also. He figured it must be some
type of hub or meeting point of quite a few trekking routes. They began to set
up the tents. Some of those in the party commented how this was odd since it
was still in the middle of the day to camp. One band from the herd began an
inventory of supplies that had run low and confirmed a restocking was in order.
There was another small group, led by Juhani, that went back
to cover their tracks to harder for the wolves to follow them. He had a few
tricks up his sleeve to distract any potential predators. Sprinkling of blood
or food in the snow was used to lead the wolves off the pathway. There are many
disguises and materials one can use to prevent getting lost in the middle of
nowhere or used for anti-detection purposes. Good use of sights and physical
points to mark spots, paths, and locations can be the difference between life
and death in this environment. While at the same time, not completely destroying
your fragile surroundings as you might need them in the future. This is what
Juhani was great at. He and Antti were the best scouts in their group. Both of
them had carried out these types of tasks as part of military operations.
Mekkar was convinced that Antti and Juhani could survive almost anywhere,
against anyone as they had done this so often previously. Only in the field
experience develops and adapts these survival skills as needed in each
situation.
So, after the camp was in place, Mekkar sat around soaking
up the stories in the middle of the camp from Ansetti, Antti, Juhani, and the
other veterans. Juhani had almost as much experienced even though he wasn’t near
the same age as some of the others in the group. Juhani received his wealth of
experience by getting an early start and journeying on many treks even with
other nearby tribes, not just his own. This time Mekkar didn’t hang around as
long as usually does but went to lie down and rest in the sauna tent instead. Trouble
was Mekkar didn’t like coffee, which is considered a staple in his culture, and
even detested the aroma of it. Thus, he tolerated it but never immersed himself
into the accompanying scene that went along with coffee. To this day, you will
almost never see him in any environment where people just sit around and drink
the stuff like in your local. That is, unless he has to be there for another
reason. As he grew older Mekkar preferred his alcohol straight up on the rocks
rather than as a supplement to be added to another liquid. Everyone else in the
area seemed to always add a shot of booze to their coffee every time it was
consumed. To Mekkar, it appeared as though the whole region had their morning shot
of liquor to their caffeine beverage for a daily pick-me-up. It gave Mekkar the
impression that there was never an alcohol impaired driving violation given
before noon because the entire police force had the same routine also.
Ansetti’s tent was another spot in the camp that resembled a
happening gathering place that revolved around the pick-me-up drink, especially
among the leadership group. The boy wondered if the veteran herders ever slept.
If that was the case, he wanted to have that ability for himself. Ansetti’s
temporary residence, as the trek leader, was the most elaborate one besides the
sauna. It stood out with drawings of many reindeers and other auxiliary and appropriate
symbols directly woven into the fabric of the deer hides that covered the outer
layer of his tent. There was even had a wide strip around near the bottom of
the top one third to signify, okay, he is the boss.
The easily transported shelters used toughly treated and
formed winter hides. There were additional personal designs that marked each
individual tepee also. Since, Ansetti was the leader of the trek he also had
the largest quarters because he would need to entertain others. There, or in
the sauna, was the place to discuss a specific strategy or change trek tactics
if need be. In desperate conditions, it was required to make major changes to the
whole plan. One must adapt and prepare to meet all of the needs of the trekkers
and herd to the benefit of all.
Aslak had a different role, than Ansetti, as the spiritual
leader. According to public knowledge, outsiders, and non natives these
mediators and their practices no longer exist officially. In the current day, there
are pretender greedy wannabe neo-pagan shamans that just want to make quick
money from unsuspecting tourists. However, those fake individuals have no real
power because they are not the real deal.
It is said that this role and belief system died out long
ago. Mainly, it was kept hidden and secret below the surface due to
persecution, religious witch trails, and gruesome murders. These actions were brought
into the region by new “masters” and their sense of justice carried out upon
individuals who conducted these shamanistic activities in the old native ways. The
foreigners were supported by torturous
corrupt authorities along with religious priests too. The native
rituals and methods were condemned as what was seen as pagan traditions and a
backward people. Aslak told Mekkar he thought the outsiders saw shamans as a possible
threat and competitor to the power of the dominant Christianized culture. He
went on to comment to the boy that the intruders desired to wipe out all resistance
to the forming of a nation-state. Thus, the newcomers respond with forced
assimilation of all native peoples to eliminate all that is contrary and make
the people easier to control or dominate. Similar to past history and the
present time, a common theme is to divide and conquer all that are different.
