Sodani the Great Shaman
The Evenki epic tale of Sodani, the most powerful shaman who ever lived, who could journey between the Upper, Middle, and Lower Worlds. The story follows Sodani's initiation by spirits, his epic journey to the Lower World to retrieve a lost soul, and his battle against hostile spirits that threaten the Evenki people. He is aided by his animal spirit helpers including the reindeer, bear, and eagle. The tale illustrates the Evenki shamanic worldview where humans are but a small piece of the natural world and must maintain balance with all beings — animals, plants, rivers, mountains, and stars al