Aslak had emblems and items such as drums, altars, related
utensils, wizardry, magician type stuff, as well as other designs, drawings,
and symbols as prominent features on his tepee skins. It was easily
distinguished from all the others to identify him and his role. Only he had
true extraordinary power as the mediator between the physical and spiritual
realms. Both of their quarters were decisively different from the rest of the herder
tents. Most of the teepees had more basic images and figures along other less
elaborate ancient drawings.
Ansetti and Aslak were both very wise and it was not in
their personality to go beyond their official leadership duties and lord it
over anyone else. Industrious and led by example, but definitely not control
freaks. They sought other opinions and advice among the herd leadership crew. Savvy
in their intelligence to know they did not always have all of the answers. Ansetti
was chosen as the leader of this trek because of his vast experience in herding
reindeer. The final decisions rested with the chief, but Ansetti usually had a
committee of individuals there involved in the process. He greatly respected
his peer’s judgment and alternative perspectives, along with Aslak’s input.
Before coming to a particular key decision the shaman would be consulted beforehand
to look into the future. He could look where no one else had that ability in
their tribe. Everyone else relied on the physical world experience which
involved trends, predictions, possible outcomes, and current technology. Aslak could
perform regular herder tasks as well. He also previously helped perform as a
doctor to oversee the birth of Mekkar on an earlier journey. That delivery happened
out in the snow. He is the source, where the boy gets part of his full name. It
also explains the advisory relationship of Aslak to the boy, where Mekkar could
ask him about any subject and if possible went to him first for answers.
Some suspect that Mekkar might have gained a few special
powers as a result of the encounters with Aslak or as a factor related to his
name. If so, they were are fairly dormant, unexercised, or the boy was not very
aware of any unique capabilities within him. No one in the tribe was in the
category of Aslak with abilities that appeared to be outside of this realm. Talents
that could only be learned through practical experience with specific insights
and unreal mental deductions the shaman would share freely with the leaders. Aslak
would attempt to teach others to recognize certain things that he could see
very clearly. It took other people much training to recognize even a small
portion of items or similar situations that could arise. This is where Aslak
was very valuable and he was a healer as well.
For example, if one of the wolves directly attacked and
injured Juhani, Mekkar, or another herder earlier on the trek that would have
been a big deal. Normally the most vulnerable would be one of the individuals far
in the rear rounding up stragglers. That is the preferred place packs of wolves
usually target their attack. Antagar, his apprentice, would direct the injured
person to be cured by Aslak’s special powers, whatever that may entail. Aslak
was the main medicine man and a constant presence. Despite being truly
mysterious, Aslak had an aura of mysticism about him and was still a mellow person,
very laid back. Yet, nobody can completely figure out the many facets of the
shaman. The spiritual leader sees what others only think about in
their conscious mind. The insights and revelations are incredible. The
understanding and perception regarding the topics the medicine man speaks about
is hard to fathom or comprehend for most. Aslak also gave the impression that
he travelled in a different sphere while his physical body was still in the
same place. Mekkar describes this trance-like state as fairly spooky and eerie
at times and would attempt to avoid Aslak at those particular occasions.
A local slogan says that many opinions and common statements
spewed by people are like voices. They are everywhere and everyone has one. The
fact is they are usually full of ignorance. Anyone can talk a big game and go
on about various things, but unless an individual experiences it or physically
goes to that place they have no idea what they are speaking about. It is a
matter of having a full knowledge of some aspect. This is the kind of background
that the shaman brings to the table with a background in more than one dimension.
The medium can never be easily dismissed with regard to any situation the group
could face.
Mekkar noticed a couple of things and he had to ask Aslak
for answers. They had a discussion. The young boy directed a few comments
toward Aslak and remarked that the children here in this small town were not
like the kids they saw at another stop in their journey. They are just not the
same and don’t seem to play as much either even though it is still the same
region. Mekkar asks, “Why the great differences?” The interaction between the
two included an education about many contrasting locations in the arctic area.
